Topical problems of uneven distribution of tourist flows and spatial tourism development in Rostov region

Studies on the spatial distribution of tourists in the regional aspect are few. This article proposes an analysis of the distribution of tourist flows in Rostov region based on statistics on municipalities in the region. The analysis shows that tourism, especially the hotel and restaurant sector, brings important benefits to the region's economy in terms of its contribution to gross regional product and employment. Nevertheless, an analysis of the regional distribution of tourist flows shows that the industry benefits already more developed municipalities, and not lagging behind. It is shown that the distribution of tourists is very concentrated (and stable) in a relatively small number of territories of the region. This concentration is associated with differences in tourist attractions, transport accessibility, offered tourist services and the promotion of individual tourist areas. This circumstance can lead to problems of uneven distribution of tourist flows in the region, which does not correspond to the tasks of the tourist policy of the region. The aim of the study is to identify the problems of uneven distribution of tourist flows and to identify possible ways to solve them, both at the regional level and at the individual territories. The relevance and role of the state regional policy of spatial development of the tourism sector is justified, its content is determined. Assessing the spatial distribution of tourist flows, effective marketing and coordination among participants in the tourism market is one of the main tasks and opportunities for tourist administrations and development experts in promoting the development of a sustainable tourism sector.