State support and investment attraction for tourism digital transformation in the Russian Federation: opportunities, challenges, solutions

The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of state support mechanisms and investment attraction for the digital transformation of the tourism sector in the Russian Federation and abroad. The study identifies key impediments to the effective digitalization of the tourism industry. These include: the persistent imbalance in digital infrastructure development across regions; a shortage of qualified personnel; continued reliance on foreign software; insufficient openness of statistical information for analyzing ongoing processes and successful digital engineering practices. The research methodology encompasses a systematic analysis of the regulatory framework on the topic, a comparative assessment of regional practices across all federal districts of Russia, and a review of international experience in investment support for tourism digitalization. Based on the findings, the study develops and proposes specific, evidence- based measures to optimize state policy in tourism digitalization, grouped into a phased roadmap. A shift from strategic guidelines to their practical implementation is proposed through a combination of public- private partnership mechanisms, blended financing, and venture co-investment. Particular attention is paid to creating a sustainable digital ecosystem based on the development of platform solutions, data standardization, and the implementation of a regional digital maturity monitoring system. The practical significance of the work lies in describing a toolkit for public authorities and businesses aimed at overcoming the identified systemic constraints. Implementing the proposed approach will transform tourism digitalization into a measurable economic outcome, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness and investment appeal within the digital economy.