Ecotourism in North Ossetia as a factor of sustainable development of the republic

The article considers the issues of economic development of the territory of North Ossetia through the development of tourism. A special place in the tourist and recreational potential of the Republic is occupied by natural attractions and specially protected natural territories, which are the basis for the development of eco-tourism. Ecotourism around the world is currently one of the drivers of the territory’s development. North Ossetia, with its unique natural and historical and cultural attractions, can develop various types of eco-tourism on its territory. Agrotourism, ethnographic tourism, sport hunting, and educational tourism in national parks and nature reserves are the highest priorities for the Republic. A special place among all destinations of ecological tourism in the Republic is occupied by the North Ossetian state nature reserve, the national Park «Alania», and the complex reserve»Tseysky». These specially protected natural areas are the points of attraction for tourists, the concentration of tourist infrastructure and areas of economic growth. At the moment, the Republic has adopted a program to support eco-tourism, rennovates the tourist infrastructure, supports tour operators of domestic tourism. Undoubtedly, there are a number of problems related, first of all, to the low level of financing and low image indicators of the Republic.