Stages of formation and development of health resort areas on the territory of Crimea

Currently, evolution and economic and social processes within health resort areas have been poorly studied, although this type of areas is an important factor in regional dynamics for many regions. Object of our research are urban districts of sanatorium type, localized in economic area of a special subject of the Russian Federation - the Republic of Crimea. Purpose of the study is to identify and substantiate stages of formation and development of a special, unique type of settlements - health resort areas on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula, to identify the key factors and conditions for their evolution. The empirical material collected by the authors proves existence of a close connection between the upward dynamics of the sanatorium development and economic growth, economic well-being of municipalities and the entire region of their location - the Republic of Crimea. The economic activity and economic dynamics of health resort treatment depend on influx of visiting population with aim to receive sanatorium-and-spa treatment and health restoration services. In order to conduct the study, authors used methods of formalization and systematization, historical analysis and analysis of dynamic series, bibliometric and content analysis. The main results of our study are five stages of formation and development of areas with resort specialization, such as key factors and conditions for evolution of resort cities, identified and substantiated by authors based on an analysis of the development indicators of the region for more than 80 years.