Ethno-Cultural Space of the Russian North as the Basis for the Development of Recreational Nature Management and Tourism

The purpose of the study is to draw attention to the issue of developing domestic tourism in the North-West region of the Russian Federation and preserving unique historical and cultural heritage sites in the Russian North. Generalization of global experience shows that recreational nature management, domestic tourism, and international Arctic cruise tourism in the northern countries are currently becoming increasingly widespread and can have a significant economic impact. As a result of the field historical and geographical studies conducted by the authors on the territory of the North-Western Federal District of the Russian Federation and analysis of literature and exhibitions of cultural heritage sites presented in regional Arctic museums, the rich historical and cultural tourism potential of the region has been revealed. Special attention is paid to the reconstruction of routes along ancient waterways. These routes contain the most valuable natural and cultural heritage sites that are of interest to tourism and require protection and promotion. The possibilities of using the exhibits of local history museums in the Arctic region for the preservation of heritage sites and the development of local history, recreation, and tourism are considered. It is shown that the modern development of tourism and recreational nature management should contribute to the sustainable development of the northern regions of the country.