Youth tourism: promising direction of the Republic of Karelia

The subject of the paper research is the peculiarities of youth tourism in the Republic of Karelia as a tool for its further development. Against the background of the growing interest in active recreation and travel, youth tourism in Karelia may represent a tourism significant segment, which will contribute to the economic growth of the region by creating jobs, attracting investments and developing local infrastructure. The increase of the youth tourist flow leads to the increase of income from the service sector, the hotel business and entertainment. Secondly, youth tourism plays an important role in educational and cultural exchange. Youth tourism assists broadening the minds, familiarization with new cultures, different people’s traditions and customs. It also develops qualities such as openness to new experiences, tolerance and respect for other peoples, promotes social integration and the formation of stable social connections. Youth tourism forms a worldview, tolerance, and also contributes to fostering patriotism and pride in their country. Thirdly, traveling allows young people to solve problems on their own, plan routes, and communicate with people from different regions and countries. This creates independence, responsibility and the ability to make decisions. Finally, the growing interest of young people in a healthy lifestyle and active recreational forms highlights the need to create adapted travel offers that can meet the young people’s various demands for unique and memorable experiences. Many youth tourism programs include an ecological component aimed at fostering respect for nature and the environment. Thus, youth tourism not only contributes to economic and social development, but is also an important factor in the formation of global citizenship and mutual understanding between all peoples of multinational Russia. Taking into account current trends and young people’s aspirations, the development of this tourism segment becomes a necessity for the future sustainable growth not just at the regional level, but also at the national level.