Heterogeneity of Russian regions in terms of recreation opportunities for the population (data analysis 2010–2021)

Introduction: the issues related to Russian regions heterogeneity regarding the recreation opportunities level, in conditions where the priority is to improve the level and quality life of the population, make the present study relevant. The high level of the territories’ differentiation by various socio-economic indicators determines the importance of the assessment carried out in the article. Objectives: to identify the heterogeneity and development vector of Russian regions relative to each other in terms of opportunities for recreation organization. Methods: an approach has been proposed to identify inequality and study the dynamics of convergence/divergence of Russian regions regarding opportunities for organizing local population recreation using calculation of the variation coefficient and determining the presence of conditional and unconditional convergence for the study period 2010–2021. Based on the obtained calculations the procedure of Russian regions rating was carried out identifying groups of leader regions and those lagging. Results: the study revealed heterogeneity of Russian regions in terms of average per capita cash income, as well as differences in the growth rates of household consumer expenditures on recreation, cultural events, hotels, cafes and restaurants. Russian regions were more likely to show a convergence trend in terms of household consumer spending on hotels, cafes and restaurants and, conversely, divergence in terms of consumer spending on recreation and cultural events. The regions ranking resulted in identifying the leading group and the outsiders group. Conclusions: several Russian regions maintain their leading (Moscow Region, St. Petersburg) or lagging (Republic of Ingushetia, Republic of North Ossetia – Alania) positions. At the same time, most Russian regions with different development trajectories reveal certain changes in their rating positions.