Niche tourism in the Republic of Tatarstan: potential assessment and development prospects

The article is devoted to the assessing the potential and development prospects for niche types of tourism in the Republic of Tatarstan. The achievements in the tourism sector and its adaptation to the new conditions of the pandemic are noted. The role of domestic tourism is increasing in modern conditions; the authors highlight a change in tourist preferences and an increase in the number of individual trips in the republic in the period of summer 2020 - spring 2021. The analysis of the level of niche tourism development in the republic and its capital is carried out. Kazan urban agglomeration and six municipal districts around it have great opportunities for the niche tourism development. In this regard, the authors analyze the natural, cultural, historical and infrastructural tourist resources of this macro-region in detail. An integral point assessment of the tourist and recreational potential of niche types of tourism in municipal areas allowed to allocate the areas with highest values, among which are territories that are directly adjacent to the Kazan agglomeration due to the greater demand and the development of tourist and recreational infrastructure. At the same time, we can note a colossal natural resource potential of remote areas, which development is constrained primarily by the underdeveloped infrastructure. Kamsko-Ustinsky municipal district of the republic has unique natural and recreational potential, here are situated the Kamskoe Sea, picturesque landscapes, ecological purity, famous caves, cultural and historical monuments. As the result the authors propose to develop photo tourism as part of niche tourism, illustrating it by the case of project «Workshop of rural photo space».