Involving the historical and cultural resources of the south of Russia in excursion and cultural programs (the case of Rostov region)

The article is devoted to the analysis of the interaction between the potential of the historical and cultural resources of the South of Russia and the cultural tourism of the region (in terms of excursion and cultural programs). The study is focused on Rostov region - one of the subjects of the South of Russia. The cultural potential of this territory is traditionally characterized by the heritage of Don Cossacks in stanitsa Starocherkasskaya, the city of Novocherkassk, places associated with the activities of Peter the Great on the Don (Azov and Taganrog), literary heritage of great writers - M. A. Sholokhov, A. P. Chekhov, as well as V. A. Zakrutkin, A. V. Kalinin. The study characterizes involving the historical and cultural heritage of the region, as well as the current state of the tourism sector and trends that determine its further development. The special attention is paid to the main features of the use of objects belonging to the category of historical and cultural resources in the creation of new excursion and cultural programs at the local enterprises - wineries, cheese dairies, a ceramics factory. The strategic position of Rostov region on the way of tourist flows to other subjects of the South of Russia - the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, the traditional sea and mountain resorts of the Krasnodar Territory - allows it to develop its tourism potential. One of the priority areas due to the historical and cultural heritage is work in cultural tourism. Hence, the compilation of new excursion programs on the basis of local enterprises seems relevant, since it will make a certain contribution to the formation of the tourist attractiveness of the region; it will make it possible to acquaint the guests of the region with its rich history, characteristic traditions and features; will help to reflect the hospitality of local residents and their interest in increasing the number of visitors on a new level.