Certification and clustering of tourist destinations as the basis of sustainable development of rural tourism (on materials of Stavropol krai)

To classify the territory of a particular cluster a clear delineation of its defin- ing characteristics is required. The methodology of the study includes the development of a passport model of the tourist destination for the certifica- tion process, which, in turn, will form the basis of the cluster approach and the division of the territory to the relevant cluster regionalization zones. The proposed algorithm of clustering of tourist zones based on certification of tourist destinations is the research result. It will allow to form the modern efficient competitive tourist market, providing opportunities to meet the needs of Russian and foreign citizens in tourism services, and will help to increase employment and income levels of a corresponding tourist destina- tion. The tourism market, which provides opportunities to meet the demand of Russian and foreign citizens for tourism services, is the field of research re- sults application. The proposed by the author mechanism of certification will create a modern effective competitive market of tourist services, and will enhance the employment and income levels of certain tourist destination. This study is limited by the territory of Stavropol region, but the results can be applied to other regions of the Russian Federation.