Perspectives of foreign models of agro-tourism development in the Russian practice (experience of Moscow region)

Today tourism is one of the main engines of the economy in most countries, and the share of agricultural tourism is increasing from year to year. Tourism originated in middle of XX century in France and Italy. Today it still holds a strong position in the economy of these countries. Agricultural tourism got developed not only in these countries but also in the United States, England, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Japan, Malaysia and others. Practice of foreign countries confirms that the agricultural tourism is beginning to compete with the resort and cultural tourism. Moscow region has a huge resource potential and development prospects of this type of tourism, because its use is beneficial both for the rural population, and the state. Development of agricultural tourism would cause the following positive changes in rural areas: the increasing of occupational level, growth of incomes and cultural level of the citizens, the development of markets and infrastructure of territory. The article discusses reasons of occurrence and factors of development of agricultural tourism, which helped to solve the most basic problems in rural areas. The main foreign models of agricultural tourism development are studied. The possibility of their use in Moscow region in the most favorable for this type of tourism areas is considered. The author shows the main development directions of agricultural tourism, taking into account the use of foreign models. The information, obtained during research, allows making the next conclusion. Currently the agricultural tourism in Moscow region has the necessary potential and properties that are already working on it, and the prospects for the further development of rural areas.