Problems and prospects of international tourism: the youth from Russia and Central Asian countries’ view

The paper presents the results of a survey conducted among the students of Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and devoted to the problems and prospects of international tourism development. The expectations and fears of potential tourists from these countries regarding visits to the Central Asian republics and Russia are analyzed. Conclusions are drawn about the need for educational and organizational work to develop the tourist demand for these territories. The role of cultural, cognitive and educational tourism for the socio-economic development of regions and the formation of their attractive image in the international arena is noted. The object of the study of this article is the prospects of international tourism, the subject of the study is the fears and expectations of potential tourists from Russia, the Republics of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. Research methods – a survey of Russian and foreign schoolchildren. The respondents were asked questions about their plans to visit another country, which reflected the various facets of possible cooperation in the field of tourism. A total of 108 Russian students and 118 foreign high school students took part in the survey. In addition, an analysis of the scientific literature on the topic “educational tourism” is presented. Discussion. As part of the survey of Russian students, it should be noted that human and cultural factors took priority positions in the list of expectations of future tourists. The respondents are concerned about the social problems of the Central Asian countries. Meanwhile, potential tourists should not have concerns about the safety of their stay in the country they have chosen to visit. The associations of foreign respondents with Russia are positive; most of the surveyed schoolchildren dream of getting an education in Russian universities. High school students have no negative associations about Russia. International students noted the need for educational tourism in order to study not only the Russian language, but also the culture of Russia. For the development of international educational tourism, it is necessary to hold events with high school students that allow them to form intercultural communicative competence and tolerance. According to the results of a survey of foreign high school students and students, we consider it possible and necessary to develop educational tourism in Novosibirsk. In addition to organizational and financial investments in the industry, targeted educational work and further research are required for the development of educational tourism.