Creating a conceptual model for the rural tourism development in tourist destinations of Russian regions

The relevance of the work is related to the consolidation of the definition of rural tourism in the Russian legal framework and its recognition as a priority area of the regional economy. It is becoming important to spread the successful experience and technologies of rural tourism in the country for the sustainable and balanced development of regional socio- economic complexes and the population. The paper presents a conceptual model of rural tourism development and its theoretical and methodological justification for the territory of local/regional space. The presented model is based on the theoretical provisions of the authentic traveler’s experience, which can be provided by a tourist destination of diverse Russian territories. The role of the local community is defined as a resource that has the ability to provide an authentic experience to tourists and is able to co-manage the tourist product of the destination. It is also important for the local community to adopt the practices of tourism in rural areas and to see its potential in accordance with the norms of their implementation. The key idea of the model is integrated decision- making by the key parties of the rural tourism market.: regional and local authorities, agricultural producers, public organizations, experts, local communities, tour operators and travel agents, individual enthusiasts. The author’s conclusions guide further research on this topic in exploring and using the opportunities of the local community in the field of rural development. As practical recommendations, the author defines the introduction of a social component into the experience of designing and managing rural tourism facilities, as well as the possibility of replicating rural tourism practices in the country’s regions.