The development of incoming tourism in Baikal region in 1980-2000-ies (the case of regional branches of “Intourist”)

Among the international tourist companies the tour operator «Intourist» is justly considered one of the biggest and the most reliable Russian companies, considerably experienced in tourism. Being a former state monopoly and flagship of Russian tourism industry, the com- pany awakes unquestionable interest. The article provides a retrospective analysis of for- mation and development of inbound tourism in Baikal region and investigates the role of «Intourist» in this. Dynamics of the inbound tourist flows in Baikal region is defined. Regional infrastructure and quality of service of foreign tourists are described. Such specifications as hotel classification, total capacity, occupancy rate, standardization of hotels for foreign tour- ists are analyzed. Specific features of the tourist routs, developed by the local branches of the All-Soviet Union join-stock company «Intourist» in Baikal region, are examined. Efforts by LLC «Intourist» to promote local travel product in the domestic market are specified.