The sanatorium-resort sector of the Republic of Karelia: current state, problems and possibilities for development

The development of the sanatorium-resort sector is one of the important line directions of the regional economy, and is one of the instrument of the preservation and accumulation of human capital. The development of this field of activity is considered through the example of the Republic of Karelia. The importance of the development of the sanatorium-resort sector is conditioned both by historical preconditions (the first Russian spa resort “Marcial Waters” was founded in the beginning of the XVIII century in Karelia) and by modern factors and conditions. The article considers the main natural factors of treatment in the Republic of Karelia including the hydromineral resources (mineral waters, peloid), mineral resources (shungit) and favorable nature ecological conditions. The authors present an analysis of the current state of development of sanatorium-resort activities in the region. Special attention is paid to the activities of the sanatorium "Marcial Waters”. The article proves the importance of sanatorium operation in the Republic of Karelia in the field the preservation and accumulation of human capital of Russia. The studying the practice of sanatorium and resort sector development in the Republic of Karelia allows identifying the main contemporary problems of this area of activity in the region. The cessation of operating the children's sanatorium institutions is among the serious problems of this field of activity in the region. The article outlines the need for state support and coordination of the sanatorium and resort activity. The authors present the promising directions for the development of the sanatorium and resort sector in the Republic of Karelia.