Rural tourism as a factor of sustainable development of the tourism industry of a region's municipal district

The paper analyzes the state of rural tourism in the Rakityansky District of the Belgorod Region and measures on its development were elaborated. Evaluation of the potential of this district for rural tourism development was carried out based on the modified point rating scale. The importance of ritual culture and folk crafts in the development of rural tourism was analyzed as well as the use of folk arts and crafts in the Rakityansky District in the programs of rural tourism.