Current state and trends of economic development of rural tourism in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic

In the situation of a global pandemic, ensuring the uninterrupted, safe, inclusive and sustainable functioning of the tourism industry is advisable to promote the importance of domestic travel and tourism as one of the most important sectors of the Russian economy. One of the types of domestic tourism, depending on the motives and goals of travel, is rural tourism. In the scientific work, a SWOT analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of the rural tourism segment in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic was carried out. It is determined that the Kabardino-Balkar Republic undoubtedly has rich natural, climatic and recreational resources for the development of rural tourism. There are also historical and natural monuments, rich, diverse and unique flora and fauna on the territory of the Republic. However, there are complex problems in the development of rural tourism, which are acute and systemic in nature. The following comprehensive measures are proposed for the preservation and development of rural. Thus, a new program-targeted approach is needed to increase the competitiveness of rural areas of the Republic, focused on meeting the growing demand for high-quality tourist services and allowing to provide conditions for sustainable development of rural tourism. Developed rural tourism is an impressive source of both internal and external investment for Kabardino-Balkaria, contributes to the expansion of agricultural production and the development of rural areas.