Modern problems and development tendencies of water tourism in St. Petersburg

The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that St. Petersburg has great opportunities for the development of new water routes, as St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region are connected by a branched network of navigable rivers, canals, and lake systems, which potential is not still in great demand. The combination of river and sea cruise tourism and advantageously distinguishes St. Petersburg as a destination in conditions of high competition for tourist flows. The aim of the research is to analyze the current state of water tourism in St. Petersburg and to give recommendations on the development of river cruise tourism. Research hypothesis consists in the fact that river tourism can attract additional tourist flows to the city and contribute to the formation of St. Petersburg as a center for the development of river cruise tourism in Russia. The authors analyzed various sources of information both in the sphere of river cruise tourism (in Russia and abroad) and specialized periodicals on transport subjects. Consultations were held with the participants of the St. Petersburg Cruise Market Association. The results of the research revealed a whole range of problems that require both attention from the bureaucratic apparatus and investments. The complex of problems is wide enough beginning with the revision of regulatory documents and the creation of the docking infrastructure of the city. Although water tourism is strongly influenced by the seasonal factor, however, the development of this type of tourism can not only enhance the attractive image of St. Petersburg («Venice of the North»), but also contribute to the emergence of new jobs, accumulation of cash flows, the creation of new jobs, attraction of cash flows, attraction of investments. The results of the research are complex and should be taken into account by the leadership of the St. Petersburg Tourism Committee and included in marketing tools aimed at attracting an entry tourist flow. Also, the results of the research can form the basis for further developments on this topic.