Promoting the development of domestic tourism: Russian and foreign experience

Tourism is a sector which has a significant impact on territories’ socio-economic development. This kind of economic activity is characterized by the multiplier effect due to the generating income determination in related industries. Among all types, domestic tourism becomes of key importance as the main source of ϔinancial receipts from other lines of tourist activity. At that, in the Russian Federation this branch is underdeveloped as contrasted with such foreign countries as China, USA, and Italy. Modern economic conditions associated with impossibility to travel to popular foreign countries (Turkey and Egypt) and with the compulsive drop in the exchange rate actualize the search for the most effective means to develop domestic tourism and allowing increasing tourist flow of travellers within the country in the short term. The target of research is the market of domestic tourism in foreign countries and Russian regions. Research subjects are methods and forms of promoting the development of domestic tourism in the world and Russian regions. The research is based on theoretical and methodological works of Russian and foreign scientists and specialists in tourism industry and regional economy. The article presents the analysis of domestic tourism in the regions of Northwestern Federal District based on statistical data 2014 and reveals causes hampering its development. The author sums up foreign and Russian experience of domestic tourism development and determines main lines for promoting domestic tourism in Russian regions. In conclusion the author suggests a set of measures to promote this industry in the Vologda Oblast through activities aimed at improvement of the relationship between local authorities and tourist businesses, personnel development, conducting of distribution activities, and active information work.