SWOT analysis of ecotourism development prospects in the Belomorsky district. Sovremennye problemy servisa i turizma

The paper presents a SWOT analysis of the prospects for ecotourism development in the Belomorsky District of the Republic of Karelia. The research is based on a comprehensive assessment of the area's natural, cultural, and infrastructural potential. The region's strengths include unique natural landscapes, a high level of environmental preservation, rich cultural heritage, including the Belomorsk Petro-glyphs (a UNESCO site), and opportunities for integrating nature and culture into tourist routes. The analysis identified key weaknesses, including the district's remoteness, underdeveloped tourism infrastructure, a shortage of skilled staff, limited marketing capabilities, and pervasive regional corruption that impedes the efficient use of public funds. Opportunities include the growth of domestic tourism, the development of ecological routes and educational programs, and the engagement of private investors. Among the key threats are environmental risks, unstable funding, and weak investment activity. The paper uses visual analysis tools: a Radar Chart, an Influence Factor Diagram, and also proposes quantitative methods for assessing risks and development priorities. The obtained results can be used in formulating regional tourism strategies and making management decisions in the fields of environmental and tourism policy. This paper aims to assess the potential and establish development priorities for ecotourism in the Belomorsky District of the Republic of Karelia using a SWOT analysis. Methodology includes SWOT analysis with data visualization (Radar Chart) and quantitative risk assessment. Results revealed key factors as strengths (unique nature, cultural heritage), weaknesses (infrastructural limitations, personnel deficit), opportunities (growth of domestic tourism), and threats (environmental risks). It was established that the potential is constrained by structural problems, including corruption. The results are applicable for government bodies in developing tourism development strategies and for investors in assessing project risks.