Trends and prospects of agrotourism development as an alternative segment of the rural economy

The article presents the results of scientific research on trends and prospects for the development of agrotourism in the Altai territory as a type of activity (business) in rural areas. The theoretical foundations, the economic nature of agrotourism (rural tourism) and the organizational and economic mechanism of its development as an alternative business segment in rural areas are considered. The article shows the experience of organizing this type of recreation for the population in Russia and abroad, as well as the goals and objectives of agrotourism development based on a program-oriented approach. The necessity of creating a legal, organizational and economic environment that promotes the development of tourism and other types of activities in rural areas is justified. The article presents the results of studying the existing and promising types of rural tourism, justifies the necessary economic and social conditions for its development, existing and promising types of tourist services in the field of agrotourism. Analytical assessment of the state program of the Altai territory "tourism Development in the Altai territory" for 2015-2020 is given