Tourist and recreational potential of the Republic of Karelia and perspectives of its development

The article describes the features of tourism development in the Republic of Karelia,the basic structural elements and characteristics of the tourism potential of theregion. It describes the main Federal target program development of tourism inthe Republic of Karelia, it also identifies patterns and trends of development ofПетербургский Экономический журнал • № 2 • 2016 79 Инвестиционные аспекты развития экономики и социально-культурной сферыthis sphere. It pays special attention to development of tourism infrastructure. The article presents the classification of objects of historical and cultural heritage of the types and areas of the Republic of Karelia, identifies the categories of major protected areas and their importance for the development of tourism. Based on the study, it offers recommendations for the development of tourism in the Republic of Karelia in modern conditions.