Tourism Industry in Russia and Global Covid-19 Pandemic: Threats, Counteractions, Trends

Abstract

The present paper is dedicated to COVID-19 pandemic impact that manifested itself around the world since the end of 2019 and significantly affected the tourism and hospitality industry. In Russia and in the world, tourism is among industries the most affected by the consequences of restrictions and anti-epidemiological measures against COVID-19. The article divides the examples of mechanisms for overcoming the epidemic consequences in tourism, developed by different states and in Russia, in 9 groups (categories), and considers them in a comparative aspect. COVID-19 exacerbated relationship problems between two main subjects of the tourism market - tour operators and travel agents. Numerous mechanisms of government supporting Russian tourism industry do not work to the full and are not effective enough. The article discusses these problems, highlights the main trends and prospects of the tourism industry in Russia and in the world, and tries to outline the contours of the "post-Сovid" future of the tourism sector. The industry is in deep crisis, but at the same time, it expects new breakthrough ideas and technologies, creative solutions and non-standard proposals. Probably, the tourism projects, formed on these foundations and mechanisms, will become new drivers of industry growth after the end of the pandemic.  Key words: Tourism industry; COVID-19 pandemic impact on tourism; Tourism industry in Russia; Global tourism crisis; Trends and measures to supporting subjects of the tourism market.