Ecological Tourism in the Mountainous Regions of Russia: Essence and Development Prospects

Abstract

The article analyzes modern concepts and approaches in the works of Russian and foreign researchers to the formation of ecological tourism as a form of nature-oriented tourism. The peculiarities of mountain ecotourism consist in taking into account the specific conditions inherent in mountain ecosystems (ecological vulnerability to anthropogenic impact, dynamism of landscape-forming processes, etc.). In the mountainous regions of Russia, favorable prerequisites have been identified for the development of various areas of ecotourism (apitourism, agritourism, geological tourism, scientific tourism, etc.) both within specially protected natural areas and outside their borders. SWOT analysis on the example of mountain regions of the Northeast Caucasus showed that there are many strengths and opportunities for the development of ecotourism within the boundaries of specially protected natural areas (unique natural complexes and objects, attractive natural landscapes, high biological diversity, the presence of endemics and relics in the structure of biodiversity, favorable climate, transport accessibility, significant labor resources, etc.). Also, weaknesses were identified that impede the development of ecotourism, and possible threats (poor development of tourist infrastructure, organized tourist routes, equipped ecological trails, a shortage of qualified personnel in the field of ecotourism, etc.).