The Role of Rural Tourism in Diversification of the Rural Settlements

The promotion of socio-economic development in Russian regions and the diversification of the rural economy through rural tourism are possible within the framework of federal and regional legislative acts and programmes, as well as the territory's tourist and recreational resources and infrastructure potential. The purpose of this study is to assess the factors contributing to the development of tourism and the diversification of the economy in rural areas. The analysis of the regulatory framework showed that these acts and programmes focus on the sustainable development of rural areas. These documents defined the tasks of stimulating an increase in jobs in non-agricultural areas of rural settlements. The study showed that rural tourism includes several types and subtypes. Therefore, to determine the tourist and recreational resources and assess the infrastructure potential for rural tourism, the signs of its hierarchy were compiled. Considering the prospects for the development of rural tourism, the authors of the study identified the main criteria for assessing factors. These criteria include the natural environment, the level of infrastructure development, and the logistics of rural tourist routes. Furthermore, for the effective development of rural tourism and the diversification of the economy in rural areas, it is necessary to form self-organisation and cooperation among agricultural producers and organisers of rural tourism.

agro-industrial complex, business, domestic tourism, diversification, seasonality, rural tourism, tourism product