STUDY OF RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE POPULATION OF THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA AS A BASIS FOR THE FORMATION OF TOURISM DEMAND IN THE REGION

Abstract

Introduction: the aim of the study is to analyze the recreational needs of the population of the South of Russia, to study the geography of tourist flows in the macroregion, the ranking of preferences for tourist destinations, and motives for tourist trips. The importance of studying the recreational needs of the population as the main factor generating the demand for tourism services is substantiated. Materials and methods of the research: the study is based on a generalization of the results of a sociological survey of the population of seven subjects of Southern Russia. The survey was implemented using the Google Forms online service. The data obtained in the course of a sociological survey supplement statistical information and allow comprehensive study of various aspects of tourism in the macro-region. The results of the study and their discussion: as a result, the main directions of tourist lows in the South of Russia were identified, the most popular tourist centers were revealed, the most preferred types of transport and types of accommodation establishments were determined. The analysis of the main factors restraining the development of tourism in the South of Russia is presented. Conclusions: an analysis of the data of a sociological survey allows to identify: the neighboring position and transport accessibility as a key factor in choosing a destination for recreation; traditional high demand for resorts on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory and the emerging demand for mountain climatic resorts, especially in the summer; insignificant interest of potential tourists in the excursion centers of the plain part of the South of Russia.