TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA: PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Nowadays the Republic of Karelia (this will be later referred to as the Republic or Karelia) is one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Russian Federation. The Republic possesses a great number of natural places of interest and architectural monuments which attract many people from around the world. However, it faces a number of challenges in developing and maintaining the tourism industry, having to compete with bordering destinations. To predict further difficulties and to maximize the profitability of the tourism industry the destination should develop according to a precise strategic plan. This in turn will help to prevent overcrowding that causes damage to popular attractions, and to preserve the natural beauty of the newly discovered attractions. The strategic plan and scheme were elaborated in the Republic and were considered to be successful. However, tourist flows during the past few years have tended to decrease. This fact has attracted the attention of local authorities and businessmen to their competitiveness and new ways of positioning, planning and managing the tourism industry.