Assessing the tourist and recreational potential in the South of Russia

Abstract

The article is concerned with the holistic approach to the study of the tourism potential of the South of Russia. The paper presents analyses of various techniques to the research of the tourist opportunities of territories both in Russia and in other countries. Methodological approaches are described in the study of the macroregions tourist potential. The assessment and ranking of the natural, cultural, and socio-economic potential of all administrative entities forming the South of Russia in terms of their importance for tourism have been carried out. The aggregate indicator of tourist and recreational potential of each entity has been calculated. Regions with a high level of tourist and recreational potential, relatively high, average, and relatively low are identified.