The Concept of Russia’s Becoming a Growth Pole of the Global Tourism: Pros and Cons

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the work is to analyze the current contribution into the tourist sphere in provision of economic growth in Russia, to determine the possibilities and barriers on the path of Russia’s becoming a growth pole of the global tourism, and to develop a concept of adaptation of Russian tourist sphere to future changes in the national labor market due to transition to Industry 4.0.Methodology: The authors use a complex of methods within the Systemic approach, as well as the method of regression analysis for determining regression dependence of growth rate of Russia’s GDP in constant prices on the share of tourism in the structure of Russia’s export in 2000–2018. Results: It is determined that in early 21st century the tourist sphere has a small share in the structure of Russia’s export – despite its slight increase from 3.103% in 2000 to 5.089% in 2018. Contribution of international tourism in provision of economic growth of modern Russia is minimal, which is caused by barriers on the path of development of the tourist sphere in Russia – visa regime and customs control, high risk component of tourism, and insufficient development of infrastructural provision. At the same time, there are multiple preconditions for development of the Russian tourist sphere, connected to its high global competitiveness due to accessibility of prices, uniqueness of culture, favorable natural and climatic conditions, and wide assortment of tourist services. Recommendations: A concept of Russia’s becoming a growth pole of the global tourism is developed. It reflects the perspectives of overcoming the determined barriers and achievement of advantages for the Russian economy and for the global tourism.