Natural-educational or, according to the modern definition, ecological tourism in Russia began to develop as early as the end of the 19th century, although it was not of a mass nature and, moreover, was not a significant economic category. Russia for a long time did not feel the need for special protection of its natural resources. To a large extent, this was facilitated by folk traditions and customs developed by the communal way of life and a sparing approach to the use of natural resources. Organized tourism of a natural orientation is noted in the charter of the Crimean Mountain Club, which arose in 1890 in Odessa. Interestingly, the goals of the club contained almost the same provisions that are recognized as the most important in modern eco-tourism:
- · Scientific research Tauride (Crimean) Mountains and the dissemination of information collected about them.
- · Encouraging artists and naturalists to visit these mountains.
- Support for local industries Agriculture, horticulture and small-scale mining.
- · Protection of rare species of mountain plants and animals.
The Yalta branch of the club created the first trails in Russia to facilitate hiking trips to the mountains. In 1899, the Shtangeevskaya trail appeared, which leads from the Uchan-Su waterfall to the Yaila ridge through picturesque areas east slope Yayly. Following Shtangeevskaya, the Botkinskaya trail was developed, which leads through picturesque pine forests to the Yauzlar waterfall. A little later, the Krestovaya and Dmitrievskaya trails appeared. Following the trails on Chatyr-Dag, the first shelter in Russia was created, where tourists visiting the caves of Bin-Bashkhoba and Suuk-Khoba could stay. In 1895, the Society of Bicyclists-Tourists was established, and in 1902, for the excursion service of vacationers in the cities of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, the Caucasian Mountain Society. At the beginning of the 20th century, children's excursions of natural history became widespread in Russia.
Amateur tourism in post-war years followed the same lines as before the war. In 1965, 40 million people took part in tourist trips and excursions. In the 60-70s. such difficult trips were carried out as a 13-day trip through the unexplored, deep regions of Svalbard, polar trips to Taimyr, Severnaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land, Chukotka. In the same period, active work was carried out to find new routes for amateur tourist travel. So, in 1969, search expeditions worked in the Sayans, the Baikal region, on Eastern Caucasus, in the Pamirs. As a result of the work of these expeditions, more than 60 hiking, mountain, water and combined routes were explored. Particular attention was paid to the development of tourism in the regions. In 1977, there were 9058 planned routes in the USSR, they were provided by 996 special tourist hotels, bases and campsites, which annually received 26 million people, annually served over 140 million sightseers. Thus, mass nature-oriented tourism, which became widespread, covered almost the entire territory of the country.
Nature protection in Russia had a resource-saving and research orientation. The realization of the irreparable loss of wildlife began to come with the development of capitalism and with the massive extraction of minerals that cause irreparable damage to nature. It was then that Russian scientists realized the need to conserve some part of the country's territory in order to study the processes occurring in nature without human intervention. Theoretical developments on the creation of protected areas in the country found their practical implementation in the first years after the revolution. In 1920, work continued on the creation of reserves. Recreation was not included in the functions of nature reserves; for its implementation, the organization of national parks was planned. An example of wildlife conservation in order to conserve hunting resources is the Belovezhye Reserve (territories on the border of modern Belarus and Poland, which were allocated here in 1821 to protect the hunting grounds of Russian tsars, Polish kings and Lithuanian princes from poaching encroachments of the local population). The first parks in the territory former USSR were created in the Baltic republics (Lahemaa in Estonia - 1971; Gauja in Latvia - 1973; national park Lithuania - 1974). Following the Baltic states, national parks appeared in Ukraine (Carpathian, Shatsk, Synevyr), Armenia (Sevan), Georgia (Tbilisi), Kyrgyzstan (Ala-Archa and Arslanbob), Uzbekistan ( People's Park Uzbek SSR), Kazakhstan (Barnaul). In the RSFSR in 1991 there were 24 of them. By 1997, in Russian Federation Among the unique protected natural complexes, there were 95 reserves with a total area of 31,039 thousand hectares and 32 national parks with a total area of 6710 thousand hectares, which in total is about 1.9% of the entire territory of the country. Having enormous opportunities for the development of ecological tourism, the country today practically does not use them, losing significant profits. Variety of natural areas, landscapes, a large number of nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, cultural monuments, relatively low density and traditional hospitality of the population - all these are the resources of ecological tourism in Russia.
Leading among the main reasons for the emergence of ecological tourism is the increasing pressure on natural and cultural-historical resources due to the mass nature of tourism. This load increases in direct proportion to the growth rate of tourist visits natural areas from settlers quickly spread, and by late XIX centuries, the number of tourists visiting areas such as Yellowstone, Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada and some other natural monuments has increased, which required the introduction of special measures to protect this region. The first national park in North America was established in 1872. In Yellowstone.
Principles of the goal and objectives of ecological tourism
The main tasks are the protection of the "works" of nature in order to meet the needs of people for recreation. The idea of creating protected areas was based on their entertainment purpose. In accordance with this, the regime of protection, the organization of use and the internal structure of national parks were established. The main idea of ecological tourism is, first of all, taking care of the natural environment, which is used for tourism purposes. It is the use of the riches of nature for tourism purposes, combined with the education of love for it, the assertion of the importance of its protection, that is the hallmark of eco-tourism. The following can be added to the goals of eco-tourism:
environmental education, increasing the culture of relationships with nature, developing environmental norms of behavior in the natural environment, fostering a sense of personal responsibility for the fate of nature;
restoration of the spiritual and physical strength of a person, ensuring proper rest;
nature protection, minimization of damage to the natural environment;
promotion of socio-economic development of individual regions and the state as a whole.
Objects of ecological tourism: groups of signs of ecological tourism
The main objects of ecological tourism are unique natural complexes, including protected areas, namely:
national and natural parks, state natural reserves, natural monuments;
dendrological parks and botanical gardens; health-improving areas and resorts; nature reserves (with certain restrictions).
The signs of ecological tourism are distinguished:
- any trip during which the tourist studies the environment;
- a journey in which nature is the main value;
- revenues from ecotourism are directed to financial support for environmental protection;
- Ecotourists are personally involved in activities that conserve or restore wildlife resources.
Growth dynamics and capacity of the ecotourism market
According to the WTO, in 1993 ecotourism accounted for 7% of all international travel, and according to the World Resources Institute, with a general annual growth of world tourism by 4%, the number of visits and income from ecotourism in various regions of the world increase by 10 - 30% annually . The highest rates are typical for the Asia-Pacific
tourist region. According to experts, from 40 to 60% of all international tourists visit ecotourism centers, of which 20-40% are focused on wildlife tourism resources. Growth dynamics of international arrivals in the global ecotourism market (million people)
Ecotourist Marketing Profile
As you know, the definition of the marketing profile of the consumer of travel services allows you to highlight the characteristic psychological, behavioral and motivational aspects of choosing a tour. This makes it possible to clearly define the marketing strategy of the travel agency in five components: product, price, place, promotion, public relations. the following data were obtained, the characteristics of the ecotourist: age - 35-54 years, although there are various deviations from the average; gender structure of consumers - 50% women and 50% men; education - at least college; preferred society for travel - 60% travel together, 15% - with family, 13% - alone; preferred tour duration - 8-14 days;
Spread of eco-tourism
The geography of ecological tourism is peculiar Ecotourists tend to places with untouched nature, but there are less and less of them, and many have to be content with significantly changed nature human activity landscapes. Biotourism (- tourism, the objects of which are any manifestations of wildlife, natural tourism- tourism, the object of which is any nature, both living and non-living (for example, caves, mountains, reservoirs, etc.). Nature tourism includes biotourism A tourism organization uses the term adventure tourism as a broader concept that includes ecotourism.
Ecotourism Development Trends
In the near future, the most promising types of tourism will be cruises, ecological, adventure, educational and thematic tourism.
with the development of tourism, a new tourist will appear. This means that the traditional type of family tourism with a vacation somewhere on the sea every year will gradually give way to new types, namely ecotourism, adventure and educational tourism. The fashion for passive recreation will pass, and the reorientation of tourist flows will begin. High growth rates will be typical for trips to the mountains, as well as travel with elements of adventure and risk."
Theme 2
Tourism and ecology interconnection and interaction
Today we must clearly understand that nature needs protection from tourism. Many violations of the ecological balance are recognized too late. The emergence of irreversible processes as a result of the destruction of the natural environment during its uncontrolled use for tourism purposes often leads to its death. It becomes lost to future generations. Tourists who satisfy their individual needs in the short term put them above the long-term use of natural resources. A serious risk is posed by those places of stay of tourists where there is no necessary and unsuitable infrastructure has been created.
Environmental theories and the development of modern tourism
With regard to the development trends of mass tourism, the following can be emphasized: individual tourism is growing at a slower pace than mass tourism. Although tourists who individually plan their holidays receive great benefits, the implementation of such trips on long distance complex, high cost of individual programs.
Recreational travel is growing more dynamically than business travel. At the same time, global tourism is seeing an increase in short-term trips for weekends or two or three nights. This happens at the expense of young tourists who tend to break out on a trip for several days in order to avoid long breaks in work. There is an increase in the demands of customers for service.
Now non-traditional accommodation facilities are popular: mountain chalets, hunting lodges, bungalows, etc.
3 Socio-economic role of eco-tourism
Ecotourism can contribute to both nature conservation and development, it includes, at a minimum, positive synergies between tourism activities, biodiversity and local people, which is supported by the appropriate organization and management of these activities.
Eco-tourism as a system
Ecotourism refers to any journey that involves visiting and exploring unspoilt natural areas. With maximum preservation of their integrity. A journey that involves minimal impact on the ecosystem, as well as using eco-saving devices and equipment.
Immersion in natural natural environment, for its study, acquaintance with the way of life and management of local residents.
minimization negative consequences human life, ensuring sustainable ecological system;
Protection of nature and local unique historical and cultural heritage; Increasing environmental awareness;
Improving the welfare of the local population in connection with their participation in tourism activities;
Economic effect and development in the visited areas.
5 Environmental legislation and legal content of ecotourism
Environmental legislation includes legal acts and environmental standards that regulate the relationship between man and nature, the system of legal protection of nature includes 4 groups of legal measures: 1. Legal support for training. 2. Regulation of relations on the use, conservation and renewal of natural resources. 3. State and public control to comply with the requirements of nature protection. 4. Legal liability of offenses the federal law"On Specially Protected Natural Territories". the federal law<< О природных лечебных ресурсах, лечеб- но-оздоровительных местностях и курортах»
The emergence and development of ecological tourism is closely connected with the history of the allocation of natural areas, especially attractive from an aesthetic and recreational point of view, and the development of standards for their protection.
The end of the 19th century can rightly be considered the time of the emergence of ecological tourism. The majestic natural rarities of the American continent could not but shake the imagination of immigrants from European countries, where the scale of the territories is less impressive, and the territories themselves have long been inhabited and urbanized. Such qualities of migrants as mobility, enterprise, sociability and receptivity to information forced them to move inland, occupy and develop new lands, endure inconveniences and endure dangers. Information about new impressive natural areas quickly spread, and by the end of the 19th century, the number of tourists visiting such territories as Yellowstone, Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada and some other majestic natural monuments had increased so much that special measures were required to protect this region. The first national park in North America was established in 1872. In Yellowstone. The main tasks set by the organizers of national parks in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa are the protection of "works" of nature in order to satisfy people's need for recreation. The idea of creating protected areas in the West was based on their entertainment purpose. In accordance with this, the regime of protection, the organization of use and the internal structure of national parks were established. In national parks of the American type, the main efforts were directed to the organization of recreational tourism. Already at the end of the XIX century. in the unique corners of the nature of the "wild West" a whole series of national parks was created, formed according to the classic North American model. The process of creating national parks intensified after the Second World War. So, if in 1950. In 39 countries there were about 200 parks, then in 1982. Their number is already more than 1000. National parks were heavily advertised, networks of hiking trails and roads for mechanical transport were laid in them, recreation places, viewing platforms were arranged, hotels, food outlets, tourist equipment rental bases, communications enterprises, etc. were built. All these measures contributed to the growth of interest in national parks.
The peculiarities of the emergence and development of ecological tourism in Russia are largely due to the political and economic changes taking place in the country after 1990. The demand for travel and recreation within the country that prevailed before has sharply decreased, and the demand for previously very few trips to foreign tourism centers has sharply increased. The main reason for the extreme decline in domestic tourism is the cessation of its funding by the state and trade unions. The flow of foreign tourists coming to Russia has also decreased. Thus, socio-economic factors in recent years have not contributed to the full and balanced development of Russian tourism in general and ecotourism in particular.
Ecotourism today is one of the most rapidly developing branches of the tourism industry.
Every year, for the needs of ecological tourism, goods and services are produced in the amount of 55 billion dollars, which is 25% of international trade in services and 12% of the gross world product. The annual growth of ecotourism itself is 30% per year
At present, many developed and developing countries urgently allocate vast areas of their territory for nature reserves and national parks, create special organized structures in order to attract ecotourists, and take off their capital. Costa Rica, for example, has declared 30% of its territory a protected area. Tourism in this country is becoming the leading source of income. The annual income from ecotourism in the United States reaches 220 million dollars and tends to grow rapidly. Kenya's national park revenue is $450 million. Ecuador receives more than $180 million annually from ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands.
The countries of Southeast Asia demonstrate great interest in the development of ecotourism in their territories. In a number of countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America (Xenia, Tanzania, Chile, Peru, Nepal, etc.), which have realized the undoubted advantages of developing eco-tourism on their territory and invested in this sector of the national economy, eco-tourism is becoming one of the main sources of income. The Ecotourism Society, headquartered in Washington, DC, serves as a center for the development of research, information and policy activities. The Society forms policies and develops programs aimed at creating regional ties and involving regional structures in this work. There are a number of organizations that are looking for regions where eco-tourism could replace traditional forms of tourism. Among them: the World Wildlife Fund, the World Resources Institute, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and UNESCO. Since 1971 UNESCO is developing a program "Man and the Biosphere". The UNESCO Committee on World Heritage Sites has the right to assign the status of "World Heritage Site" to areas of exceptional interest and world value. An important role in the development of eco-tourism is played by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which conducts research aimed at determining the possibility of engaging in eco-tourism in developing countries and finances projects related to ecotourism. Academic research institutions, museums and zoological societies in developed countries play an active role in supporting ecotourism and developing ecotourism programs. The governments of individual countries contribute to the development of ecotourism. For example, in Canada and Belize (Central America), special departments or advisory councils for ecotourism have been created under the ministries of tourism. The government of Costa Rica has made the development of ecotourism in the country a key issue in its party program.
An analysis of historical experience shows that Russia has a long tradition of developing tourism activities, which are very close in nature to ecological tourism. These origins date back to the 70s of the 19th century, when in Tiflis, which at that time was part of the borders of Russia, the "Society of Lovers of Natural Science and the Alpine Caucasian Club" was created. Following him, in the 90s of the 19th century, the Crimean Mountain Club was established in Odessa.
The history of domestic tourism knows many more examples of the activities of various societies and associations, clubs and groups that devoted their time to hiking in remote corners of nature with a poorly developed network of recreational services, but rich and unique nature.
In Russia, ecological tourism is developing slowly and spontaneously. However, the number of projects under development is growing. Evidence of this are local initiatives - in Adygea, on the Black Sea coast, in the Volga region, in Altai, in the Far East and in Kamchatka.
At the same time, both domestic and foreign tourism organizers assess the ecotourism potential of Russia as extremely high. A clear strategic interest in the ecotourism potential of Russia in recent years has also been shown by international organizations. The development of ecological tourism in Russia has become an integral part of the program of activities of the Ecological and Educational Center "Zapovedniki", established in 1996. The Center studies information, advertising and popular science products that introduce the broad masses of the population to protected areas.
One of the first organizations that fully devoted its activities to the development of ecotourism in Russia is the Dersu Uzala Ecotourism Development Fund. The main direction of the Fund's work is the development and practical implementation of various projects for the development of ecotourism in different regions of Russia.
In 1998, an autonomous non-profit organization, the Ecological Travel Center, was established in Russia. Its main goal is the development of scientific, educational and adventure tourism on the basis of Russian reserves and national parks.
In general, the nature of Russia presents great potential for the development of ecotourism: the diversity, uniqueness, attractiveness and vastness of Russian landscapes, which have not yet been covered by urbanization processes, intensive agricultural production, etc., are very high. There are 35 national parks on the territory of Russia (with a total area of 6,925,696 hectares, which is 0.4% of the area of Russia), and their number continues to increase. The status of national parks directly implies their use for tourism.
Areas with traditional, aboriginal forms of economy, which are of great ecological and cultural value, have also been preserved in Russia. There are still many such regions in the north of the country, in Siberia, in the mountains. However, it should be borne in mind that, despite the vastness of undeveloped or poorly developed spaces, the state of the environment on the territory of Russia is generally far from prosperous, including outside the largest industrial centers.
This situation is due to backward technologies both in industry and in agriculture and forestry, weak control over monopoly companies that extract raw materials, as a rule, in remote areas. Finally, one of the limitations for the development of tourism and even ecotourism is the high sensitivity of many ecosystems in Russia to anthropogenic impacts, their fragility, and just in areas that are attractive to tourists for wildlife or aboriginal forms of economy. A typical example is the degradation of the vegetation cover of the tundra, where excessively large herds of deer graze, the size of which was determined without due regard to the capacity of pastures. Almost all forms of ecotourism are represented in small volumes in Russia.
The most widespread of these forms are one-day excursions of ecological orientation, made either by residents of cities or by tourists staying at resorts and other places of recreation. This can be judged by information on the attendance of the country's national parks. Nine of them, located near large cities, receive about 1.5 million people a year. One park - Elbrus, located in the Caucasus and specializing in mountain and ski tourism, receives 300 thousand visitors a year. All other parks together, remote from large cities, are visited by 80,000 to 100,000 people a year.
In general, the educational aspect in Russian ecotourism is still poorly developed - more often excursions or tours turn out to be aimed only at demonstrating sights, exotic wonders and beauties of nature, and not at comprehending environmental problems.
Ecotourism plays a significant role in the global tourism and hospitality industry. 2002 was proclaimed by the United Nations as the Year of Ecological Tourism and the Year of Mountains. According to experts of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), in the 21st century, the growth rate of ecotourism will continue to be high, and the income generated will make a significant contribution to the development of the economies of many countries of the world, especially developing ones. This will stimulate socio-economic growth in other regions, primarily mountain regions. Great hopes are placed on ecotourism in the implementation of the concept of sustainable development of tourism and travel. Rational use of natural and cultural-historical tourist resources will help to avoid many negative consequences of mass tourism.
The first condition of ecological tourism, which distinguishes it from the previously used forms of organizing and conducting outdoor recreation, is a meaningful, environmentally and economically sound policy in the use of recreational areas, the development and observance of a regime of non-exhaustive nature management, which ensures the conservation of the biological diversity of recreational natural areas and contributes to the sustainability of the tourism activity itself.
Increasing the level of economic sustainability of the regions involved in the tourism process is a fairly general phenomenon, but in ecological tourism it acquires a special meaning, since ecotourism develops in economically backward regions that are little affected by modern economic activity. Such areas are poorly provided with jobs. The creation of new jobs can have serious economic and social consequences.
Increasing the ecological culture of participants in ecotourism activities is carried out in several ways. The population of recreational territories, involved in the tourism process and receiving economic benefits from it, realizes how the value of the territory is the source of their own income. Tourists participating in ecological tours are, in any case, people who are not indifferent to environmental problems, however, they also increase the level of environmental literacy by obtaining information provided to them by the organizers and executors of environmental tourism programs. Promotion of ecological tourism in the media, drawing attention to environmental protection is an important element of the overall program to improve the ecological outlook of the population.
One of the basic principles that form the basis of eco-tourism is respect for the culture and customs of the peoples living in those regions where eco-tours are held. The traditional culture of local communities facing mass tourism is even less resistant to them than nature. Assistance in the preservation of the ethnographic diversity of the planet is one of the most important installations of ecological tourism.
Given the basic principles, we can propose the following definition of eco-tourism: “Ecological tourism is a visit to unique natural areas, little affected by economic activity, which have preserved the traditional way of life of the local population; this is an increase in the level of ecological culture of all participants in the tourism process and an increase in the living standards of the local population, compliance with environmental standards and technologies in the implementation of ecological tours and programs”. The main features of ecological tourism are:
Any journey during which the traveler is exploring the environment;
- a journey in which nature is the main value;
- revenues from ecotourism are directed to financial support for environmental protection;
- ecotourists are personally involved in activities that conserve or restore wildlife resources;
- ecotour is a journey in which all activities are "environmentally friendly".
We list the main components of ecological tourism:
1) "knowledge of nature", i.e. travel involves the presence of elements of the study of nature, the acquisition of new knowledge and skills by tourists;
2) "preservation of the ecosystem" implies not only the appropriate behavior of the group on the route, but also the participation of tourists, tour operators in programs and activities to protect the environment;
3) "respect for the interests of local residents"- not only compliance with local laws and customs, but also the contribution of tourism to the socio-economic development of tourist destinations.
For a deeper understanding of eco-tourism, here are 10 ecotourist commandments formulated by the International Ecotourism Organization:
Be aware of the Earth's vulnerability;
- leave only traces, take away only photographs;
- to know the world in which he got: the culture of the people, geography;
- respect local residents;
- do not buy products from manufacturers that endanger the environment;
- always follow only well-trodden paths;
- support environmental protection programs;
- where possible, use environmental conservation methods;
- to support (patronize) organizations that contribute to the protection of nature;
- travel with companies that support the principles of ecotourism. Currently, there are 4 types of ecological tourism.
1. Scientific tourism: during scientific ecotours, tourists participate in various kinds of nature studies, conduct field observations. These can be zoological, ornithological (acquaintance with birds), entomological (acquaintance with insects), ichthyological (acquaintance with fish), paleontological, geological and others. As a rule, specially protected natural territories act as tourist destinations in such tours: reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, natural monuments. Foreign research expeditions also belong to scientific tourism.
Scientific tourism includes a cognitive system of scientific research in the regions and throughout the country as a whole. The cognitive part allows tourists to exchange various areas of scientific research, while developing a new way of thinking in a particular industry. During tourist meetings and exchanges, new scientific ideas are born, and scientists receive a strong impetus for creativity. Excursion and medical services and resort and medical events that promote healing and recreation can be closely tied to scientific communication.
A scientific tour can include an ecological, ethno-cultural, and underwater component, the main thing is the active participation of a person in the process, and not just getting interesting information and contemplation of objects, which is typical for ordinary educational excursions. To organize scientific tourism in our country, there is a developed system of research in the widest areas, and a variety of natural, landscape and biospheric protected areas, ethnographic regions, thousands of monuments of secular and church architecture, hundreds of historical memorial complexes of various eras.
Scientific tourism began in ancient times, when amateur researchers also went on trips for military or trade purposes. In the future, this tradition continued, and in popular history the names of great navigators sometimes stand next to the names of enthusiastic discoverers. For example, an amateur botanist Joseph Banks traveled with the legendary Cook, who wrote a description of many new plants and customs of the natives.
Scientific tourism is also interesting because it allows those who wish to broaden their horizons in related specializations, then amateurs who are interested in research in a particular area, as well as collectors who hope to replenish their collections.
The RAS has developed research programs that can satisfy the most inquisitive minds. Based on previous expeditions, the most unusual routes will be offered to clients here. Ecology lovers can go explore the Chukotka region. You can, together with archaeologists, try to uncover the great secret of the ancient urban settlement of the Aryans in the Southern Urals. Those who are interested in history have a chance to follow the path of the great German scientist Alexander Humboldt, and lovers of the unknown are invited to find the place where the Vitim meteorite fell. They say that at first it is enough for a person to simply observe something. Then he wants to do research himself.
2. Nature History Tours. These are trips related to the knowledge of the surrounding nature and local culture. These tours are a set of educational, popular science and thematic excursions that run along specially equipped ecological trails. This also includes hikes for schoolchildren, during which the teacher, the guide conducts excursions and talks about nature. This type of ecotourism is especially popular in Germany.
3. Adventure tourism. This type combines all trips associated with active ways of movement and outdoor recreation, with the goal of obtaining new sensations, impressions, improving the tourist's physical fitness and achieving sports results. This includes such types of tourism as mountaineering, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain and hiking tourism, water, ski, ski tourism, canyoning, horseback riding, mountain biking, diving, paragliding, trekking, etc.
A single standard for adventure tourism has not been created, there is no clear definition, just as there is no single formula for creating adventure tours. In the most general version, adventure tourism is called commercial travel with active modes of transportation associated with being in the natural environment.
Adventure tourism is often associated with outdoor activities, sports and extreme tourism. Meanwhile, the differences are very significant. Leisure at its core - entertainment, getting a new or enriching experience. Such a vacation makes it possible, while living, incl. and in comfortable conditions, choose an activity to your liking from the multi-active “menu” offered for the day.
Traveling on snowmobiles to the museum of wooden architecture "Kizhi", studying the life of whales and penguins from the board of a motor boat or kayak in the icy silence of Antarctica is a real adventure that broadens one's horizons. It arises at the moment when a tourist has a desire to explore a certain region, get acquainted with history, culture, natural attractions and even culinary traditions. In an adventure tour, the choice of means or means of transportation - rafting, kayak, canoe, horse, elephant or camel, bicycle, jeep or one's own legs - is completely subordinated to the purpose of the trip, new discoveries.
Most of the natural regions of Russia have "untwisted" hard-to-reach monuments of archeology and culture, which are of undoubted interest to tourists. Even in the Far North of Russia, on the Kola Peninsula, which is usually considered as a place for organizing amateur trips, and abroad - fishing on salmon rivers, you can create an adventure tour - within the framework of the Hyperborea theme. "Hyperborea" is a legendary country, according to ancient authors, located beyond the Arctic Circle and inhabited by a powerful civilization. Modern researchers believe that its existence can be indicated by various archaeological sites characteristic of the European north of Russia, such as seids and labyrinths scattered at a considerable distance from each other. The purpose of the trip is to visit places that may be associated with this mysterious country.
Extreme - the concept for adventure tourism is relative and depends on the experience of travelers, the qualifications of guides and, last but not least, the equipment used. So, the same cycle route can be extreme for a novice cyclist and just a walk for a world champion in cyclocross, and rafting on a rapid river while passing the same water obstacles can have a different degree of risk depending on the type of vessel.
In Russia, where the tradition of sports tourism is strong, adventure agencies are tempted to use planned routes developed during the Soviet era for organizing commercial tours, as well as a unified classification (categorization) of routes. However, the norms and rules that are typical for sports tourism are absolutely unacceptable for adventure tours. Sports tourism is aimed at fulfilling certain standards, adventure tourism is, first of all, recreation for pleasure and discovery. Such concepts as “comfort” and “service” are alien to sports tourism, for which tourists actually pay money. Adventure tours are interesting for travelers of all skill levels, not only because of carefully graded itineraries, support vehicles and quality equipment rental. Travelers count in advance on the absence of domestic problems even in the conditions of an autonomous trip, high-quality varied food, excursion and entertainment programs, and most importantly, increased attention to ensuring their safety. For each person, the word "adventure" has its own deep meaning. For some, climbing the highest peaks of the world or along the Zambezi River is a real adventure, for others - a safari in the Serengeti, a jeep tour in Jordan with a visit to ancient Petra, a bike tour along the Golden Ring or rafting on catamarans along the leisurely Ugra River. This list can be continued indefinitely. Today, any adventure is like a movie, the script for which you can compose yourself.
4. Travel to nature reserves, specially protected natural areas. The high attractiveness of unique and exotic natural objects and phenomena located in protected areas attract many tourists. The management of many national parks and reserves turn ecological excursions into a real show. Very often, the display of natural objects, especially in caves, is accompanied by color illumination, music, theatrical performances showing scenes from the life of the natives. This type of tourism is most developed in Australia.
National parks, nature reserves, UNESCO biosphere reserves, protected natural landscapes, natural parks, etc., united under the common name - protected natural areas (PAs) - currently constitute the main resource for the development of ecological tourism. A wide variety of national systems of protected natural areas, difficulties in organizing joint work, the need to combine efforts against the background of the rapid degradation of the planet's nature led in the early 1980s to the need to streamline the global system of protected areas.
1. Science Reserve, a strictly controlled nature reserve is established for the purpose of protecting nature and maintaining natural processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically representative samples of the natural environment for the purposes of scientific research, environmental observation and education, and in order to maintain genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state.
2. National parks are created to protect outstanding natural landscape areas of national and international importance.
Specially protected natural areas are designed to preserve typical and unique natural landscapes, the diversity of flora and fauna, natural and cultural heritage sites. Completely or partially withdrawn from economic use, they have a special protection regime, and protected zones or districts with a regulated regime of economic activity can be created on adjacent land and water areas. Specially protected natural territories are objects of national heritage.
There are the following main categories of these territories:
State natural reserves, incl. biospheric;
- National parks;
- natural parks;
- state nature reserves;
- monuments of nature;
- dendrological parks and botanical gardens;
- health-improving areas and resorts.
The Government of the Russian Federation, the relevant executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, local governments may also establish other categories of specially protected natural areas (green zones, urban forests, city parks, monuments of landscape art, etc.). All specially protected natural areas are taken into account when developing territorial integrated schemes, land management schemes and district planning. Ecological tourism is mainly carried out on the territory of national parks.
National parks for Russia are a relatively new form of environmental protection and cultural heritage preservation. The creation of national parks on the territory of the country began in the early 80s of the XX century, and by now their number has reached 35. The main share of national parks is concentrated in the European part of Russia, the westernmost is the "Curonian Spit" - in the Kaliningrad region.
To date, 6 national parks have been created in Siberia, half of which are concentrated in the Baikal region, and at the moment there is not a single national park in the Far East.
National parks play a special role in the system of protected natural areas of all-Russian importance. Unlike reserves, they are endowed not only with nature protection, but also with recreational functions. Such "duality" imposes certain restrictions on the conditions of recreation in national parks, and contributes to the development of ecotourism. For residents of Europe and America, recreation in national parks is one of the most popular. In Russia, tourists still have little idea of how ecotourism differs from ordinary outdoor recreation. Classic ecotours are aimed primarily at environmental education of travelers, although they involve acquaintance with the historical past of the peoples inhabiting the region, with their traditional way of life, crafts, folklore, and contribute to the development of the local economy. Focused on various categories of travelers, ecotours can include both elements of active tourism (rafting on rivers on catamarans and rafts, cycling, ski trips) with accommodation in tents, as well as “civilized” accommodation in holiday homes and camp sites and numerous excursions.
The period of formation of national parks in Russia is so short that only a few can boast of a variety of educational routes; in a number of parks, the tourist service sector, incl. information, is still in the process of formation.
Access to the territory of national parks is regulated depending on the location of natural, historical and cultural sites. There is a protected area that is closed to tourists; cognitive tourism zone - for organizing environmental education and familiarization with the sights of the national park; intended for recreation - a recreational area where licensed fishing is possible; a zone of cultural, domestic and information services for tourists, in which, as a rule, guest houses and tourist bases are located. Visiting national parks is paid.
The first national park, which was created on the territory of Russia in 1983, was the Sochi National Park. Located in the northwestern part of the Greater Caucasus, on the Black Sea slope, the park is unique in that no other subtropics and highlands exist so close in Russia. The park is one of the leaders in terms of attendance due to the numerous excursions organized for vacationers in the resorts of Sochi. Routes include visits to natural monuments - Agur and Orekhov waterfalls, the largest cave system in the Caucasus - Vorontsov.
More than a hundred monuments of history and culture are noted on the territory of the park - from the early Paleolithic to the late Middle Ages: settlements, dolmens, ruins of fortresses, medieval temples. The guests of the park are not left indifferent to the panoramas of majestic mountains covered with caps of snow and ice, mountain rivers with numerous waterfalls or even cascades of waterfalls, mysterious caves in which the sites of primitive people were found.
Located in the Caucasus, the Prielbrusye National Park is a recognized center for ski tourism. For vacationers at the resorts of the Caucasian mineral waters in the park, excursions are conducted to the Narzanov Valley to the sources of mineral water. In the area of the Azau glade in the territory of the national park, there is an ecological trail, as they climb along which tourists observe the change and diversity of landscapes, acquire knowledge in the field of geology, and study traces of the Bolshoy Azau glacier.
The most western among the national parks - "Curonian Spit" - attracts with a combination of aromas of pine forests and fresh sea breeze, sandy beaches, high dunes, from which a boundless sea perspective of the Baltic Sea opens. All this makes the park extremely attractive for recreation. For tourists, the employees of the national park have laid special ecological routes, where tourists get acquainted with the diversity of the flora of the Curonian Spit, learn about the work carried out to fix the moving sands, about the fragile world of life in the dunes. Water tours along the coast of the Curonian Lagoon from the Natural History Museum of the Curonian Spit to the open white dunes are very popular. The territory of the national park is popular with lovers of ornithological tours. The migration route of birds runs along the spit, connecting Finland, Karelia and the Baltic States with southern Europe and Africa, so tourists have a great opportunity to observe colonies of herons and other rare birds.
National parks are concentrated in the north of the European part and in central Russia, where numerous monuments of architecture, culture and history are placed under protection. This is the "Russian North" in the Vologda region, where among the rich and amazing nature there are 4 ancient monasteries - priceless monuments of Russian architecture: the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery founded in 1397, the Ferapontov Monastery, famous for the frescoes of the great Russian painter Dionysius, the Goritsky Resurrection Convent and the first in Rus' of the deserts - Nilo-Sorskaya.
The Kenozero National Park in the Arkhangelsk region delights both with the austere beauty of the northern nature and the masterpieces of wooden architecture - evidence of the talent of the folk craftsmen of Rus'. On the territory of the park, travelers have the opportunity to visit a number of ancient villages and a crafts center, get acquainted with the traditional peasant life and local folklore.
Monuments of Russian architecture - functioning chapels, old houses are also preserved in the Vodlozersky National Park located on the territory of the Arkhangelsk Region and Karelia. The pride of the park is the ancient Ilyinsky churchyard, which stands alone on an island in the middle of a large lake and is the spiritual center of Vodlozero. A very popular route among fans of sports rafting passes through the territory of the park (Ileksa River-Lake Vodlozero-Vama River), hiking routes, rural tourism is developed, conditions for active educational recreation of schoolchildren are created. The park has kilometers of trails, parking lots, information stands and visitor centers.
An impressive number of historical names (Yuri Dolgoruky, Alexander Nevsky, Ivan the Terrible, Peter I) and events are associated with one of the most attractive places to visit on the Golden Ring - ancient Pereslavl-Zalessky, located within the borders of the Lake Pleshcheyevo National Park. Ensembles of monasteries erected on the roads leading to the city are also significant monuments of history and culture. Among the historical monuments, the most famous are the places associated with the construction at the end of the 17th century under the leadership of Peter I of the “amusing flotilla”, which laid the foundation for the Russian navy. Lake Pleshcheyevo itself is amazing in its beauty and purity. The lake is still inhabited by vendace - the “royal herring”, which was served at the grand-ducal and royal table. Excursions to the Pereslavl shrines and environmental and local history excursions are conducted on the territory of the park, during which tourists are introduced to the history of the lake, its inhabitants, the current state and problems, and folklore and ethnographic programs are carried out.
Another equally popular and visited national park, largely due to its proximity to Moscow and St. Petersburg, is the Valdai National Park. There are more than 70 lakes on its territory, including the northern part of Seliger, one of the most beautiful lakes on the Russian plain. On the Selvitsky Island of the Valdai Lake, there is the Iversky Monastery, founded in 1653 by Patriarch Nikon, which currently receives numerous pilgrims and tourists. The city of Valdai itself is also a historical landmark, with more than five centuries of history. There is a unique museum in the city where you can get acquainted with the history of melodic Valdai bells and even listen to a small concert. Tourist routes are organized in the Valdai National Park, sightseeing trails are laid, and tourist recreation centers operate.
One of the cleanest and most picturesque rivers in the center of Russia - the Ugra - gave its name to the national park located in the Kaluga region. The park attracts numerous lovers of outdoor activities with water travel, and fans of sightseeing tourism with the opportunity to visit historical monuments of various eras - from Stone Age sites and medieval settlements to estate complexes of the 18th-early 20th centuries. On the territory of the park there is one of the main shrines of Orthodoxy - Optina Pustyn. For tourists who prefer solitary immersions in nature to excursions, water, hiking and cycling trips are intended: on the territory of central Russia, ecological routes have been developed in the national parks Smolenskoye Poozerye, Meshchera and Meshchersky, Orlovsky Polesie. The Oryol Polesie National Park is interesting for its unique open-air zoo, which brings together representatives of the animal world both from Russia and abroad. The park has a responsible mission to return rare species of animals, primarily bison, to nature. "Orlovskoe Polissya" - the land of legends. According to legend, it was here that the Russian hero Ilya Muromets defeated the Nightingale the Robber.
The events of the peasant wars are often the main historical theme in excursions conducted in the territory of the national parks of the Volga region. The Zhiguli Mountains located on the territory of the Samarskaya Luka National Park are fanned with legends. The names of local toponyms reflect the deeds of Yermak, Stepan Razin and Emelyan Pugachev. The history of the park keeps the memory not only of peasant uprisings, it is also associated with the name of the great artist. Ilya Repin painted sketches for the painting "Barge haulers on the Volga" here. Thanks to the almost closed water ring, which around the Zhiguli Mountains is formed by a horseshoe-shaped bend of the Volga and the Usa River, interrupted by only a two-kilometer piece of land, tourists, moving only along the course of the rivers, have the opportunity to go through a unique many-kilometer water route - the famous "Zhigulev round the world", admire the Volga open spaces. A large number of bases and rest houses, sanatoriums operate on the territory of the park; hiking trails are laid, travel companies organize bicycle and horseback tours. These places are literally "stuffed" with natural monuments. There is also a Stone Bowl with a healing spring - one of the most picturesque and at the same time mysterious places on the territory of Samarskaya Luka.
Thanks to the healing properties of springs and mild microclimate, the Khvalynsky National Park, located in the Saratov Region, is famous for being a unique resort. Rest in the park gives a healing effect, especially for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, hypertension. Picturesque chalk mountains covered with relic pines have made the park attractive for tourism. About a dozen different ecological trails have been laid on the territory of Khvalynsky, during excursions along which tourists get acquainted not only with the history and geology of the region, flora and fauna, but also with the principles of herbal and hydrotherapy, taste “rejuvenating” Khvalynsk apples. On the territory of the national park "Mari Chodra" (Mari Forest), a sanatorium "Klenovaya Gora" was built, which uses both the healing properties of mineral waters and the healing properties of mud. The park attracts tourists as an ecologically clean, picturesque natural area with many beautiful lakes. There are water, hiking and horse trails. In the park, a gigantic oak tree has been preserved, under the shadow of which, according to legend, Emelyan Pugachev stopped for the night with his detachment.
For fans of mountain hiking, horse riding and speleotourism, recreation in the national parks of the Urals will be rich and informative. Ural is the land of unique mountain lakes. The national park was created around Lake Zyuratkul, which has the fame of the "Ural Ritsa" due to the beauty of the landscapes that open from its shores. Tourist routes of varying complexity are laid on the territory of the park: from an excursion along the lakeshore and the ecological trail "Small Bear Trail" with a length of five kilometers to a multi-day hike through the highest ridge in the Chelyabinsk region - Nurgush. Lake Turgoyak, included in the list of the most valuable reservoirs in the world, with clean and very clear water, and mountain ranges located on the territory of the Taganay National Park are one of the most visited places in the Southern Urals. The tops of the ridges are rocky and difficult to access, on their slopes from large boulders "are born and flow" to the foot of "stone rivers", the largest of which stretches for about 6 km and reaches a width of several hundred meters. The Bashkiria National Park, located in the Southern Urals, is famous for its original and richest natural speleological museum - the Kutuk tract, where there are almost four dozen caves.
Lake Baikal, surrounded by three national parks at once, has truly unique opportunities for the development of ecotourism. On the territory of the Baikal national parks there are routes for various types of tourism: hiking, horse riding and cycling; travel agencies organize all kinds of water travel; allocated areas for camping. Park employees are actively working on environmental education of visitors, during excursions they talk about Baikal, its nature, and the history of the region. The unique flora and fauna of the Zabaikalsky National Park, on the territory of which there is the largest seal rookery on Baikal and noisy bird markets, invariably arouse interest among scientists and tourists, the park is especially popular among participants in ornithological and tours. On the territory of the park, you can meet such rare species of birds listed in the Red Book as whooper swan, black crane and black stork, peregrine falcon and white-tailed eagle.
The Pribaikalsky National Park, whose territory stretches in a narrow strip on the western coast of Lake Baikal, including, protects both natural and historical and cultural treasures. During excursions around Olkhon Island, tourists get acquainted with the culture, history and beliefs of the local population. Rock paintings located in the park - images of shamans, running deer, swans - on the Sagan-Zaba cliff, whose age is estimated at 2.5 thousand years, have become world famous. Among the historical sights of the national park is the famous Circum-Baikal Railway - a monument of history and engineering art.
To the south of Lake Baikal is the Tunkinsky National Park, which occupies the Tunkinsky Valley and the adjacent mountain ranges of the Eastern Sayan and the Khamar-Daban ridge. Numerous mineral springs have made the foothill part of the park a popular area for resort recreation and treatment. The rapid mountain rivers of the park attract lovers of sports rafting.
The popularity of eco-tourism in the man-made environment is increasing as the state of the environment deteriorates. Cognitive recreation in national parks allows people who are tired of the noise and crowd of city life, who feel the need to relax in nature from a polluted atmosphere, not only restore the protective functions of the body, but in general - harmony in their attitude.
Ecotourism is a concept that aims to preserve natural landscapes. As a form of tourism product for specific market niches, it has been successfully adopted by tour operators in Europe. Long journeys to unmodified natural areas had very high growth rates. In the processes planned and implemented, special attention should be paid to the effective and equal participation of all stakeholders, especially local associations and societies. Under such conditions, ecotourism can be a means of increasing the economic development of countries that are now losing huge natural wealth.
Literature
1. Alekseevskaya N. Insurance: features of national tourism // Looking for rest. - 2000. - No. 7. - S.2-3.
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Ecotourism plays a significant role in the global tourism and hospitality. Experts at the World Tourism Organization (WTO) predict that its growth will remain high and the profits should make a significant contribution to the development of the world economies, especially in the developing countries. Ecotourism should encourage the socio-economic growth in the regions, especially in mountainous areas, as well as provide the sustainable development for the tourism sector. The efficient use of tourism related resources (natural, cultural and historical) should also prevent the negative effects of mass tourism.
key words: ecotourism, ecotourists, ecotour, destination, national parks.
The first definition of eco-tourism was proposed by the Mexican environmental economist Hector Ceballos-Lascurain in 1980. Eco-tourism, as defined by the author, is a combination of travel with an ecologically sensitive attitude to nature, which allows to combine the joy of acquaintance and study of flora and fauna specimens. fauna with the opportunity to contribute to their protection.
After the appearance of the first definition of eco-tourism by various authors and organizations showing an interest in the development of this type of activity, many new options have been proposed.
The definition adopted by the WTO reads: "Ecotourism includes all forms of nature tourism, in which the main motivation of tourists is the observation and familiarization with nature."
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) understands eco-tourism as “tourism with responsibility to the environment through relatively undisturbed natural areas with the aim of exploring natural and cultural attractions, which contributes to the protection of nature, has a “soft” impact on the environment, provides an active social - economic participation of local residents and their receipt of benefits from this activity”.
The World Wildlife Fund offers its own definition: "Ecotourism is nature tourism that contributes to the protection of nature."
The ecotourism society considers ecological as "targeted trips to natural areas with the aim of a deeper understanding of the local culture and natural environment, which do not violate the integrity of ecosystems, make the protection of natural resources beneficial to local residents."
The emergence and development of ecological tourism is closely connected with the history of the allocation of natural areas, especially attractive from an aesthetic and recreational point of view, with the development of standards for their use and protection. The first national park was established in North America in 1872 in the Yellowstone area. By the end of the XIX century. in the unique corners of the nature of the "Wild West" a whole series of national parks was created: in 1885 - Banff and Glacier, in 1886 - Yoho, in 1890 - Yosemite, in 1895 - Waterton Lake. The process of creating national parks in the world intensified sharply after the Second World War. So, if in 1950 there were about 200 parks in 39 countries, then in 1982 their number exceeded 1 thousand. Developing countries were distinguished by high rates of organization of national parks. So, in Indonesia for two years (1980-1982) it was announced the creation of 16 national parks with a total area of 49.3 thousand km2.
In 1990, eco-tourism was given official status, with the assignment of which he acquired the right to convene his own annual international symposium "Annual World Congress on Adventure Travel & Ecotourism" and create his own non-profit organizations.
Estimates of the current state and level of development of ecological tourism in various publications differ significantly. Most of the differences relate to the definition of eco-tourism. So, if we take as a basis the idea that eco-tourism combines all forms of recreation based on the use of natural resources, then the estimate of volumes will be much higher than in the case when eco-tourism includes recreational and educational activities in nature, accompanied by technologies. environmental management.
In countries with particularly outstanding natural beauty, tourism often acts as the main reason for the creation of national parks. Costa Rica, for example, has declared 30% of its territory a protected area. Tourism in this country is the leading source of income and reaches 650 million dollars a year. In South Africa, eco-tourism ranks second in terms of profitability after diamond mining, in Alaska it is second after oil production. Kenya's annual income from the use of national parks reaches 450 million dollars, Ecuador, respectively, receives more than 180 million dollars from ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands. In Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, tourists who come to see mountain gorillas leave about $1 million in entrance fees and $2 to $3 million in other expenses. According to the Italian State Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), by the end of 1998, there were 9,718 village holiday farms registered in Italy, an increase of 14.7% over 1997. 45% of these farms are located in the northeast of Italy, mainly in the province of Bolzano (27.6%). In the central regions of Italy, 24% of objects for rural tourism are concentrated, most of which are concentrated in Tuscany (15%). Rural tourism is least common in southern Italy and on the islands.
The history of mass nature-oriented tourism in Russia has its own specifics associated with the historical development of the country, with the peculiarity of its natural conditions and the historically established relationship between man and nature.
Recreation, until the end of the 19th century, was the lot of the Russian nobility, who rested mainly in Europe. The tourist market of Russia until the First World War and the February Revolution of 1917. had two main segments - elite tourism of the wealthy and excursion and recreational tourism of the intelligentsia.
Organized tourism, which has a natural and educational orientation, began to take shape in the country by the end of the 19th century. It is surprising that even then environmental principles were laid down in the basis of tourism activities. The Charter of the Crimean Mountain Club, established in 1890 in Odessa, contained almost the same provisions that are recognized as the most important in modern ecological tourism. The aims of the club were:
- 1) Scientific research of the Tauride (Crimean) mountains and dissemination of information collected about them.
- 2) Encouragement to visit and explore these mountains and facilitate the stay in them of naturalists and artists who go to the mountains for scientific or artistic purposes.
- 3) Support for local agriculture, horticulture and small-scale mining.
- 4) Protection of rare mountain species of plants and animals.
For the first time in Russia, the Yalta branch of the club created trails to facilitate hiking trips to the mountains. The first in 1899 was the Shtangeevskaya trail, which led from the Uchan-Su waterfall to the Yaila ridge through the most picturesque parts of its eastern slope. Following Shtangeevskaya, the Botkinskaya trail was developed and began to be used for tourist purposes, which led through picturesque pine forests to the Yauzlar waterfall. A little later, the Krestovaya and Dmitrievskaya trails appeared. Following the trails on Chatyrdag, the first shelter in Russia was created, where tourists visiting the caves of Bin-Bashkhoba and Suuk-Khoba could stay. The number of sightseers who used the services of the Yalta branch of the club in 1896 amounted to 1491 people, in 1912 - 15 229 people.
In 1895, a society of cyclists-tourists was created, and in 1902, for the excursion service of vacationers in the cities of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, the Caucasian Mountain Society. In Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, children's excursions of natural history became widespread. A wonderful example of an ecological tour is a tour conducted by 1st grade schoolchildren in Finland.
March 20, 1919 V.I. Lenin signed the Decree "On medical areas of national importance." In 1920, under the People's Commissariat of Education, the United Lecture and Excursion Bureau was created - the prototype of modern tourist and excursion institutions. Russian tourism in the post-revolutionary years continued the traditions of natural history and natural history: all excursion stations organized in 1919 worked according to the natural history program. During this period, one-day and multi-day excursions were held in geology, soil science, botany and zoology. Much attention was paid to attracting young people to local history and tourist-excursion work. The organization of children's tourism was entrusted to the out-of-school department of the People's Commissariat of Education, which was headed by N.K. Krupskaya. The organization of tourism for adults was carried out by special units created at many institutions. Nature excursions were developed and offered by the stations of young naturalists.
By the end of the 30s. amateur tourism has gained popularity and wide scope. Most of the tourist activities of that time contained elements of ecological tours. These are short-term, weekend-time trips of relatively small groups of tourists to territories located in close proximity to large cities, and multi-day trips across the country. Citizens who participated in long hikes not only got acquainted with the nature of the country, but also conducted educational work among the population of regions remote from industrial centers, helped in harvesting, etc.
To facilitate communication with the local population of remote territories, the Society for Proletarian Tourism and Excursions published a series of pocket speech reference books in more than 20 languages of the peoples of the USSR (Abkhazian, Svan, Uzbek, Tajik, etc.). Amateur tourist groups developed new routes, actively participated in research activities to search for mineral deposits, useful plants, studied the distribution and behavior of wild animals, collected entomological and botanical collections.
Mass tourism was provided by the initiative in the regions, therefore, almost the entire country was involved in tourism activities. A huge increase in tourism occurred at the end of the 50s. According to official statistics, the number of participants in tourist trips was: in 1958. -1 512 860 people, in 1959. - 3,382,868 people, in 1960 - 5,892,853 people. From 1947 to 1962, the number of tourist bases in the country increased from 96 to 297, more than 200 tourist and recreation camps, 600 fishermen's and hunters' houses, and more than 800 tourist equipment rental points were created. All this made it possible to cover more than 10 million people with tourist trips and excursions.
Amateur tourism in the post-war years followed the same directions as before the war, namely: local history, nature conservation raids, and the performance of socially useful work in forestries, public and scientific organizations were welcomed. In 1965, 40 million people took part in tourist trips and excursions, there were 450 bases for 95,200 places in the country, and 5 thousand tourist and health camps were at the disposal of vacationers.
Late 60s - mid 70s. such complex trips as a 13-day trip through the unexplored, deep regions of Svalbard, polar trips to Taimyr, Severnaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land, Chukotka were prepared and carried out. In the same period, active work was carried out to find new routes for amateur tourist travel. So in 1969, search expeditions worked in the Sayans, the Baikal region, in the Eastern Caucasus, in the Pamirs. As a result of the work of these expeditions, more than 60 hiking, mountain, water and combined routes were explored and developed.
Particular attention was paid to the development of tourism in the regions. So in the late 70s. the number of pedestrian routes alone in Yakutia reached almost 500, more than 15 thousand weekend trips took place in the Khabarovsk Territory, the number of participants in Sunday “sorties” in the Irkutsk region exceeded 200 thousand. As of January 1, 1977, there were 9058 planned routes in the USSR many areas of the country. They were provided by 996 special tourist hotels, bases and campsites, which annually received 26 million people. Every year in the second half of the 70s. more than 140 million tourists were served in the country. Thus, the widespread mass nature-oriented tourism was not localized in individual regions, but covered almost the entire territory of the country.
In 1970-1985. the number of people involved in active forms of tourism, and, above all, in amateur tourism, has significantly increased: annually over 30 million people took part in trips around their native land in weekend itineraries and other excursions. During this period, new forms of service and types of services were introduced: routes for parents with children, car tourists, horseback, boat, combined travel, etc. The volume of services provided to the Soviet workers and youth of the country in 1985 exceeded 2 billion rubles. (4 times more than in 1970). By 1985, more than 960 tourist hotels, campsites and bases with a total capacity of about 400,000 beds operated in the system of the Central Council for Tourism and Excursions. There were 925 travel and excursion agencies operating in the country, which sold 20 thousand topics in excursion work.
The development of tourism in Russia in the 90s. V.A. Kvartalnov called the "transitional" period, in which the sprouts of the new were outlined, but the general situation can be defined as a "sharp, almost catastrophic fall." At this stage in the development of Russian tourism, three main trends dominated.
The first trend is changes in the structure of demand and segmentation of the tourist market. Decrease in demand for long-term rest and a marked increase in the need for short-term rest. Rise in the cost of transport and reduction in travel distances. Increasing requirements for the quality of service in the sphere of everyday life (food, housing facilities); differentiation of demand in accordance with the social status of various groups of the population. A sharp drop in demand for group travel, an increase in family forms of recreation and foreign trips.
The second trend is associated with the transition from monopoly to a multi-structural tourism economy, to the development of private, medium and small enterprises. A sharp decrease in state subsidies, trade unions, large enterprises for social tourism, a general drop in incomes of the population led to a noticeable reduction in the number of large recreation institutions, especially in 1992. At the same time, small tourist enterprises began to appear, providing services for small campsites, overnight rooms, beaches, cafes , parking lots, souvenir shops, etc. .
The third trend is the transition to the use of tourism resources based on new economic relations. This trend, according to the author, still has a latent character, is going through a latent phase. It is based on the ownership of resources - the redistribution of rights to their use between the federal, republican and municipal levels of government, as well as the emergence of private property rights, primarily land. Obviously, in this situation, an opportunity arises for the formation of a new economic mechanism based on the introduction of differential rent on the resources used in tourism. At present, this rent, determined by the advantage of location, serves only to enrich the owner of the resources. But it should be aimed at preserving the quality of resources, developing tourism infrastructure, and so on.
The development of ecological tourism by domestic PAs (Specially Protected Natural Territories) is an extremely important process that can have a significant impact both on the economy of the Russian hinterland and on the intensification of activities to protect the country's unique natural areas. It is the protected areas that are able to intensify the development of nature-oriented tourism in the country, stimulate the incoming flow, and organize it in the form of ecological tourism. For these purposes, protected areas have a unique, organized territory, competent scientific and administrative personnel, experience in nature protection and restoration, close contacts with domestic (basic and applied) science, foreign relations and contacts, security structures.
The current state of eco-tourist activities in the protected areas of the country. Specific information on the magnitude of the tourist flow on the territory of Russian reserves was published by V.P. Kekushev, V.P. Sergeev, V.B. Stepanitsky. According to the authors, by the end of 1999, 76 reserves of the country (79%) had identified ecological trails and routes on their territory (in the protected zone, on the territory of controlled reserves and natural monuments, or on the marginal territory). The average length of these trails and routes per one reserve was 57 km, 22 reserves (24%) already have ecological trails and routes on their territory or are in the process of being developed. In 1999, tourist groups visited 64 reserves (67%), including foreign tourist groups - 47 reserves (49%). The total number of visitors to the reserves amounted to over 140 thousand people, including over 5 thousand foreigners. Over 300,000 people visited the recreation area of the famous Stolby nature reserve in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Work in the field of museum business, focused exclusively on visitors to reserves, is inextricably linked with eco-tourist activities. There are own museums of nature in 37 reserves (39%).
The given data show that recreation in the territories of domestic protected areas is at the first stages of development, when the number of visitors is relatively small: for comparison, large national parks of the West receive up to several million visitors a year.
Despite the difficulties of the first stages of the development of tourism activities, a number of national parks in the country demonstrate obvious success in the development of ecological tourism. Among them are national parks: Vodlozersky, Yugyd-Va, Kenozersky, Losiny Ostrov and some others. The staff of the Ugra National Park, with the support of the Wildlife Conservation Center charitable foundation, is successfully developing rural tourism, the Eco-village program is being developed in the Tunkinsky NP, etc.
State natural reserves, following the changing realities of world development, realizing that conservation can actively contribute to development, and vice versa, demonstrate examples of the transition from reserved functions to the functions of a biosphere territory.
The conditions for the development of the eco-tourism industry and increasing competitiveness in the world market are currently:
- 1. Creation of a favorable image of the region in the Russian and international tourism markets. Good city marketing is needed. Today, any large western city cannot do without a special division - a marketing service that studies the city's market, calculates trends and develops development prospects.
- 2. Information support of regional tourism business
- 3. Real assistance of the authorities to tourism enterprises developing inbound and domestic tourism.
- 4. Improving the quality of tourist services.
- 5. Assistance in the training of qualified personnel in the field of tourism product production.
Despite the objective and subjective difficulties, eco-tourism in the country is developing and taking on more and more distinct forms. Training of specialists for the sphere of ecological tourism is one of the most important conditions for the successful development of the industry.
