A model of agricultural diversification based on rural tourism

Abstract

Importance: currently, rural tourism is actively developing in Russia, which is due to various factors associated with both the geopolitical situation in the world and the reasons of internal properties resulting from the sanctions pressure on the Russian economy. But today only one fifth of Russian tourists are interested in this form of tourism product, while in Europe this figure is about 50%. Purpose: to study the points of view, approaches to the understanding of «rural tourism», to analyse rural tourism in combination with other types of tourism as a model of agricultural diversification. Research design: the methodological basis, first of all, was the institutional approach and systematic method. Also statistical and modelling methods are important in the study of this problem. Results: the author’s understanding of the essence of «rural tourism» is proposed, models of rural tourism organisation in Russia are described. The models of rural tourism organisation are defined, which are a tool for diversifying the income of an agricultural enterprise. In addition, the authors conclude that in European countries much emphasis is given to the state support of rural tourism based on financial support of agricultural enterprises. The measures of financial support for rural tourism in Russia are analysed. The authors believe that in addition to state support programmes, the development of rural tourism in Russia will be facilitated by the implementation of tourist and recreational potential of rural areas.