Arctic tourism: Prospects for the development of historical routes

Abstract

The Arctic region is a platform for international cooperation in research, security, protection of environment, logistics and more. Arctic is the northern façade of the country, reflecting the beauty and splendor of Russian Federation. However, the tourism industry in the region started developing only recently, in the 1950s. It just so happened that at present the main consumers of tourist services in the region are foreign citizens. Tourism increases efficiency of international cooperation, forming connections and promoting the historical, cultural, civil, and patriotic traditions of different nations. Recently, a new trend in international research has emerged – roadology, linked to the development of tourism based on historical routes. For arctic tourism, this new development is extremely relevant. Climate-related transport difficulties in the Arctic region are the main obstacle to increasing tourist flows. The use of historical routes built on traditional routes and paths of nomads, military, Soviet Air Force, sports competitions or discoverers, facilitates creating most optimal and interesting tours already containing points of tourist interest associated with historical events. The article suggests different types of historical routes, the use of which will allow developing tourist routes and setting clear goals for tour operators forming them. When creating tourist routes, we can use expert scores and ratings of points of tourist interests. The article provides examples of Arctic tours, allowing increasing the attractiveness of the region.