International experience of converting social capital of local communities into development of tourism sector

Abstract

The subject of this research is the international practices of utilization of social capital of local communities for the purpose of development of tourism attractiveness of the territories. The object of this research is the social capital of local communities. The author explores such aspects of the topic as the development of tourism on the basis of local community, stimulation of social activism and communication between the locals, their ability to self-organization on the local level within the framework of international projects. Special attention is given to the risks and negative consequences for the local communities caused by tourism. The conclusions is made that the role of the representatives of local communities is considered as one of the key elements within the international practice of tourism development. This relates to the formation of tolerant and friendly tourism space for maintaining a “geographical myth”, which cannot be created without involvement of the local residents. Such process must be manageable for the authorities that ensure protection of local population from the sociocultural threats caused by tourists. International experience can be adapted in the Russian realities to some extent, however this process requires outworking of the corresponding mechanism of three-way interaction of the local government, business and local residents. The scientific novelty lies int the attempts of critical revaluation of the role of social capital of local communities at the time of transformation of tourism industry due to unfavorable epidemic situation.