Methodological approach to assessing the resource potential of a territory for the domestic tourism development

Abstract

The core condition for the development of small accommodation facilities (SAF) is the efficient use of resources available in the territory. The paper aims to construct and test a methodological approach to assessing the resource potential of a territory, which proves to be a significant factor in the SAF development. The methodological basis of the research comprises the concepts of resource potential and rational resource management. The research uses analytical, comparative and binary methods, expert assessments, analysis of statistical data, grouping, correlation and regression analysis. The paper puts forward the approach, which, unlike others, allows differentiating the territories according to the level of their resource potential for the purposes of the SAF development. The authors identify factors influencing the SAF functioning, which include general characteristics of an area, socioeconomic factors, potential participants of the hospitality business, infrastructural resources, natural and climatic conditions, tourist resources, and test the suggested approach using the case of Ivanovo oblast. For every group of factors the researchers form a database, and by means of correlation analysis differentiate the Ivanovo oblasts’ municipal districts according to their resource potential in tourism. The findings can be helpful for business entities, as well as for regional authorities while taking management decisions on the SAF development. The approach can also be relevant when formulating long-term strategies for the development of municipal districts and regions, determining points of growth and encouraging diversification of the regional economy.