Potential of rural tourism in the Tunkinsky National Park (Baikal region): synergy of environmental and economic factors

Abstract

The presence of unique natural and recreational resources in the Baikal region is a basic condition for the development of rural tourism. Rural tourism is becoming an ecological and social alternative to the technogenic development of agricultural areas. The optimal ecological, social and economic effect of the development of rural tourism requires a multifactor consideration of the territories specifics. This is particularly topical in relation to rural settlements located on the lands of specially protected natural territories. In the Baikal region, Tunkinsky administrative district (the only one in Russia) is located within the borders of the national park. Based on the analysis of the ecological, social and economic situation in the Tunkinsky district in the last decade (2009-2019), the authors conducted a preliminary assessment of the potential for the development of rural tourism. The most promising type of rural tourism, providing synergy of the social and economic development of the Tunkinsky district and compliance with environmental requirements, can only be eco-tourism, which is focused on recreational activities. The article proposes the creation of a tourist cluster of equestrian culture for the development of mobile recreation in a civilized manner. In particular, the Buryat ethnocultural equestrian center and the Cossack equestrian culture center in close cooperation and coordination with the administration of the district and the administration of the national park can conduct year-round work on programs and projects for sports, cultural, educational, ethnographic, and health tourism involving all the settlements in the Tunkinsky district.