Prerequisites for tourism development in Chechen Republic

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the development of recreation and ecotourism in the mountainous part of the Chechen Republic. The paper gives definitions of ecotourism. A brief geological and geographical characteristic of the territory is given (a brief history of geological development, a description of low, medium and high mountain ranges) as well as recreational potential assessment. The organization of tourist and recreational activities in the mountainous part of the republic is substantiated on the basis of numerous hydrological objects available here (springs, mountain rivers and streams with clean spring water, mineral and fresh underground water sources, alpine lakes, waterfalls), picturesque landscapes, geological objects, etc. The paper describes tourist routes with the allocation of specific objects (exits to the daylight surface of rocks with paleontological finds, unique hydrological objects, ethnocultural objects – tower complexes), their duration and length. The following routs are described: Benoy; Grozny – Tsesi Gorge; Grozny – Galanchozhsky district; Grozny – Chatoy – Itum Kale – Malchist Gorge. In conclusion, the main directions of tourist recreational framework that will contribute to the sustainable development of the Chechen Republic are highlighted: expansion of the services in the region, investment attraction, jobs creation; promotion of environmental activities; increase of the level of environmental education and general cultural level of tourists and local population, etc.