CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN RUSSIA
The article is devoted to the analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of eco-tourism in the Russian Federation. The potential for the development of eco-tourism in Russia, which has many natural objects of interest to tourists, is highly appreciated. A number of factors hindering the development of this type of tourism are identified, including: insignificant information support and promotion of Russia as a place suitable for tourist recreation, including nature-oriented, in foreign markets; unfavorable visa regime for tourists, which makes it much more difficult for foreign citizens to visit Russia; undeveloped tourist infrastructure; low level of service, mismatch of prices for offered tourist goods and services to their quality; low level of development of transport infrastructure, high degree of deterioration of the transport base and lack of comfortable tourist vehicles. Ways to reduce the negative impact of these factors on the development of eco-tourism in the Russian Federation are proposed. It is proved that these factors should be leveled not only by the enterprises of the tourism industry, but also by the state through the implementation of various state programs, as well as creating conditions for attracting foreign investment, primarily by improving the organizational conditions of tourism activities.