The role of geographical myths in shaping the tourist attractiveness of cities (as exemplified by Russia)

The article is devoted to the study of the role of geographical myths in shaping the tourist attractiveness of cities. In the context of globalization and digitalization, myths are becoming an important tool for creating a unique image of a territory and attracting tourists. The study includes an analysis of factors influencing tourist attractiveness and the results of a survey of local residents assessing the importance of myths and legends in local tourism. The work demonstrates the dual significance of geographical myths: on the one hand, they contribute to the popularization of a region, on the other hand, they can construct a false reality of a particular place. The aim of the study is to determine the significance of geographical myths in the system of tourist attractiveness factors. The article considers the role of geographical myths in shaping the tourist attractiveness of cities, as well as their influence on the perception of local culture and the development of domestic tourism. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the empirical approach to understanding the role of geographical myths in shaping the tourist attractiveness of cities, considering myths not only as cultural artifacts, but also as tools of popularization for tourist destinations. The study found that the geographical myth has high potential as a means of attracting tourists, but in practice it performs an applied function, accompanying existing objects of tourist attraction.