Directions of tourist and recreational activities development in the territories of the North Caucasus

Introduction. The study and selection of directions for the integration of the unique potential of tourism and recreation of the North Caucasus Federal District is the basis for a systematic solution of socio - economic problems based on the development of such types of tourism as skiing, cultural and educational, agricultural, environmental and other services. The purpose of the study. Substantiation of the directions of development of tourist and recreational activities of the territories of the North Caucasus Federal District, taking into account the analysis of the state and determination of trends in the development of resource potential. Materials and methods of research. The study is based on a set of scientific publications devoted to the problems of disclosure of tourist and recreational specialization of the territories of the North Caucasus Federal District, their integration into the system of domestic tourism of the Russian Federation. The main research methods are analysis, description, content analysis of regulatory documents, processing and analysis of statistical data on the main macroeconomic indicators of the North Caucasus Federal District. Research results and their discussion. In the context of state support for domestic tourism in the North Caucasus Federal District, regional strategies and programs of the subjects of the district, there is a steady increase in the interest of Russian tourists and attendance, the leadership in terms of indicators belongs to the Republic of Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory. It is necessary to focus on the traditional advantages and features of the potential: the high birth rate and the share of the rural population, the unique diversity of flora and fauna, the bright features of the ethno - economy, the significant contribution of individual farms to the leading agricultural specialization. The development of agricultural and ecological tourism should become the main types of tourist and recreational activities in rural areas. Conclusion. The formation of agricultural and ecological tourism as independent activities with the involvement of large agribusiness will contribute to the infrastructural and transport and logistics development of regions and rural areas of the district, improve the standard of living of the local population and increase their incomes.