Trends and characteristics of tourism system development in the Russian Arctic

Despite the increasing influx of tourists to the Arctic and the growing body of scientific research on tourism in the region, existing studies fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the patterns shaping the development of tourism systems in the Russian Arctic. This study seeks to identify the spatial dynamics of tourism system formation and the key factors influencing their development. The research methodology employs hierarchical cluster analysis to classify Arctic tourism systems in Russia, followed by a ranking of the identified typological groups. The analysis incorporates municipal-level indicators that assess tourism potential and infrastructure, transport and logistical accessibility, as well as climatic and environmental conditions. The study’s novelty lies in its extensive use of municipal-level data to evaluate tourism development across the Russian Arctic. The findings reveal considerable disparities in tourism potential, development levels, and perceptions of Arctic tourism and its existing opportunities. Eight typological groups of Arctic tourism systems were identified, each characterized by distinct factors shaping tourism growth. The study further ranks these groups based on their level of tourism system development. The results underscore the need to reinstate the practice of compiling tourism inventories for Arctic regions at both regional and municipal levels. The insights gained from this study provide a scientific and practical foundation for developing management tools and policy strategies to support the spatial development of Arctic tourism systems. Future research should focus on examining Arctic tourism systems in the context of specific tourism sectors.