Tourism in the Russian-Belarusian Border Area: Current State and New Points of Development

Aim . To analyze the main indicators of tourist activity in the regions of the Russian-Belarusian border area and develop basic recommendations for the development of tourist and recreational activities in the studied region. Methodology . The following methods were used to conduct the study: analysis of statistical and analytical information; content analysis of national strategic documents for the development of tourism and programs for the socio-economic development of regions belonging to the Russian-Belarusian border area (three regions from the Russian Federation: Pskov, Smolensk, Bryansk regions and three regions from the Republic of Belarus: Vitebsk, Mogilev, Gomel regions); methods of statistical analysis (correlation method, building dynamic series). Results . A statistical analysis of tourist activity in the Russian-Belarusian border area for 2019–2023 is presented. The results of the study made it possible to assess the current state of development of the tourism and hospitality industry in the regions of the Russian-Belarusian border region by key indicators: the volume of tourist flow; the number of collective accommodation facilities and the number of persons accommodated in them; the volume of paid services in the tourism sector. The dynamics of inbound, outbound and domestic tourism in the studied region is also analyzed. It is suggested that in modern economic and geopolitical realities, the territory of the Russian-Belarusian border area, having a unique geographical location (transit, periphery and interstality), significant tourist and recreational potential and active development of the tourism sector with the leading role of the Pskov and Vitebsk regions, can become a new destination in the international and national tourist markets. Research implications . The results of the work and the proposed specific actions for the development of tourism in the Russian-Belarusian border area can be used in the formation of programs for the development of the tourism and hospitality industry in the border areas of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in the context of international cooperation.