Development of Public Spaces as Objects of Tourist Attraction

The article considers the specifics of development of public spaces of modern cities as objects of tourist attraction, analyzes key problems and prospects for increasing their potential. The role of public spaces in development of domestic tourism is determined by a set of motivating factors social subjects when choosing tourist routes, primarily in the context of cultural, educational and event tourism. Along with cognitive and rational factors, emotional and personal motivation of a tourist (the need for sensory experience, emotions, impressions, visual attractiveness of a place) is of particular importance. The results of the research allowed us to conclude that there are a number of dysfunctions in development of public spaces of modern cities, their insufficient visual and functional attractiveness for a potential tourist. Insufficient of financial resources in local budgets do not allow to maintain a high level of improvement of public spaces, primarily in small towns. Every fifth respondent surveyed during the study noted the insufficient number of places for leisure. One of the modern problems of functioning of public spaces is their “transition” from public urban areas to the commercialized zone of shopping and entertainment centers. The article highlights the functions of public spaces: integration, communication, leisure, socio-cultural (creation of conditions for the implementation of cultural and spiritual interests of the individual, maintaining diversity in the urban environment), image (formation of a territorial brand and image). A conclusion is made about the need to focus the efforts of local authorities on the development of public spaces as objects of tourist attraction, increasing their visual attractiveness, authenticity, originality, and activating the event agenda.