Economic and statistical analysis of the state and dynamics of development of the tourism industry in the Russian Federation

The article analyses the state and dynamics of the tourism industry in the Russian Federation over the past decade. It is noted that the development of the tourism sector can be conditionally divided into four main periods, each of which gradually saw a change in the focus of industry development. The first one is characterised by a rapid increase in demand for foreign tours due to the rapid growth in the standard of living and lack of adequate volume and quality of tourism services, which, in turn, led to a greater tourist flow abroad than within the country. During this period, the industry received a significant boost in the development of the network of travel agencies. In the second period, which refers to 2014-2019, there is an accelerated growth in demand for domestic destinations relative to the previous period, due to a less attractive exchange rate as well as political instability in the countries of traditional residence of Russian tourists. 2014 became a turning point in accelerating the development of domestic guest infrastructure. In 2014, a record increase in the number of rooms was recorded – 11.7%. In 2015, it was even greater – 14.8%. The third period is the COVID-19 pandemic, which seriously undermined the positive trend in the development of the tourism industry. The fourth period has begun in 2022 and continues to the present day. It can be characterised as a rapid stage in the development of domestic tourism against the backdrop of a reduction in trips abroad. Among the regions, the key role belongs to Moscow as the main centre of attraction for tourist flows.