EVALUATING THE TOURISM-RECREATION POTENTIAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WALKING TOURISM

Abstract

Aim. This study evaluates the tourism-recreation potential of the Republic of Tatarstan for the development of walking tourism. Materials and methods. As part of the analysis of walking tourism prospects in the Republic of Tatarstan, this study identifies the main criteria for the evaluation of tourism-recreation potential, including the natural conditions, infrastructure, and accessibility of walking routes. The study employs cartographic analysis for the assessment of tourist resources and an integral scale-based qualitative assessment method by A.V. Drozdov. Results. To assess the prospects for developing walking tourism in the Republic of Tatarstan, the study summarized the existing obstacles. The identified problems were categorized into those common to active tourism in general – along with potential solutions – and those specific to the Republic of Tatarstan. Despite the rapid development of sports tourism in the region, significant infrastructure investments, and the considerable work undertaken in this sphere, the region still possesses unused resources. The study demonstrated that the Yelabuzhskiy and Zelenodolskiy municipal districts are the most promising for walking tourism. In terms of natural and landscape conditions, both districts received the highest scores on two out of three assessment scales. Regarding the territorial distribution of infrastructure, the Yelabuzhskiy district scored highest on two of the three scales, while the Zelenodol-skiy district achieved the top score on every scale. Conclusion. The Yelabuzhskiy and Zelenodolskiy municipal districts have the potential to become hubs for developing and organizing active forms of recreation, including walking tourism, in the east and north-west of the Republic of Tatarstan.