Ethnocultural tourism in the system of recreational nature management of the North Eastern Caucasus

The aim of the work is to study the problems and prospects of ethno-cultural tourism development in the North-Eastern Caucasus and to assess its role in recreational nature management. Research methods: geographical, comparative-historical, demographic and ethno-cultural analysis of the territory, method of statistical processing of information and geo-system approach. Research results. The structure of ethno-cultural tourism potential including objects of natural and historical-cultural heritage, pilgrimages and unique intangible cultural heritage (art, culture, traditions and customs) was substantiated. The geographical pattern of distribution of historical and cultural heritage objects has been studied, which consists in the following: in the plain part these objects are represented mainly by houses of famous scientists, architects, artists and poets, obelisks, etc., and in the mountain zone–by tower complexes, above-ground crypts, bas-reliefs and other structures. The main types of traditional folk crafts and handicrafts (carpet weaving, felt making, jewelry, gun smithing, metal carving on wood, etc.) preserved up to nowadays as the most important resource of ethno-cultural tourism are shown. The significant share of creative potential has been identified in the mountainous part of the North-Eastern Caucasus. Conclusion. The results of the study show that the potential of ethno-cultural tourism in the North-Eastern Caucasus is not fully utilized. And this is reflected in its weak role in the system of recreational nature management. It is proved that for more effective utilization of this potential it is necessary to develop science-based approaches. The complex of problems that hinder the development of ethno-cultural tourism in the region of study is identified (shortage of highly qualified personnel, low level of service, poorly developed infrastructure, especially in mountainous areas, weak promotion of tourism products, etc.). It is shown that their decision will allow to bring this type of tourism to a higher level of economic development. It is recommended to emphasize the combination of traditional and innovative approaches in the system of recreational nature management, including ethno-cultural branding of recreation objects. The results of the study can be applied in the development of regional strategies for tourism development in the North-Eastern Caucasus, in the formation of regional and interregional tourism and recreation clusters.