The development of tourist information centers in Russian regions
Importance The article considers the development of a system of tourist information centers in the territory of the Russian Federation. This is a topical issue in terms of creating a positive image of Russian regions in the sphere of international and domestic tourism. A system approach to building a network of tourist information centers in Russian regions will help solve the main task of regional policy, i.e. to create conditions for a more effective and harmonious development of regions and growth of well-being of the population of the country. Objectives The goal of the paper is to study the genesis of the existing system of tourist information centers in the Russian Federation, and identify opportunities for further improvement with both an institutional and legal point of view and from the perspective of improving the socio-economic impact of tourism. Methods Using a comparative analysis and methods of organizational and legal modeling, I analyzed the various aspects of creation and development of tourist information centers in the tourist sphere of Russian regions, including through public-private partnership, and defined the most characteristic features of the tourism economy, where the use of tourist information centers is more effective. Results In the paper, I describe the conceptual frameworks and economic and organizational principles for the creation and development of tourist information centers. I consolidate foreign and domestic experience in this subject area; identify different approaches to the organization and evaluation of the generated system of tourist information centers. Conclusions I conclude about the need to improve the current system of tourist information centers and assess the potential for its use in Russian practice in modern conditions.