Importance Many southern regions of Russia specialize in the resort, recreation and leisure industry that historically originated from a unique combination of such natural and healing factors as mineral water, therapeutic mud, various climates and picturesque plain and mountainous landscapes. Scientists have discovered and continue examining an effect of mineral water on human health for the recent one hundred years. While the scientists proceed with their studies, such major resorts of the Stavropol Krai as Zheleznovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Yessentuki, Kislovodsk, keep on attracting tourists owing to the natural and healing resources and a combined effect of the above natural and healing factors. The research aims at examining the growth rates of the North Caucasian resort and recreation industry, and focuses on the specifics of therapeutic and recreational tourism under external circumstances. Objectives The objective of the research is to study the therapeutic resort and recreation sector of the North Caucasian Federal District. The southern regions of Russia have been renowned for their harmonic combination of natural healing factors and economic potential for a long time. That is the reason why local authorities put special focus on the development of the therapeutic resort and recreation sector as one of the most promising economic trends. The area has everything to ensure sustainable development of the region's therapeutic resort and recreation sector that is well known in Russia and worldwide. Methods I apply the methods of statistical data processing, analysis of group data, synthesis, inductive and deductive approaches to data processing. Results The analysis of the North Caucasian therapeutic resort and recreation sector illustrates the current condition of therapeutic and recreational tourism. In this respect, it is possible to note the deterioration of the therapeutic resort and recreation industry nationwide, rather than only in some regions and federal districts of the Russian Federation. Conclusions and Relevance The article states the need to further develop the therapeutic resort and recreation industry, and mentions, in particular, outlining and implementing a regional program for resort and recreation development, thus substantially contributing to the economic sector.
Keywords: therapeutic and recreational tourism, natural healing resources, social and economic resources
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