LAUSR

Purpose This paper aims to discuss recent developments in the Russian tourism industry and the main reasons for new initiatives in local destination development. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on qualitative research methodology. A summary of key literature is presented alongside the analysis of the survey results. Findings This paper sheds light on the challenges and changes that took place in the Russian tourism business between 2014 and 2017. The subject is poorly covered in academic literature. The basic data for analysis presented in official statistics are scarce. Therefore a more effective way of obtaining relevant information was to conduct a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire, with tourism business actors as respondents. Research limitations/implications This paper provides mostly conceptual analysis based on limited empirical data; directions for further empirical research are proposed in the conclusion. Originality/value The paper reveals something of the impact of economic and geopolitical factors, both negative and positive ones, on the restructuring of the Russian tourism market and the emergence of promising opportunities for the development of new domestic destinations. As a result, tourism market actors are able to become more diverse.