Cluster approach to development of wine and gastronomy tourism in Volgograd region

Abstract

This article discusses the possibilities of grape growing and wine production industry in the Volgograd region development to increase the tourist attractiveness of the region. The article describes the soil and climate, historical, agricultural and technological and social and economic prerequisites for development of this branch. It was suggested to use the cluster approach, joining efforts of grape growers and wine producers, as well as scientific and educational, tourist and hospitability enterprises of the Volgograd region for rendering tourist and recreation services for the local residents, Russian and foreign guests of the city within the educational and production project of the Volgograd state agricultural university “Innovative village “Gornaya Polyana”. The originality of suggestions is that the “Gornaya Polyana” is the unique educational, scientific and production center that not only provides the tourists with information on history, local traditions, technology and culture of alcohol drinking, but also suggests them tasting different varieties of grape and wine, working on vinelands, participating in wine festivals and thematic festivals; visiting and taking part in special exhibitions and meetings, workshop sessions and educational programs, joining the abilities of agricultural, wine, gastronomical, ethnographic, educational events and business tourism. The project suggests creating of the recreation and service areas such as: park area, pond, bath house at the water basin shore, recreation services, including the wine therapy and wine cosmetology; production and workshops, including wine production, willow weaving; leisure activities and services, accommodation means and other.The results of investigation should be used for solving the social and economic problems in the region due to development of non-agricultural activities at the rural area, such as: wine, gastronomical and ethnographical tourism.