Comparative analysis of tourism potential of the Finno-Ugric republics: Mordovia and Mari El

Abstract

Introduction. Today, much attention is paid to the study and effectiveness of the tourism potential of the territory. Such territories are regions having a common ethnic identity. In Russia, these are Finno-Ugric federal entities. Geographically, they are separated from each other, but the development of joint tourism products is a doable task. The closest Finno-Ugric region to the Republic of Mordovia is the Republic of Mari El. The object of the study is the tourism potential of the Republic of Mordovia and the Republic of Mari El. The aim of the study is to compare the potential tourism potential of these two Finno-Ugric regions of Russia for the development of tourism. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on the basis of research published by the academics of National Research Mordovia State University, within the framework of the priority research trach “Fundamental and applied research in the field of Finno-Ugric Studies”. The authors applied the following research methods: comparative geographical, statistical, cartographic, analysis and synthesis, generalization, expert estimates, observations, etc. Results and Discussion. The Republics have an interesting rich cultural and historical potential, on the basis of which tourist routes have been developed both in the capitals and countryside of the region. The tourism potential allows the development of cognitive, cultural, historical, sports, religious, event tourism, etc. The key task for its development in the regions and the effective promotion of the latter in the tourist markets is the creation of a branded or basic route that can serve as the basis for the formation of various tours. The development of such routes allows us to solve the strategic problem of including significant objects showing the region in inter-regional routes. Conclusion. Based on the study and comparative analysis of the tourism potential of the two Finno-Ugric regions, their opportunities for joint tourism activities are evaluated. One of the joint projects could be the development of an inter-regional tourist route that promotes the promotion of Finno-Ugric regions in the tourist market of Russia.