Low-mountain territories of Bolshaya Belokurikha: tourism design based on the recreation opportunity spectrum

Abstract

Introduction. Bolshaya Belokurikha is a dynamically developing tourist destination in the low mountains of the Altai Territory with a sufficient number of underdeveloped territories near the resort town of Belokurikha. The article shows the application of a territory management system based on the recreation opportunity spectrum for the design of the developing territories of Bolshaya Belokurikha. The purpose of the study is to classify the tourist areas of Bolshaya Belokurikha in accordance with the recreation opportunity spectrum and develop recommendations for their design. Materials and methods. The study included the following stages: 1) analysis of the existing use of territories, 2) defining of opportunity setting factors (controlled factors), 3) description of the potential recreation opportunity spectrum with specific values of factors for each class of territory, 4) typification of the territories of Bolshaya Belokurikha in accordance with the characterized spectrum classes, 5) comparison of the planned classes with the current state of the territories and the formulation of design recommendations. The following methods were used to collect data: observation, analysis of secondary data, non-standardized survey of experts from the scientific and business communities in the field of tourism in the form of interviews with open-end questions. At the data processing stage, general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, and classification were used. As opportunity setting factors (controlled factors), we chose the frequency of encounters with other visitors, the density of buildings and infrastructure, the type of accommodation facilities, the number of service facilities, the type of access to the territory (development of the transport and route network and its quality). Results. The potential recreation opportunity spectrum of Bolshaya Belokurikha includes 8 classes of territories that can satisfy the different needs of visitors: urban territory (obtaining the widest possible range of services in the most comfortable conditions), rural areas (rest from the bustle of the city in comfortable conditions, eco-food, immersion in rural life), motorized sightseeing (quick access to nature in relatively comfortable conditions), a pedestrian zone (short walks along specially equipped health trails near the urban area), semi-primitive motorized territory (active secluded outdoor recreation in comfortable conditions with the possibility of moving on ATVs, bicycles, etc.), hiking zone (solitary short-term (1-3 days) recreation in comfortable conditions, light hiking with overnight stays at camp sites, in glampings, etc.), backcountry (trekking) zone (solitary recreation in training conditions, long hiking with overnight stays in tents in designated places), primitive territory (full immersion in nature with a high level of risk and difficulty). Discussion. Taking into account current trends in demand, the most attention in terms of design in Bolshaya Belokurikha is currently required by the semi-primitive motorized zone and the hiking zone: it is necessary to create accommodation facilities, equip existing routes and design new ones in accordance with the standards defined for each class of territory. Conclusion. The analysis of the existing use of tourist areas within Bolshaya Belokurikha showed that over time, the structure of the tourist space becomes more complex and the transition from point development to area development takes place. The conditions for the development of the tourist territories of Bolshaya Belokurikha as a whole tourist complex and its competitiveness on the basis of the implementation of recreation opportunity spectrum are determined. Resume. 1. The potential recreation opportunity spectrum in the tourist areas of Bolshaya Belokurikha is described in the form of standards for 8 classes of territories. 2. Types of recreational opportunities that require priority development are identified, objects for design are proposed. Suggestions for practical application and direction for future research. The results of the research can be useful in the development of spatial planning schemes for municipal districts and master plans for tourist areas in Bolshaya Belokurikha, as well as in the development of a methodological base for designing tourist areas. Further research can be aimed at conducting a detailed functional zoning of tourist areas in Bolshaya Belokurikha, taking into account the identified recreation opportunitу spectrum.