Analysis of current state and development trends of the tourism sector in the regions of the North Caucasus, Russia

The territory of the south of Russia, within which the North Caucasus Federal District is located, is a most suitable zone for the development of tourism and recreation due to its natural, climatic and geographical components. In this regard, identifying the potential of the tourism sector in the North Caucasian Federal District as one of the promising areas is an urgent task under modern geopolitical conditions.To analyze the level of saturation of the tourist infrastructure of accommodation and the demand for its services in the North Caucasus Federal District, the following indices were calculated: the number of places for tourist accommodation per 1000 permanent residents; number of tourists staying in accommodation facilities per 1 sq. km of territory; number of tourists staying in accommodation facilities per 1000 permanent residents; number of places to accommodate tourists per 1 sq. km. territories.Based on the analysis of the state and development of the tourism sector, as well as the calculated values of tourism infrastructure indices, the main trends in the development of the tourism sector and the problems of its functioning have been identified, which will make it possible to more effectively manage the existing unique tourist, recreational and ethnocultural potential of the territory.The positive dynamics of the main indicators in recent years indicates an increase in the attractiveness and competitiveness of the North Caucasian Federal District as a tourist destination. The analysis of statistical data allows us to draw conclusions about the reorientation of tourist flows from the central regions of Russia to the regions of the North Caucasus.