Economic and Socio-Cultural Benefits of Sustainable Tourism

The definition of sustainable tourism, economic benefits, contribution to government revenues, employment generation,stimulation of infrastructure investment, contribution to local economies, direct financial contributions to nature protection, socio-cultural benefits, tourism as a force for peace, environmental protection, social equity and cohesion, economic prosperity, respect and tolerance between cultures, revaluation of culture and traditions, poverty reduction.

The History and Current State of Tourism

The reasons for travelling in ancient times, travelling in the Middle Ages, the Grand Tour, Thomas Cook’s first organized tours, the beginning of mass tourism, the biggest business in the world, the fastest growing industry, today’s challenges of tourism, positive and negative results of tourism development: economic benefits and revenues, jobs and careers, environment and animal life, local culture and way of life.

The Tourism Industry in Russia

The general characteristic of the tourism industry in Russia, inbound tourism in Russia, outbound tourism in Russia, employment in the tourism sphere, prospective Russia’s tourist regions, hotel market in Russia, global events as a means of attracting both domestic and foreign tourists, regional small-scale unconventional tourism, introduction of low-cost carriers, infrastructure development.

The Caucasian Mineral Waters Resorts

The Caucasian Mineral Waters Resorts, natural recreation resources of the region, sanatorium establishments (health care centres), curative effect of mineral waters, mineral baths, mud and radon, cultural facilities of the resorts, Pyatigorsk as an administrative, cultural and balneological centre of the region, Yessentuki’s health and tourist potential, Kislovodsk as a unique balneological and climatic resort, Zheleznovodsk’s health and tourist potential.

SWOT-Analysis of the Caucasian Mineral Waters Region

Strengths of the region, health resort and tourist potential of the region, infrastructure of the region, weaknesses of the region, quality and cost of tourist services, opportunities of the region, investments attraction, implementation of innovative and energy-saving technologies, tourist enterprises encouragement, new tourist products development, efficient protection and restoration of cultural objects, threats of the region, ethnic conflicts, corruption, environmental hazards.

Pyatigorsk as a Tourist Destination

Pyatigorsk as the largest balneological and curative mud resort, natural curing resources of Pyatigorsk, the climate of the town, flora and fauna of Pyatigorsk, natural sights of Pyatigorsk, historical and cultural heritage of the town, Lermontov’s sites in Pyatigorsk, entertainment facilities in Pyatigorsk.

Marketing in Tourism

The intangible nature of tourist products, travel experience, marketing strategy, external marketing mix (product/service, price, place/location, and promotion), recreational/ tourism experience, promotional campaign, components of promotion, internal marketing mix, elements of internal marketing, customer satisfaction.

Promotion in Tourism

Three goals of tourist promotion, promotion as a way of overcoming seasonality, organisations involved in tourist promotion, major types of promotion, familiarization trips as a way of promotion, media and Internet as major means of tourist promotion, printed means of promotion, word of mouth as the most effective means of tourist promotion.

Careers in Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism and hospitality as the fastest-growing industries in the world, travel and tourism careers, skills and responsibilities involved in the travel and tourism sector, education in the travel and tourism sphere, careers in hotel business, skills and responsibilities involved in the hotel industry, training in the hotel sphere, careers in catering, skills and responsibilities involved in catering, careers in the entertainment and amusement sector, skills and responsibilities involved in the entertainment and amusement sector.

Tourist Attractions and Entertainment

Large cities as major tourist attractions, rural areas as favourite tourist destinations, natural scenery as a tourist attraction, summer and winter holiday resorts, shopping – a magnet for tourists, cruise ships, trade fairs and exhibitions, amusement parks and theme parks, visiting gourmet restaurants, sightseeing business, world heritage sites, variety as an important factor in keeping the customers entertained.

Types of Tourism

International tourism, inbound and outbound tourism, domestic tourism, internal and national tourism, mass tourism, sustainable tourism, ecological tourism, agricultural tourism, social tourism, business tourism, health-care tourism, adventure and extreme tourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, gastronomic tourism, religious tourism, educational tourism, space tourism, dark tourism, armchair tourism.

New Trends and Development Prospects in the Tourist Industry

International tourism growth, UNWTO’s forecast for international tourism, traditional and growing inbound and outbound regions, trends mostly affecting the tourist industry, e-commerce in the tourist industry, social media as a marketing technique in tourism, “green” initiatives in the tourist and hospitality industries, future trends in the hospitality industry.

Types of Hotels

Different grading systems of hotels, full-service hotels, limited-service hotels, motels, commercial (conference) hotels, resort hotels, extended-stay hotels, casino hotels, bed-and-breakfast inns, RV (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds, rooming and boarding houses, guest houses, youth hostels, hotel chains, boutique hotels, independently owned and operated hotels.

Hotel Services

Major types of hotels, the difference between full-service and limited-service properties, restaurant and beverage service options, banquet services, room service, housekeeping service, room equipment, recreational facilities and amenities, special services for business travellers, convention and conference facilities, a range of services in extended-stay hotels.

Types of Restaurants

Different classifications of restaurants, quick service restaurants (fast food), self-service restaurants, a drive-through, cafeterias, casual dining restaurants, family-style restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, coffee houses, bars and pubs, brasseries and bistros, fine dining restaurants.

Culinary Tourism

Culinary tourism as a branch of cultural tourism, the difference between eating and dining out, country’s heritage and culinary traditions, the role of food in destination marketing, a connection between tourism and gastronomy, the main target market of culinary tourism, 'slow food' movement, current trends influencing culinary tourism development, the role of the media in shaping culinary tourism.

Conferences and Conventions Organization

The difference between conferences and conventions, the choice of the venue, facilities required for conferences and conventions organization, attendance figures, accommodation, catering arrangement, equipment required for holding conferences and conventions, banquet arrangement, delegates’ leisure time arrangement.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Hotel Chains

Competitive advantages of hotel chains, advertising and public relations, the increased efficiency in making and controlling reservations, the standardization of equipment and operating procedures, the increased sales potential for conventions, the superior planning and design of hotels, expensive market research data, bulk purchases, economies of scale, 'identikit' air of chain hotels, higher turnover.