Many probably heard the term “cluster” in the economic sphere. But not everyone knows and understands its exact meaning. For tourism activities, this concept is also applicable.
Definition
A tourism cluster is an association of organizations that provide tourism services. In its composition, it has small and large firms that constantly interact with each other. They are located on a single territory within the same region. The work is carried out both in the domestic (travel within the country) and in the external direction (foreign travel).
Why do we need such associations
The tourism business has a significant impact on the country's economy. Therefore, its importance cannot be underestimated. For dynamically developing countries, tourism is becoming a criterion for the growth of economic indicators.
Tourism clusters in Russia today are created with the aim of creating competitive tourism services, while using modern business technologies.
Composition
The cluster structure is a hierarchical system. The leading link is the management company. The state transfers to it the authority to manage certain economic territories. Relations are based on a partnership. Depending on the direction of development of the tourism cluster financial support is provided in the required volumes.
The management company, in turn, regulates the work of such units:
- tour operators;
- travel agencies;
- organizations providing guest accommodation services (hotels, pensions, motels and others).
The next step in the hierarchy is:
- transfer company;
- catering facilities (restaurants, cafes, bars, etc.);
- places of leisure and recreation (parks, gyms and playgrounds, cinemas and others);
- retail outlets with souvenirs;
- transport repair facilities.
Goals
At the state level, there are tasks for such associations. In this case a tourism cluster is a concentration of tourism components in a country. That is, it is assumed that the state will become the center of world tourism.
It is also assumed that due to large formations, the work of enterprises included in the cluster will become more efficient. There will be a development of new areas, the inclusion of innovative systems and technologies.
Creating a cluster makes a picture of the region and its prospects, stimulates the promotion and creation of new elements in the structure.
And cultural and tourist associations will help draw attention to the problems of preserving values. For Russia, the creation of tourist clusters will be an impetus for improving the quality of tourism services.
Varieties and types
Depending on the tourist orientation, different types are distinguished: entertainment, museum, resort, environmental and other clusters.
By scale parameters, regional, local, national and trans-national associations (clusters) are divided. Larger of them can occupy large territories and influence adjacent structures. Cluster formation occurs either for its intended purpose, or it is a historically established structure.
Russian experience
In July of this year, it was decided to form 17 tourist clusters in our country. Creature It is planned in such regions as Dagestan, Udmurtia, Karelia, Komi, Mari El, as well as the Trans-Baikal and Krasnodar Territories. Areas for the implementation of such associations will be:
- Novgorod;
- Bryansk;
- Volgograd;
- Tula and others.
Baikal and the surrounding areas have good potential. They are interesting in terms of ecotourism. In turn, the formation of large associations in this zone will help improve the living standards of the local population and will be an impetus to the development of industrial structures. It is planned that the Trans-Baikal zone and new tourist clusters will become the center of world tourism.
The regions of the Vologda and Moscow regions have good prospects. Ancient noble estates, monuments of architecture and history - all this can cause interest from representatives of other states. It is only important to bring tourism to a decent level.
The creation of clusters in regions such as Karelia and Altai will also increase their tourist attractiveness in the international arena.
The development of domestic and inbound tourism is important both for the country's economy and for international status. So far, Russian tourism is significantly behind the level of other countries.
World clusters
The experience of many countries suggests that large integrations contribute to improving the efficiency of the economy. Main centers: Asian, European (Western Europe) and North American. In European countries, the tourism cluster is a developed system.
Thanks to the interaction of organizations with the state apparatus, tourism of such a country as Italy today has a modern developed tourism infrastructure. Monuments of historical and cultural heritage are carefully preserved. They became the main attractions of the state. All modern achievements are actively used, which makes tourism attractive.
For Israel, the tourism business is a key component. It brings 4% of the state’s GDP. Business and medical tourism is what distinguishes Israel. In this country, the cluster is not just an independent association of individual companies, but a clear interaction of all structures controlled by government bodies.
Principles of placement
The regions are not equally rich in various recreational resources, so the location of cluster structures is uneven.
Most often they are formed in places with a high concentration of attractions, both natural and artificial.
One of the factors may be placement in a certain area in order to raise the economic level.
Cluster Features
- Geographically attached to a specific area.
- A tourism cluster is an open system, while networks have a limited membership.
- Cluster interaction is based on social values and trust.
- Compiles organizations to create a complementary system. Creates demand.
- Based on competition and cooperation.
- It forms a collective image of the future, common tasks.
Cluster example. Republic of Belarus
The idea of this association is the interaction of objects of different purposes. It includes catering, museums, guest houses, souvenir shops. All participants entered into an agreement on cooperation in the joint servicing of tourists. Various directions have been developed: for schoolchildren, senior citizens, and foreign tourists. The organizers have created a unique set of "Miracles of Schuchinschina." It included: Malomozheykovskaya Church, which is a fortress, the palace of the Drutsky-Lyubetskys, Rakovitskaya icon of the Mother of God. A distinctive feature of this region is the plantation of cork trees.
As you can see, the formation of such associations ensures the effective interaction and development of the tourism industry. The region in which the tourist cluster is located, the cities included in it, will definitely get an impetus to the development of its infrastructure and improving the living standards of the population. A coordinated approach to activities is required, the formation of a financial base (by attracting sponsorship funds or state support), as well as the orientation of all the components of the cluster towards self-development.