Strategic priorities of development of tourism and exhibition and fair activities in Kuzbass

Tourism is undoubtedly considered to be a strategic industry, especially in the countries with unique natural, cultural and historical resources. However, not very long ago the function of tourism in Russia was more of social character than of economic one. At present tourism is the largest intersectoral complex with a significant multiplicative effect. In order to strategize the tourist industry according to Dr. Vladimir L. Kvint’s methodology it is necessary to evaluate global, national and regional tendencies and consistent patterns, to make analysis of opportunities and threats and to concentrate on the priority trends of development of tourism. To be implemented the trends must be provided with competitive advantages. Kuzbass possesses unrealized potential in the development of niche types of tourism which include snowmobile, off road and industrial tourism. In the conditions of the current financial crisis it is a significant competitive advantage of the region which will make it possible to develop both intraregional and interregional tourism in this direction. Exhibition and fair activity is the most important tool of communication, a mechanism of promotion of new technologies and goods into foreign and domestic markets and a powerful driver of economy. Strategic interests both of the state and its key industrial region Kuzbass can also be realized by organizing international industrial fairs. The objective of the article is to ground the expediency of strategic development and to determine the priority directions for the development of tourism and exhibition and fair activity for the region’s economy in the post-crisis conditions.