Irkutsk is attracting more tourists thanks to its closeness to Baikal, developed infrastructure, and rich historical and architectural heritage. More than 200 tourism businesses operate in the city, but experts believe the hospitality sector needs more attention and more active promotion of leisure in Irkutsk. The article also notes that tourism brings economic benefits only when closely linked with other industries.
The modern tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy, which can also be regarded as an independent type of economic activity.According to the Siberian Institute for Tourism Planning and Development, the main motive for visiting Irkutsk is its proximity to Lake Baikal - the cleanest, deepest, and oldest lake in the world.
The city's tourism market is represented by more than 200 enterprises. The city has a number of competitive advantages over its neighbors: it has a well-developed infrastructure, interesting excursions, and historical and architectural monuments.
At the same time, experts recommend that the Irkutsk tourism sector pay closer attention to the "hospitality" industry and more actively promote leisure opportunities in the city.
It should also be noted that the positive impact of tourism on the economy occurs only if it develops in parallel and in close connection with other sectors of the socio-economic complex.