Today, the international tourism industry, being an integral part of the international trade in services, demonstrates its dynamic development. Over the past 20 years, the average annual growth rate of the flow of people traveling in the world was 5.1%, and foreign exchange earnings associated with the flow of people grew by 14%. Attention to the development of tourism in the world is increasing, since its impact on the economy of individual countries is very significant. As for Russia, according to statistical sources, in 2010 this industry in the total GDP of Russia amounted to 3%, and taking into account related industries - 6.5%. Given these figures, we can say that international tourism is a constantly developing industry.
Here are the areas that are directly affected by international tourism in any country:
- It is always associated with the inflow of foreign currency;
- Thanks to this industry, the balance of payments of the country's budget is increasing;
- It contributes to the diversification of the country's economy, industries that are associated with tourism are being created;
- International tourism is the growth of employment of the population, the growth of its income, the improvement of the welfare of the nation.
The volume of export services associated with this type of tourism is second only to the oil industry and the automotive industry in the entire global economy.
Russia and international tourism
The Russian Federation does not remain aloof from the general global trends in the development of the economy, it has one of the leading places in the field of tourist exchange. So, 2011 gave Russia a total flow of tourists - about 20 million people. Revenues received during this period amounted to $11.4 billion
With its rich cultural heritage and natural diversity, Russia is rightfully among the countries that are seeing potential growth in tourism. Today, Russia's service sector is undergoing a major transformation.
International tourism in Russia will be further developed as demanded regions create special economic zones that contribute to the development of business in the industry we are talking about today.
Structure of international tourism
International tourism has developed a clear structure in the provision of services. So, the most massive enterprises in the field of organization are various agencies - intermediaries between tour operators and travelers. Their role today is difficult to overestimate.
Followed by travel agencies - these are wholesale companies that play the role of intermediaries between enterprises.
The next step in business is corporations. As a rule, these are large enterprises that, by introducing a participation system, attract a wide range of organizations and enterprises to the tourism industry.
Hotel complexes can serve as an example of such a corporation.
Extensive international ties that arose against the backdrop of the development of tourism led to the creation of numerous international organizations. Today they operate in every country. Their task is to contribute to the improvement of international relations and the organization of tourism.
