CURRENT STATE AND PROBLEMS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN GAGRA DISTRICT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ABKHAZIA IN 2016

Abstract

The article deals with the issues of tourism development in Gagra district of Abkhazia at the present stage. Based on the tourists’ survey conducted in 2016 in Gagra district, opinions of respondents about the organization of recreation at the resorts of the district are analyzed. It is noted that in the presence of significant medical resources, only 1.5 % of respondents come to the region for the purpose of treatment and prevention. At the same time about 82 % of tourists come for recreation and leisure. Among vacationers, representatives of categories of the population with low solvency - workers, employees and pensioners - predominate. Every year, the opportunities for independent tourism are increasing, thanks to the possibility for booking through the Internet and close connections between tourists and the local population. More than half of the respondents could not spend money intended for recreation and entertainment, which is primarily due to the lack of goods and services in places of rest. Almost all tourists faced different kinds of problems, some of which must be resolved during the holiday season in 2017. The main problems on vacation are low level of service, problems of lack of comfort, inflated prices. It is recommended to extend the duration of the holiday season, create recreational and therapeutic programs adapted for the off-season, diversify cultural and entertainment programs in the main season, opening up all new recreational facilities. The steady positive image of Abkhazia, which has been formed in recent years, is confirmed by the fact that 56 % of respondents intend to return to the Gagra district next year.