Tourism and Environmental Degradation in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Mass tourism is one of the main factors that contributes to economic growth and is a major objective to most of the countries nowadays. It has a lot of positive impact on country’s economic performance, however, there is always a trade-off between economic and environmental incentives. Therefore, mass tourism has a driving force to environmental degradation especially if its contribution to pollution exceeds the optimum level. The main aim of this paper, is to test the impact of tourism on the Russian Federation’s environment, to see the major actions of tourists that lead to environmental deterioration during the 2000s and forward such as, dumping the garbage, harming the wildlife, emitting large gas emissions and energy consumptions. In addition, revealing Russia’s problems with tourism development and ecological footprints. Finally, we are going to suggest some solutions to maintain sustainable development and conservation of resources including the usage of natural gases instead of electricity, using efficient light bulbs and water flow controllers in order to limit consumptions. Also, training programs are made by institutions to enhance the employees’ skills and raise their awareness of modern technology. Lastly and most importantly, Russia turned out to be one of the top countries maintaining sustainable development and has good future to being green.