Sociological research in the tourism and recreation zone “Baikal Harbour”

Lake Baikal, as the World Natural heritage site, represents an area in Russian Federation, where any economic activity is strictly regulated. According to the legislation, the prospects for economic activity within the Baikal Region can be linked to tourism. Special Economic Zone of tourism and recreation (TRZ) “Baikal Harbour” was organized in the Republic of Buryatia (Pribaikalsky District). Tourism is considered to contribute to the socio-economic development of the region, which has long been considered depressed. Comprehensive studies were carried out for several years (2012-2015) in the area of the TRZ “Baikal Harbour”. A special emphasis was given to the analysis of problems and prospects for future development of the Pribaikalsky District in the context of creating “Baikal Harbour”. One of the methods used was sociological research, which revealed some new tendency in the development of the area, as well as different conflicts from the point of view of the local people.