Role of agrotourism in the development of rural areas in the Republic of North Ossetia - Alania

This article examines the challenges of establishing and developing agritourism in rural areas under conditions of limited land use. This paper explores various possible options and models for a hitherto virtually undeveloped sector – agritourism – and attempts to provide a scientifically substantiated organizational and economic mechanism, structure, and the need to develop this important sector of the agro-industrial complex in the unique natural and climatic conditions of the region under study. Furthermore, various options for developing these small businesses are proposed.

Aim. The study is to provide a scientifically based organizational and economic mechanism for the development of agricultural tourism in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania based on a study of various possible options and models of agricultural tourism.

Research methods. The research has been conducted using abstract-logical, analytical, computational-constructive, and expert assessment methods.

Research result. It has been revealed that there is a trend towards de-urbanization, in particular, more and more former city dwellers are returning to villages and creating sustainable farms. In this regard, the development of agricultural tourism in small-scale farming is justified, and measures to stimulate this trend in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania are proposed.

Conclusion. The analysis shows that the development of agricultural tourism in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania would not only accelerate the socio-economic development of rural areas but also create a sustainable distribution channel for agricultural products and food, strengthening the region'sfood security and improving the quality of life for the rural population.