Vol. 20 No. 3 (2026), Туризм: российский и международный опыт
Vol. 20 No. 3 (2026)

KEY CONTRADICTIONS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING RIVER CRUISE TOURISM IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Туризм: российский и международный опыт
Published 2026-08-07
Евгения Ползикова
ФГБОУ ВО КГУФКСТ
Ирина Михайловна Кучеренко
https://doi.org/10.22412/1995-042X-2026-20-3-112-120
PDF (Russian) (RUB 190)

Keywords

aging fleet
river cruise tourism
theme cruises
tourism digitalization
expedition tourism
tourism and recreation clusters
state support for tourism

How to Cite

Ползикова, Е., & Кучеренко, И. М. (2026). KEY CONTRADICTIONS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING RIVER CRUISE TOURISM IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. Services in Russia and Abroad, 20(3), 112-120. https://doi.org/10.22412/1995-042X-2026-20-3-112-120
ACM ACS APA ABNT Chicago Harvard IEEE MLA Turabian Vancouver AMA

Download Citation

Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state, key contradictions, and development prospects of river cruise tourism in the Russian Federation. The research methodology includes industry analysis, interviews with leading tour operator representatives (Vodohod, Mosturflot, and Sozvezdie), government program data, and peer-reviewed scientific publications. A central contradiction of the industry is identified: record domestic tourism figures (75 million trips in 2023) are not translating into proportional growth in the cruise segment. Infrastructure limitations are systematized: the critical aging of the passenger fleet (average age 40–50 years, with only three new ships in the last five years: Mustai Karim, Golden Ring, and Aurum), a shortage of modern berthing facilities and supporting infrastructure in the regions, and a personnel shortage. The article analyzes successful adaptation practices by operators, including the launch of expedition programs in the Far East (the megayacht SH Minerva) and the Arctic, the introduction of over 300 themed cruises, the launch of navigation from the alternative port of Zavidovo, the reconfiguration of cabins for family vacations (up to five people), and the development of onboard digital services (electronic key cards). Government support measures provided for by the updated Tourism Development program are also examined, including subsidies for the construction of cruise clusters, preferential loans for fleet renewal, and the creation of federal training centers. It substantiates the conclusion that the industry is shifting from an extensive growth model to a search for niche, high-quality solutions as the only strategy for maintaining solvent demand in the face of stagnant real incomes and sanctions.

PDF (Russian) (RUB 190)

References

1. Архипов, А. Речной круизный туризм: эволюция, дискурс, тенденции развития / А. Архипов, И. Севрюков // Siberian Journal of Tourism and Economics. – 2025. – № 22-23. – URL: https://journal.asu.ru/st/article/view/18741 (дата обращения: 18.05.2026).

2. Биттер, Н. В. Теоретические и практические аспекты, особенности продвижения туристских продуктов и услуг на региональном рынке / Н. В. Биттер, Л. Б. Нюренбергер, Н. Е. Петренко // Экономика и управление: проблемы, решения. – 2024. – Т. 7. – № 5 (146). – С. 118-125.

3. Кружалин, В. И. Организация круизного туризма в национальном парке «Русская Арктика»: риски и потенциал развития / В. И. Кружалин, Н. В. Шабалина, А. Д. Никанорова, А. А. Медведков, А. Я. Кудакаев, Т. Н. Меньшикова // Современные проблемы сервиса и туризма. – 2021. – Т. 15. – № 3. – С. 157-169. – DOI: 10.24412/1995-0411-2021-3-157-169.

4. Мышлявцева, С. Э. Речной круизный флот как фактор развития круизного туризма в России / С. Э. Мышлявцева // География и туризм. – 2020. – № 1. – С. 13-17.

5. Оборин, М. С. Тенденции и особенности развития круизного туризма / М. С. Оборин // Современные проблемы сервиса и туризма. – 2021. – Т. 15. – № 3. – С. 7-18. – DOI: 10.24412/1995-0411-2021-3-7-18.

6. Ржепка, Э. А. Исследование некоторых аспектов водных перевозок как опыт для развития круизного туризма на Байкале / Э. А. Ржепка, Т. Р. Новичкова // Известия Байкальского государственного университета. – 2023. – Т. 33. – № 3. – С. 518-530. – DOI: 10.17150/2500-2759.2023.33(3).518-530.

7. Упартене, А. С. Анализ факторов формирования кластеров круизного туризма в Российской Федерации / А. С. Упартене, А. В. Митрофанова, Е. Г. Кропинова // Сервис в России и за рубежом. – 2024. – Т. 18. – № 4 (112). – С. 26-35. – DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14510985.

8. Филатова, М. С. Анализ потребительских предпочтений в сегменте речных круизов в России / М. С. Филатова, А. К. Ганиева, О. В. Прохорова, С. В. Чимирис // Сервис в России и за рубежом. – 2021. – Т. 15. – № 1. – С. 176-185. – DOI: 10.24412/1995-042X-2021-1-176-185.

9. Фомин, А. А. Развитие круизного туризма в арктическом регионе / А. А. Фомин, В. С. Плотникова, Е. В. Федорова // Вестник экономики, права и социологии. – 2023. – № 4. – С. 326-330.

10. Цветков, А. Ю. Water Transport in Arctic Tourism Logistics / А. Ю. Цветков // Арктика и Север. – 2024. – № 54. – С. 157-170. – DOI: 10.37482/issn2221-2698.2024.54.190.

11. Чигарёва Д.В. Инновационные цифровые технологии в развитии круизного туризма / Д.В. Чигарёва // Вестник Академии знаний. – 2024. – № 3 (62). – С. 508-513.

12. Sarafanova, A. G. The COVID-19 impact on the cruise industry: An overview / A. G. Sarafanova, A. A. Sarafanov // Service and Tourism: Current Challenges. – 2021. – Vol. 15. – Iss. 3. – Pp. 19-29. – DOI: 10.24412/1995-0411-2021-3-19-29.

References

1. Bitter, N. V., Nyurenberger, L. B., & Petrenko, N. E. (2024). Theoretical and Practical Aspects, Features of Promotion of Tourist Products and Services in the Regional Market. Economics and Management: Problems, Solutions, 7(146), 118-125.

2. Kruzhalin, V. I., Shabalina, N. V., Nikanorova, A. D., Medvedkov, A. A., Kudakaev, A. Ya., & Menshikova, T. N. (2021). Organization of Cruise Tourism in the Russian Arctic National Park: Risks and Development Potential. Service and Tourism: Current Challenges, 15(3), 157-169. https://doi.org/10.24412/1995-0411-2021-3-157-169

3. Myshlyavtseva, S. E. (2020). River Cruise Fleet as a Factor in the Development of Cruise Tourism in Russia. Geography and Tourism, (1), 13-17.

4. Oborin, M. S. (2021). Trends and Features of Cruise Tourism Development. Service and Tourism: Current Challenges, 15(3), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.24412/1995-0411-2021-3-7-18

5. Rzhepka, E. A., & Novichkova, T. R. (2023). Study of Some Aspects of Water Transportation as an Experience for the Development of Cruise Tourism on Lake Baikal. Bulletin of Baikal State University, 33(3), 518-530. https://doi.org/10.17150/2500-2759.2023.33(3).518-530

6. Upartene, A. S., Mitrofanova, A. V., & Kropinova, E. G. (2024). Analysis of Factors Forming Cruise Tourism Clusters in the Russian Federation. Service in Russia and Abroad, 18(112), 26-35. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14510985

7. Filatova, M. S., Ganieva, A. K., Prokhorova, O. V., & Chimiris, S. V. (2021). Analysis of Consumer Preferences in the Segment of River Cruises in Russia. Service in Russia and Abroad, 15(1), 176-185. https://doi.org/10.24412/1995-042X-2021-1-176-185

8. Fomin, A. A., Plotnikova, V. S., & Fedorova, E. V. (2023). Development of Cruise Tourism in the Arctic Region. Bulletin of Economics, Law and Sociology, (4), 326-330.

9. Tsvetkov, A. Yu. (2024). Water Transport in Arctic Tourism Logistics. Arctic and North, (54), 157-170. https://doi.org/10.37482/issn2221-2698.2024.54.190

10. Chigareva, D. V. (2024). Innovative Digital Technologies in the Development of Cruise Tourism. Bulletin of the Academy of Knowledge, (62), 508-513.

11. Sarafanova, A. G., & Sarafanov, A. A. (2021). The COVID-19 impact on the cruise industry: An overview. Service and Tourism: Current Challenges, 15(3), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.24412/1995-0411-2021-3-19-29

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Copyright (c) 2026 Евгения Ползикова, Ирина Михайловна Кучеренко (Автор)