Holy springs as objects of religious tourism оn the Altai territory

In the context of changing geopolitical priorities and growing interest in domestic tourism, there is a growing need to use Russia's socio-cultural resources. The article examines the development of religious tourism as one of the directions of domestic tourism, contributing to strengthening the unity of the people and the formation of patriotism through the study of cultural and religious traditions. Special attention is paid to the holy springs of the Altai Territory as objects of religious tourism. Religious tourism is defined as temporary trips to visit sacred sites, including religious and natural sites. The Altai Territory, being one of the religious centers of Siberia, has a developed religious infrastructure, including more than 1,000 springs, of which 24 are recognized as saints. Based on a specialized methodology, the article evaluates the recreational and religious significance of several Altai springs, which allows us to identify their high potential as objects of religious tourism, which in turn can contribute to the formation of a complex of tourist services in the region. Assessing the recreational and religious significance of the holy springs, using a specialized methodology, the author identifies key sites such as the “Holy Spring” in the village of Sorochiy Log and the “Eye Key” in Belokurikha, which have received high marks, which are the most relevant in terms of the development of religious tourism. We are also considering the possibility of using sources with an average cult rating, provided that the infrastructure is improved, and these places are accessible to tourists. Summing up, the author notes that despite the high potential of the holy springs as obj ects of religious tourism, there are no comprehensive religious tours in the region, which creates an unoccupied niche in the tourist market. The development of religious tourism in the Altai Territory through the inclusion of holy springs in tourist routes can significantly increase the attractiveness of the region for tourists and strengthen the cultural unity of the population. The author declares no conflicts of interests.

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