The features of using digital services in tourist trips by citizens of Kirov Region (based on the results of 2022 survey)

The article presents the research results of using digital services by residents of the Kirov region during tourist trips. The relevance of the research is caused by the increasing role of digitalization in the tourism sector and the necessity to study changes in consumer preferences under modern conditions. A population survey was used as the main research method. The sample size was 1,384 people. The results were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics and Microsoft Excel. The analysis of the survey results was carried out by separate target groups identified by professional characteristics. The frequency of using digital apps, the general attitude to them, their using during sightseeing activities and when organizing independent travel were determined. The features of using digital services for booking accommodation, navigation in the tourist space were revealed. The results of the research prove that the frequency of using digital services by residents of Kirov region in 2022 has not changed significantly. Basically, residents of Kirov region turn to digital services when booking transport services (the official website of Russian Railways), for navigation (Google Maps and Yandex Maps), accommodation reservations (Avito). Only 20% of respondents have heard about virtual excursions, but do not plan to use them in the future, preferring to traditional excursions. The virtual tours are also not in demand. At the same time, it should be noted the high level of respondents' appeals to social networks – more than 90% of respondents in each segment. According to respondents, social networks and official websites of organizations are the main source of reliable information. The practical importance of the research is expressed in obtaining up-to-date and reliable information about the using digital services by residents of Kirov region, which can be used by executive authorities and businesses.