Landscape diversity as an attraction basis in the design of tourist and recreational areas (the case of Bolshaya Belokurikha)

The article discusses the assessment of landscape diversity and biodiversity in a projected tourist-recreational territory. Bolshaya Belokurikha, located at the junction of the Altai plains and mountains, is used as a case study to illustrate the significance of these factors. The study area covers a 40 km section from Makaryevka to Krasny Gorodok villages, which attracts more than 250 thousand tourists annually due to its favorable climatic conditions and landscape diversity. The authors use modern methods, including mathematical modeling and spatial data analysis, to develop a GIS model of landscape diversity using the Shannon method of numerical entropy estimation. The model is presented as an isolinear map for cartographic visualization. The authors emphasize the importance of natural and ecological elements in the tourist frame of the projected area. They also propose considering landscape diversity as a stimulating factor for tourism development and as a basis for sustainable development of tourist territories in a two-level design, which includes the tourist-recreational complex and tourist area. To efficiently use the potential of the territory and ensure maximum preservation of existing landscapes, the authors suggest using constructed maps and GIS models of landscape diversity and biodiversity as a basis for functional zoning of the territory. This approach would help identify areas suitable for tourist development while also preserving the flora and fauna species diversity. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive approach to the sustainable development of tourist-recreational territories. By using modern methods and GIS models, the authors demonstrate how landscape diversity and biodiversity can be integrated into the planning and management of tourist areas, leading to a more sustainable and responsible approach to tourism development.