The need for personnel in the tourism industry (based on the materials of an expert survey)

Qualified personnel is an important link in the provision of quality services in tourism and in the development of the tourism industry, in general. However, nowadays in Russia the staffing of this sphere is insuffi-cient. These conclusions are confirmed by a sociological survey conducted in 2021 among leading experts in the field of tourism based on in-depth interviews (n = 31). The geography of experts covered seven regions, such as Vologda, Moscow, Murmansk region, St. Petersburg, Tver, Oslo, Svalbard (Norway), and such spheres of activity as government, science, education, business, including hotel service, recreation and entertainment, tour operators and public catering. The study made it possible to assess the most popular professions in the tourism sector, as well as the requirements for their educational training. First of all, this is the need for professional managers, guides-guides, tour guides – “subject matter”, tour operators (including industry ones) and service personnel. At the same time, it is significant both to improve the quality of training for the tourism sector and to develop new areas, including related professions, which are in demand in the context of dynamic changes in the industry and high competition in the tourism services market