Catering service in the religious tourism facility system

Abstract

The presented article analyzes the assortment, as well as some features of the provision of catering services by religious institutions and monastic farms on the example of Russia and the countries of Foreign Europe. The classification of various forms of catering in modern domestic practice within the limits of typical religious organizations has been carried out. Based on a study of methods of analysis, synthesis and participant observation, it was revealed that the possibility of acquiring a variety of monastic products and receiving catering services in a convenient (preferred) format can serve as an incentive to visit a sacred place, and additional services in the form of tasting, excursions to production, monastic markets allow diversify tourist routes and make them more attractive to consumers. Thus, the successful experience of selling food products on the basis of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Novo-Valaam Monastery in Finland (for example, branded products – such as brands of berry wines of our own production) is of interest for further research due to the similarity of natural and climatic conditions with the North-West of the Russian Federation. The characteristic features of the organization of public catering in modern domestic practice (for example, the predominance of canteens, the presence of a lenten menu, the sale through a network of public catering enterprises of products positioned as produced in monastic farms, etc.) and the latest trends (suggestions for organizing laid funeral tables, celebrating weddings, anniversaries, christenings, etc.). It is concluded that forms of catering services organized by religious organizations are becoming increasingly popular in religious tourist destinations and can compete with similar "secular" enterprises. The religious affiliation of representatives of the contingent of tourists can also serve as the basis for the emergence of gastronomic tourism routes in Russia.