Analysis of the attractiveness of gastronomy tourism in Ukraine and odessa region

Abstract

Methods. The methodological basis of the study is a systems approach, which allows considering the tourism industry and its separate component – gastronomic tourism – as a multifaceted phenomenon that is closely related to the economic, cultural and environmental spheres of society. Along with this, a SWOT-analysis was used, which revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the gastronomic tourism industry of Ukraine; as well as a comparative analysis, which established the specifics of the gastronomic tourism industry in Odessa region. Results. The article considers the main aspects of gastronomic tourism as a modern type of tourist services and analyzes its development in regional and national terms. The number of gastronomic festivals in Ukraine in recent years and their regional concentration have been determined. One of the most attractive types of tourism is gastronomic tourism, the purpose of which is not so much to acquaint consumers with exotic dishes, as in the possibility of learning about the culture of a particular country. Tasting tours offered on the Ukrainian tourist market, as well as gastronomic festival events of Odessa region are considered and analyzed. On the basis of the analysis of the supply in the market of tourist services, its insufficient level from both quantitative, and qualitative characteristics is revealed. Novelty. The strengths and weaknesses of the gastronomic tourism sector of Ukraine have been identified and it has been established that the Ukrainian gastronomic infrastructure has sufficient strengths and capabilities to prevent threats and strengthen the existing weaknesses of the industry. The attractions for gastronomic tourism, which are popular in Odessa region and in Ukraine, are pointed out. The specifics of the gastronomic culture of the Odessa region in comparison with the all-Ukrainian one are established and the ways of its popularization among potential consumers are shown. Practical value. The results of the study can be useful for entrepreneurs who carry out their economic activities in the field of gastronomic tourism in the Odessa region and in Ukraine as a whole. In addition, they can be of direct interest to tourists themselves when choosing a holiday destination, as well as national minorities living in a particular area, through the opportunity to demonstrate their authenticity through food, while maintaining traditions and earning additional income.