Assessments of national tourism development in terms of sustainability and inclusiveness

Abstract

The increase in global population movement and the development of tourism are connected with the development of transport and other infrastructures. Therefore, funds flow and capital migration increase, while it is possible to accumulate funds with the help of tourism, as well as to increase the GDP of countries, infrastructure and climate of which are attractive for tourists. Two hypotheses about the impact of tourisms on the environment are confirmed: positive and negative effects. A new approach of a “solidarity tourism” as a specific type of inclusive tourism, which is a process of cooperation between various participants of a tourism industry, is proposed. Solidarity tourism means that rural households, which are not fully involved in tourism services once get the opportunity to intensify their activities in this industry by focusing their service on people with special needs. In this case, a “double benefit” in a context of inclusiveness is achieved: on the one hand, an employment and income from tourism are provided in the rural households as a continuation and diversification of agricultural activity, and, on the other hand, quality tourism services are provided for those with special needs. The inclusiveness of tourism services in Ukraine is more connected with the inclusion of a wide range of rural households in the tourism field than with an accessibility of such services for those with special needs and disabilities. Institutional household sector exceeded the non –financial corporation sector in temporary accommodation and catering provision. Rural tourism becomes more widespread as a kind of economic activity mostly for households, located in environmentally friendly areas. However, Ukraine is among outsiders in terms of tourism due to a range of recent events that creates not very attractive image of the country, imperfection of legislation, the lack of effective actions of the government and insufficient desire to invest in tourism development. This article analyzes macroeconomic performances of rural tourism in the country, the level of the interest of population and communities in creation of a favorable tourism atmosphere. Several recreation points are estimated according to the proposed indicator of the investment attractiveness for tourism and the relevant conclusions are grounded. It was found that there is an ecological depletion of natural resources in Ukraine and no proper funds are invested in their recovery. This situation threatens the ecosystem, preservation of ethno cultural values and the development of tourism potential. At the same time, the meaning of environmental protection and the creation of environmentally friendly places for tourism become more important in the developed countries. There is no government support for the environmentally friendly tourism in Ukraine. Rural households provide hospitality services and improve environmental quality of them by investing their own funds.