Changes in tourist traffic during the pandemic based on the example of Podhorce Castle, according to the residents in the Lviv Oblast

Abstract

Research objective: The article deals with changes in tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic using the example of Olesko Castle. The writing of the article was undertaken by the authors in October 2021. The purpose of writing the article is to answer the questions: To what extent has the frequency of visits to Podhorce castle, by residents of Lviv region, domestic and foreign tourists, changed? In which tourist base did the changes introduced during the pandemic have the strongest impact on changes in the frequency of visits to Podhorce castle? What limiting factor will most affect changes in the frequency of visits to Podhorce castle at each tourist development base?
 Methodology: The research in question used a subjective method. A survey questionnaire created by the author of the article was used as a research tool to collect relevant data. Before starting the survey, each respondent was able to read a brief information about the purpose of the research and the results obtained, which were used exclusively to write the article. Participation in the survey was voluntary. The research used a questionnaire consisting of three substantive parts.
 Main conclusions: Residents of the Lviv region significantly reduced their visits to Podhorce castle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes made to the transport base during the pandemic had the strongest impact on changes in the frequency of visits to Podhorce castle. Of greatest importance as a limiting factor in the transport base of the city of Podhorce during the pandemic is the poor condition of access roads and the temporary suspension of domestic and foreign transport links.
 Application of the study: The research can be used by units organizing and supervising tourist traffic in the Lviv region. The data of the study can serve as a basis for strategic decisions on tourist traffic in emergency situations in the Lviv region.
 Originality/Novelty of the study: While writing the article, the author was guided by the timeliness and orginality of the problem. Similar research has not been conducted before in the study area.