Economic and geographical factors of tourism development of Eastern Ukraine during the conflict

Abstract

The article analyses the influence of economic and geographical factors on the development of tourism in the east of Ukraine during the conflict period. In order to achieve the goal the economic situation in the Luhansk region is assessed. Namely, the structural changes in the industrial complex, the state of transport infrastructure and investment attractiveness are analysed, the region's tourist potential and local population's income are determined, the main indicators of tourism development in Luhansk region during the study period and dynamics of tourist receipts from 2015-2017 are established. In the process of work analytical, statistical, system, forecast, comparative-geographical research methods were used. It is revealed that economic and geographical factors are leading to the prospective development of tourism. The deterioration of the economic indicators of the Luhansk region, the destruction of the transport infrastructure of the region, and the outflow of investments from the region have been revealed. The main problems of tourism in the region are carrying out anti-terrorist operation; lack of financial support for the development of the industry; non-compliance with international quality standards for tourist services; poorly developed logistics for tourists in the region; insufficient level of awareness of the urban population about recreation opportunities in the region. The low average level of incomes of the local population is established. It also complicates the development of domestic tourism, as well as a tendency towards a slow increase in revenues from tourist fees. It is proved that the conflict negatively marked the development of the tourism industry in the region. It is determined that tourism in the post-conflict days can become an important component of the economy of the region. The main provisions of the article can be used for further research into the future development of tourism in the east of Ukraine. Key words: tourism, economic-geographical factors, tourist tax, incomes.