Environmental factors influencing the competitiveness of the regional tourism and recreation sphere

Abstract

The article emphasizes the significant role of environmental factors in the development of sustainable tourism. The essence of the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation sphere in the context of the environmental component is determined. The purpose of the article is to determine the environmental factors influencing the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation sphere of the region, evaluate them from the point of view of manageability, and determine the prerequisites for ensuring the sustainable development of the region. The main elements influencing the ecological stability of the tourism and recreation sphere are substantiated. Groups of managed and unmanaged environmental factors influencing the competitiveness of tourism and recreation are identified. The assessment of the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation sphere of the regions of Ukraine is based on the general methodological approaches used in the calculation of the travel and tourism competitiveness indices (The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index, TTCI). An algorithm and environmental indicators are defined. The results of the assessment of the impact of environmental factors on the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation sphere are presented. The article points out that in the conditions of the war and the post-war period, the assessment of the impact of environmental factors and the forecasting of their consequences on the competitiveness of the tourism and recreation sphere of the region is complicated by the need to carry it out from different positions: damage to natural resources and ecosystems; environmental pollution; loss of biodiversity; reconstruction of tourist identity. The following methods and strategies are proposed to contribute to the achievement of ecological development of the tourism and recreation industry: ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources; using environmentally friendly technologies and materials in hotels and other tourist infrastructure; developing ecotourism and other forms of tourism that contribute to the preservation of the natural environment and draw attention to environmental issues; applying the system of ecosystem restoration and waste minimization; developing ecological management of tourism; conducting environmental education among the local population and tourists.