Geographic analysis of the condition of tourism of Luhansk region (Ukraine) in the context of the conflict

Abstract

The article is devoted to the geographic analysis and evaluation of the development of tourism in Luhansk region in the context of the current conflict. The aim of this report is to monitor the state of tourism in Luhansk region, which is especially relevant in this transformational period. We used research methodology which combines the philosophical and general scientific principles that form the methodological principles of scientific research and include a number of laws and categories. Analytical, statistical, comparative-geographical, historical methods of research were used. We considered in chronological order the formation of tourism in the region. The state of tourism in the region under the conditions of the conflict is analyzed. It is revealed that the current state of tourism is that of crisis, but there are positive prospects for development. The geographical possibilities of tourism development at the present stage are substantiated. It is proposed to develop the most promising types of tourism. The scientific novelty is due to choice of theme itself, because geographers devote insufficient attention to the study of tourism development issues in the context of the conflict. For the first time , a geographic analysis of the status of tourism of Luhansk region in the conditions of the conflict is presented. The methods of comprehensive assessment of tourism development at the regional level have been improved with the use of quantitative and qualitative indicators, which allows us to determine the directions of tourist development in the region. The existing information on the influence of the conflict period on tourism development is supplemented.For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the status of tourism in Luhansk region was carried out for different periods: at the beginning of the conflict and during the conflict, which showed that Ukraine’s image as a place of conflict led to the emergence of new social-geographical features of the development of tourism in the east of Ukraine. It is revealed that the conflict has led to instability in the development of tourism, tourists who are worried about their safety refuse to visit a conflicted country or region. This inevitably leads to a decrease in the number of international tourist arrivals and revenues from tourism, a decrease in the number of objects of tourism and of collective accommodation facilities. It is determined that the attractiveness for tourism and image of the eastern region is almost lost as a result of the conflict. It is proved that the conflict negatively impacted the development of the tourism industry in the region, namely, all types of tourism suffered, significantly reducing the total number of tourists.It is determined that tourism in the post-conflict period may become a promising direction of economic development of the eastern regions of Ukraine. The main provisions, factual material and conclusions of the article can be used for further research on the development of tourism in Luhansk region and the creation of a concept for overcoming the negative consequences of the conflict of 2014-2019 in Ukraine for the development of the national tourism industry.