RURAL TOURISM OF KHMELNYTSK REGION: CURRENT STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Abstract

Problem Statement and Purpose. The article deals with the peculiarities of rural tourism development in Khmelnytskyi region. The purpose of our research is to study the current state, problems and prospects of rural tourism in Khmelnytskyi region. To achieve this goal we have performed the following tasks. For example, the development peculiarities of Khmelnytskyi regional tourist complex are revealed; identified spatial aspects of Khmelnytskyi region rural tourism development; the problems of Khmelnytskyi region rural tourism development are investigated; the perspective development directions of Khmelnytskyi region rural tourism are named. The essence of the concept of “rural” tourism is defined. The available tourist and recreational resources necessary for the development of rural tourism in Khmelnytskyi region are analyzed. The advantages and factors influencing the development of rural tourism in this region are identified. According to many scientists, due to the spread of COVID‑19 and the pandemic, rural tourism is the most developed, as this type of tourism is one of the most secluded types. Data & Methods. To achieve the goal of the study, general scientific and special methods of geographical science were used. The negative and positive impact of green tourism on rural areas and the solution of socio-economic problems of the village are analyzed. Given the rich tourist and recreational resources of Khmelnytskyi region (favorable natural and climatic conditions, historical, cultural and ethnic heritage), the development of rural tourism is one of the ways to solve economic, social and environmental problems. Results. Rural tourism promotes the development of the rural population employment, not only in the production sphere, but also in the service sector and promotes the development of rural areas, as well as stimulating the development of services: transport, communications, trade, services, recreation and other institutions in the countryside. The article deals with the ways to increase the efficiency of green tourism in Khmelnytskyi region. It is substantiated that the available resource potential of Khmelnytskyi region is not rationally used, due to the lack of sufficient information on this form of tourism. The study of the of green tourism development prospects in Khmelnytskyi region is very relevant in the context of decentralization. In accordance with the principles of reforming the system of governance in Ukraine, local governments should become the basis for decentralization, taking full account of local development and needs. The newly formed rural united territorial communities have great difficulties in filling local budgets with funds from economic activities on their territory. It is believed that rural tourism can become an industry that will actively fill the budget of rural united territorial communities.