Inclusive Tourism Development Research Articles

Mapping Opportunities: Study of Panaytayan’s Tourism Potential with FUN STEP’s

This research explores the untapped tourism potential of Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, employing a multidimensional approach that integrates SWOT analysis and a Community Needs Assessment through community immersion. By evaluating the intrinsic aspects of Panaytayan’s tourism landscape and engaging with the local community, the study identifies the village as a promising site for sustainable, community-based tourism. Challenges such as limited infrastructure, marketing expertise, and environmental vulnerabilities are meticulously addressed alongside opportunities presented by sustainable travel trends and government grants for agri-ecotourism and adventure community-based tourism. Proximity to established tourist destinations provides unique advantages, but potential threats, including over-tourism and competition, are acknowledged. Findings advocate strategic interventions, emphasizing infrastructure improvement, capacity building, targeted marketing, and a clear regulatory framework to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities. Recommendations propose community-based tourism initiatives to empower locals and position Panaytayan for agri-ecotourism and adventure tourism. These initiatives align seamlessly with the proposed extension project, FUN STEP’s (Fostering Unity and Nature through Sustainable Tourism Engagement Programs), a three-year program affiliated with Mindoro State University. FUN STEPs comprise four distinct programs: KAPWAA, TRIPLE-T, Eco-Cinema, and Eco-Drive, fostering community involvement, hygiene awareness, tour guiding proficiency, environmental education, and advocacy campaigns. Sustainable infrastructure and environmental conservation practices are emphasized to minimize adverse impacts. This approach envisions Panaytayan as a sustainable, community-driven destination, poised for economic growth while preserving its distinctive cultural and environmental assets. The research contributes to the comprehensive understanding of Panaytayan’s tourism potential, paving the way for responsible and inclusive tourism development.

From data privacy to environmental sustainability: Comprehensive perspectives on smart tourism challenges

<p>This commentary critically examines the integration of Smart Tourism technologies within the tourism and hospitality sectors, focusing on their role in enhancing tourist experiences and operational efficiencies. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing a literature review, case studies, and empirical data analysis, the analysis adopts a constructivist perspective to explore tourists’ subjective experiences with technology. It highlights significant personalization, efficiency, and sustainability advancements while acknowledging challenges related to digital infrastructure and privacy concerns. Advocating for a balanced and sustainable approach that respects environmental integrity and cultural heritage, the commentary concludes with recommendations for future research on the socio-economic impacts of Smart Tourism, ethical data usage, and the adaptation of technologies to diverse contexts. It calls for increased investment in digital infrastructure and stakeholder collaborative efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.</p>

Інклюзивність музейних просторів як можливість розвитку екскурсійної діяльності для осіб з обмеженими можливостями

The theoretical aspects of excursion activities for persons with disabilities are analyzed, modern foreign and domestic practices of inclusion in the tourism sphere are characterized, the main aspects of the introduction of an inclusive museum space in Ukraine are highlighted. It was determined that, taking into account the nature of various features of tourists with disabilities, and to serve each group of such persons, it is necessary to use specialized methods and techniques of conducting excursions. In the course of the study, it was determined that for the introduction of inclusion in museum spaces, it is necessary to inform about the concept of inclusion, work on clarification of the effectiveness of its implementation as an opportunity to increase and strengthen the competence of museum workers, improve the quality of museum services and open new directions of interaction with the public for the implementation of various museum projects . The study of modern domestic practices of excursion service for persons with disabilities shows that the leading museum institutions of Ukraine are actively involved in this process. Having analyzed the foreign experience, it is worth noting that most European states have a high degree of environment adjustment for the development of inclusive tourism and its individual types and excursion activities. Spain, Finland, Greece, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Austria, and Great Britain are among the countries where almost all elements of the tourist infrastructure are most adapted for the development of inclusive tourism. It was determined that certain strategies aimed at the sustainability of inclusive processes and comprehensive actions, which will include an assessment of the needs of vulnerable groups and their own capabilities, joint development of plans and programs, projects, strategic partnerships and cooperation, organization of feedback communication, communication strategy and representation of its services, as well as elements of advocacy and fundraising.

The Relationship of Government Support in the Tourism Sector to the Level of Economic Inclusivity in the Regions

Economic development that creates broad access and opportunities for all segments of society, fosters equitable prosperity, and reduces disparities between groups and regions has been a global challenge up to today. The lack of an inclusive economy leads to higher inequality in regions, specifically for underprivileged communities in underdeveloped regions. In line with this, the government has encouraged the development of new tourism to boost economic growth aiming to reduce regional development disparities. However, empirical studies that prove the relationship between tourism and economic inclusiveness still need to be completed due to limited data in measuring economic inclusiveness. Using the Inclusive Development Index with panel data regression from 514 districts in Indonesia from 2016 to 2019, it is expected that this study will contribute to the literature, primarily related to inclusive tourism development. This study detected that government spending has a significant but adverse relationship with the level of economic inclusivity in the regions.

Methodological Approaches Towards the Use of Inclusive Tourism as a Tool of Economic Development of Russian Federation

Introduction. The development of inclusive tourism should contribute not only to the higher accessibility of tourism services for people with specific needs, but also to development of the tourism industry in general as well as to development of national economy. However, in the existing literature the problems of development of inclusive tourism are often separated from problems of development of national economic development. The goal of the paper is to propose approaches for implementation of the potential of inclusive tourism to foster the growth of the national economy. Methods. The research is based on the general method of analysis and synthesis. From the theoretical point of view the research uses the ecosystem approach. Table methods are used to present the results of the research. Results. We demonstrate that the use of the potential of the inclusive tourism for the national economy requires inclusion of people with specific needs in the processes of value creation within the tourism industry development of new destinations, absence of opposition between different groups of customers of tourism services and ecosystem approach towards relations management between stakeholders of the tourism industry. The concept of a continuum of customers of tourism services based on the criterion of specific needs is proposed. Conclusion. Inclusive tourism should not be seen as opposed to traditional tourism. In addition, the inclusive tourism should not be viewed as exclusively socially oriented activity. The strategy of development of inclusive tourism should be built on the idea of considering it as an integral part of the tourism industry as a whole.

From data privacy to environmental sustainability: Comprehensive perspectives on smart tourism challenges

<p>This commentary critically examines the integration of Smart Tourism technologies within the tourism and hospitality sectors, focusing on their role in enhancing tourist experiences and operational efficiencies. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing a literature review, case studies, and empirical data analysis, the analysis adopts a constructivist perspective to explore tourists’ subjective experiences with technology. It highlights significant personalization, efficiency, and sustainability advancements while acknowledging challenges related to digital infrastructure and privacy concerns. Advocating for a balanced and sustainable approach that respects environmental integrity and cultural heritage, the commentary concludes with recommendations for future research on the socio-economic impacts of Smart Tourism, ethical data usage, and the adaptation of technologies to diverse contexts. It calls for increased investment in digital infrastructure and stakeholder collaborative efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.</p>

Securing development: Uneven geographies of coastal tourism development in El Salvador

Over the last ten years, El Salvador has emerged as a popular coastal tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and world-renowned surf. Riding this wave, the government, international donors, and investors have championed tourism as a strategy to alleviate poverty, promote sustainable development, and address the country’s long-standing migration and security crises. Yet, while tourism has brought novel economic opportunities to coastal communities, it has also increased pressures on local people, land, and resources, as well as complicated gang-state security dynamics in complex ways. This paper contributes to geographic scholarship on tourism in the Global South by examining the uneven social and environmental impacts of tourism development on rural coastal communities in El Salvador. I use a mix of ethnographic and survey methods to analyze socio-spatial reconfigurations in livelihoods, land and resource access, and the securitization of space in a case study site from the country’s rapidly touristifying western coast. The results find that inequalities are produced through development-driven processes of socioeconomic and resource stratification between mostly affluent, White foreigners and domestic elites and poor Salvadoran residents. The benefits of job growth in tourism-related sectors are largely undermined by the loss of access to land, economic power, and community identity through the foreignization of space. These impacts are compounded by uneven geographies of securitization, which protect wealthy tourist spaces while exposing poor rural residents to both gang and state-sponsored violence. Advancing a critical framing of tourism (in)securities, the paper argues that rather than promoting sustainable development, tourism contributes to the insecurity and unsustainability of life for many poor rural residents, reinforcing rather than reducing incentives to migrate. By highlighting the socio-spatial production of inequalities in the context of tourism, the research calls for policies ensuring more just and inclusive tourism development in El Salvador and other Global South destinations.

BARRIER-FREE STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE TOURISM IN UKRAINE

The article analyzes the Action Plan for 2023-2024 for the implementation of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine for the period until 2030 (approved by the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated April 25, 2023 No. 372-p) to determine the opportunities for development of inclusive tourism. For this purpose, the research method which involves three levels was used: 1) study of strategic goals, vision, target indicators, expected results of each of the six directions of the National Strategy for Creating a Barrier-Free Environment in Ukraine for the period until 2030: physical, information, digital, social and civil, educational, economic; 2) selection of tasks from the Action Plan for 2023–2024 for the implementation of the National Strategy related to the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine; 3) generalization of the activities of the Association of Inclusive Rehabilitation and Social Tourism, as well as the Center for Social and Educational Integration and Inclusive Rehabilitation and Social Tourism «Without Barriers» of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University; identifying the resources of these centers for implementation of directions and action plan of the National Strategy in the context of inclusive tourism as a comprehensive rehabilitation of people with disabilities during the war and post-war recovery.Summarizing the activities of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, it was established that among the strategic goals, along with high-quality higher education, social issues are outlined. These issues are aimed at the social integration of vulnerable categories of citizens, in particular people with disabilities. Among the innovative technologies developed at the university, inclusive tourism is an effective means of complex rehabilitation. Theoretical and practical results from this problem occupy an important place in the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine

Paving the Way for a Sustainable Society: Assessing the Inclusive Tourism Development in Transition China

Inclusive tourism is a key part of an increasingly sustainable tourism development and harmony society. However, the degree, characteristics, and shortcomings of regional inclusive tourism development remain understudied. To holistically understand and describe the development of inclusive tourism in China, we develop an assessment model for inclusive tourism development from three dimensions: tourism stakeholders, economic inclusion, and tourism resources and environments. The spatial pattern and characteristics of China’s provincial inclusive tourism development is measured and classified. Furthermore, we conduct an in-depth discussion combined with specific indicators and propose the targeted suggestions. This study provides a basis for optimizing policies and practices of inclusive tourism in China. In addition, this study also contributes to the global body of knowledge surrounding inclusive tourism and provides the referee value for other countries.

Inclusive Tourism: Concept and Essence

Inclusive tourism is a way of looking at tourism activities and services, involving all people, visitors and residents, in the same activities and creating dialogue, peace and human development. In turn, the dynamics of inclusive tourism is likely to depend on an economic model that reflects current trends in the personalization of the tourism offer. The aim of the research: to consider the issues of the conceptual apparatus of inclusive tourism, aspects of the formation of inclusive tourism. Research objective: to analyze the works of domestic and foreign scientists and specialists in the field of inclusive tourism, to offer the author’s definition of inclusive tourism. Research methods: analysis of normative legal documents, the method of comparative analysis and generalization, construction of own hypotheses. As a result of the study it was concluded that the analysis of the regulatory framework governing the development of tourism shows its insufficient perfection, as so far it does not reflect the development of inclusive tourism, also during the study of scientific research on this topic the author’s definition of “inclusive tourism” is given.

МОДЕЛІ ІНКЛЮЗИВНОГО РОЗВИТКУ ТА АДАПТАЦІЯ ЇХ У ТУРИЗМІ

The challenges faced by the international community in recent years undermine the already unsteady economic situation in the world, which leads to the worsening of existing problems, as well as causes the emergence of new ones and leads to the deepening of economic and, as a result, social crises. Taking into account all the negative factors and the inability of traditional tools of influence to solve urgent issues, there was a need for more active application of alternative development models that would maximally cover all spheres of activity of countries, economic players and society and ensure their rapid and sustainable mutual development. Tourism, which accounts for a significant share of the world GDP and is one of the main sources of income for many countries, opens up opportunities for stimulating global economic growth and promoting the growth of the population's living standards, primarily its vulnerable strata and marginalized groups, becoming one of the drivers of inclusive development. The concept of inclusive development is mostly considered on a global, national and regional scale. However, the available studies reveal little about the roles of individual sectors of the economy in the process of inclusive development and growth. The tourism sector is potentially one of the drivers of inclusive development, given its potential economic and social impact. That is why the problem of developing a model of inclusive tourism development is becoming especially urgent.

Development of inclusive tourism as a means of achieving sustainable development

Objective: Attention to the problems and interests of people with disabilities has become an important part of the social and economic policies of various states in the modern world. The purpose of this research is to study the concept of inclusive tourism and its potential benefits for people with disabilities who face numerous barriers related to access to infrastructure, services, and products.
 Methods: The concept of inclusive tourism is not unambiguous and is a debatable issue, which is proved by the literature review. The authors sought to identify models of inclusive tourism development by analyzing publications, state tourism development strategies, and approaches to understanding disability. The authors conducted an online survey to collect data on the special needs of tourists with disabilities and people with disabilities with different nosologies. The data were analyzed to identify the features of the creation and implementation of an inclusive tourism product.
 Results: The survey data allow coming to important conclusions about the need to organize social rehabilitation of people with disabilities through inclusive tourism. The authors presented a two-factor model of inclusive tourism development, considering the special needs of tourists with disabilities.
 Conclusion: Inclusive tourism helps to improve the quality of life, socio-psychological adaptation, and rehabilitation of people with disabilities. The two-factor model proposed by the authors can serve as a guideline for the creation and implementation of an inclusive tourism product that meets the special needs of tourists with disabilities and people with disabilities with various nosologies.

Frontier tourism development and inequality in the Nepal Himalaya

This article proposes ‘frontier tourism development’ as an apt analytical lens through which to understand contemporary tourism development in rural peripheries. Based on a rich case study of more than 90% of households across seven villages in the Manaslu Conservation Area, the article analyses local-level inequalities in participation and benefits from tourism development in one of the world’s most remote peripheries—the high Himalayas of Nepal. The analysis documents that distance to the trekking trail running through the area significantly determines engagement in the tourism sector and that, among participating households, the wealthier obtain significantly more tourism income. These local-level findings show how development initiatives intended to engender a more equal distribution of tourism income at a regional scale may end up increasing income inequalities at a local scale. Interpreting these findings though the notion of frontier tourism development as a particular kind of commodity frontier, the article highlights challenges to market-oriented inclusive tourism development in the face of composite rural economies and rapidly changing livelihood conditions. It documents bubble-like barriers to trickle-down and backward linkages at the frontiers of tourism development; illustrates the need for broader analytical alternatives to dominant value chain approaches; and encourages a more robust integration between studies of rural tourism and the wider political economy perspectives of critical agrarian studies.

FEATURES OF DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE TOURISM IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: EVIDENCE FOR UKRAINE

Purpose. The aim of the article is the systematization of the features of the development of inclusive tourism in European countries and determination of the possibility of their implementation in Ukraine. Methodology of research. A systematic approach was used in the work in aim to establish the main directions of inclusive tourism in Europe, which is connected with a comprehensive study of scientific and analytical materials and the determination of provisions regarding the investigated issues. With the help of the adaptation method, the assumptions regarding the implementation of the indicated directions of inclusive tourism in Ukraine were evaluated. Findings. A systematization and characterization of the features of the development of inclusive tourism in European countries has been carried out, among which the following are highlighted: the direction of access to tourist information and the consistency of offers with such information for people with disabilities; the direction of technological accessibility to information about tourist destinations, offers of the country's tourism sector, its infrastructure entities; a comprehensive direction of ensuring the conditions for the development of inclusive tourism, related to both the physical conditions of accessibility and the level of service for persons with special needs. It was determined that the considered components of the development of inclusive tourism in European countries have certain implementation in Ukraine. It has been proven that although at the current stage of recovery and ensuring the growth of the country's tourism industry, a comprehensive review of the concept of inclusive tourism development in the country is needed, which will contribute to the increase of internal and external tourist flows, the emergence of new and reorganization of existing tourist destinations. It is noted that in view of the above, the researched experience of European countries regarding legislative provision, regulation and implementation of inclusive tourism can be applied in Ukraine. It was established that for the implementation of the effective development of the specified type of tourism, joint interaction at the state level (at the national, regional, local levels), infrastructural support entities, etc. is necessary (implementation of public-private partnership measures is possible). Originality. Modern features of the development of inclusiveness in the conditions of the formation of the European tourism sector are highlighted. Practical value. The presented directions for the development of inclusiveness can be used in the system of improving the management of tourist destinations. Key words: features of the development of inclusive tourism, European countries, Ukraine, subjects of infrastructure support, accessibility, tourists with special needs, tourism sector, tourist destinations.

НІШЕВИЙ ТУРИЗМ ЯК ШЛЯХ РОЗВИТКУ ПОВОЄННОЇ УКРАЇНИ

The article examines the current problems of the development of the national tourism market in the post-war period. It is determined that the future of tourism in Ukraine is associated with the development of niche tourism types, accordingly, the essence of this form of tourism, criteria for identifying niches, methods and ways of their formation are established, and problems encountered in the process of their organization are outlined. In post-war Ukraine, it is advisable to develop such types of niche tourism that correspond to European tourism development trends and take into account the post-war state of the country. European trends include promoting unknown tourist destinations; increasing attention to education and training of tourism professionals; cooperation with governments and the private sector for cultural exchange. Ukrainian realities include creating a concept of memorializing historic places, developing memory-related tourist itineraries associated with the struggle for independence; forming unique tourist destinations and tourism products in the regions. Post-war tourism development was actively discussed at the level of the State Tourism Development Agency, regional administrations, and local communities at the First National Tourism Summit. The result of the discussion is the formation of the Concept of Memorializing Historic Sites in the Kyiv region. Among the priority types of niche tourism, cultural, health and wellness, rehabilitation, inclusive, "dark" tourism and memory-related itineraries are highlighted. Cultural tourism increasingly uses elements of intangible cultural heritage to preserve authenticity and shape the region's image. Creative tourism is developing as a new paradigm of cultural tourism, increasing the role of new experiences that tourists gain from participating in various activities. Health tourism is at the peak of popularity due to the steady demand for physical and spiritual healing and rehabilitation. Local communities and entrepreneurs are involved in the development of inclusive tourism which corresponds to global trends and existing demand. Each region should already identify its macro and micro niches and develop marketing programs for their promotion with the involvement of the local community. To improve the quality of personnel training for the development of regional niche types of tourism, relevant educational disciplines should be included in educational programs on the various levels.

Проблеми та перспективи розвитку інклюзивного туризму як складової соціально-економічного розвитку України

The aim of the article is to study the current trends and initiatives of inclusive tourism in Ukraine, as well as to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with its development. The article examines the internal tourist flows in Ukraine. It has been proved that the vast majority of people with disabilities cannot afford a comfortable barrier-free travel. The physical and societal barriers faced by people with disabilities traveling in Ukraine are studied. The fundamental factors by which inclusive tourism can contribute to sustainable development in Ukraine are identified. The priority directions for the development of inclusive tourism as a great potential for providing significant economic and social benefits have been identified. By promoting the practices of accessible tourism, Ukraine will be able to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable tourism development on the world stage of the hospitality sector and to prove the ability to position itself as an entity committed to the well-being of all interested population groups. The priority problems and advantages of the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine are identified. The accessibility rating has been studied, which highlighted the major mobility problems faced by residents of large cities of Ukraine. The distribution of domestic tourists served by travel agents is studied both by the purpose of the trip and by regions. It is proved that the political and economic instability that has affected the Ukraine in recent years has supplied additional challenges for the development of inclusive tourism in the country. The features of tourism development in Ukraine are defined, in particular the directions of promoting the development of inclusive tourism, which will allow to develop a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry, as well as position itself as a responsible and responsive direction. It is proved that the implementation of inclusive tourism practices is crucial for the growth and development of the Ukrainian tourism industry. These practices should be integrated into a comprehensive tourism management strategy that takes into account the needs and interests of all stakeholders. Prospect for further research in this direction is to determine the economic effect of the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine, further development of the hospitality industry.

Identification Of Visual Impaired Children & Responses to Recreational Games in Support of Inclusive Tourism

Encouraging inclusivity in education and urban development is one of the goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of inclusive tourism is one way to push the SDGs goals to be achieved. Tourism basically includes several components such as attraction, accommodation and accessibility. In our community, especially children with disabilities, currently still have difficulties in enjoying tourism, this can be caused by all the three components of tourism such as attraction, accommodation and accessibility are not all disability-friendly. The development of disability-friendly recreational games is one way to support the attractiveness component so that it is accessible for people with disabilities. People with dissability have many different condition based on their difficulitites, one of which is people with visual impaired. This study will discuss the response of children with visual impairments to some recreational games that designed specifically for their condition. The method in this research is to use observation and Applied Behavior Analysis technique where we can observe how the visual impaired children respond to some of the games that are offered. Based on the analysis, it was identified that visual impaired children can accept games that rely on other five senses such as hearing, smell and touch. Children with visually impaired condition also tend to be able to play games that have simple instructions and are not too complicated. But even so, visual impaired children still need assistance in doing recreation.

Integrated Rural Development via Inclusive Tourism Development as a measure for entrenching National Peace and Security

Integrated Rural Development via Inclusive Tourism Development as a measure for entrenching National Peace and Security

MANAGEMENT OF INCLUSIVE TOURISM AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL

The key place of inclusive tourism in the structure of the social tourism organization system is determined. Theoretical principles were defined and practical experience of management of inclusive tourism as a key direction of social and economic development of Kharkiv region was studied. The main reasons that hinder the development of inclusive tourism in the regions are: insufficient developed infrastructure of the region; lack of conditions of access to establishments of accommodation and food of tourists; lack of possibility to visit museums, historical buildings, architectural monuments; lack of information on accessible tourist places and facilities for people with disabilities; lack of qualified staff to service people with disabilities. The state, regional and territorial levels of management of inclusive tourism are defined. The focus is on the role of each level of management and the main attention is paid to the activities of regional tourism centers. The leading experience of solving problems of development of inclusive tourism in the regions was demonstrated on the example of activity and implemented projects of Kharkiv organizational and methodical center of tourism. The implemented measures was established: dissemination of information on availability of a tourist destination; determination of availability of tourist objects with the purpose of their further inclusion in routes; participation in organization and conducting annual festivals on problems of inclusion in tourism; tourist service of socially disadvantaged groups; accompanying improvement of the inclusive field. Overcoming the problems of establishment and development of inclusive tourism depends on consolidation of efforts of all participants of the tourist sphere, including in the direction of creation of unique tourist routes for persons with special needs.

DIGITALISATION AS A TOOL OF TOURISM RECOVERY IN EUROPEAN UNION IN POST-COVID-19

Abstract. The article discusses the significance and trends of digitalisation in tourism. Phases of digital technologies development in tourism and factors influencing the uptake of digitalisation in tourism are presented. It was found that Europe is the world’s leading tourism destination with 51 % of international tourists arrivals and 39 % of global international tourism receipts in 2019. However, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism caused 69 % declines international tourist arrivals in Europe in 2020. This is due to the fact that since the beginning of the pandemic travel restrictions have been implemented and the external borders of the European Union have been closed. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was studied and it was found that the share of tourism contribution to GDP in European member decreased in 2020. Countries where tourism contributed the highest share to GDP in 2020 were Croatia (10,2 %), Greece (8,7 %) and Portugal (8,1%). It has been proven that digital technologies and data play important role in combating the pandemic Covid-19 and tourism recovery. Main tools of digitalisation in tourism that help to make travel safe and healthy are digital COVID certificate, mobile applications and web sites that propose information about epidemiological situation, restrictions and requirements for travellers. Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) of European Union countries are analysed. According to DESI the most advanced countries of European Union in 2018 were Denmark (70), Finland (68), Netherlands (68) and Sweden (65), while Croatia (35), Poland (36), Slovakia (39), Bulgaria (40) and Greece (40) have the lowest scores on the index. Recommendations for tourism recovery in post-COVID-19 are proposed. Main directions of tourism recovery should be: collaboration between destination management organisations and tourism enterprises, promotion of sustainable and inclusive tourism development, implementation of innovation and digital technologies in the process of tourism services consumption. Keywords: digitalisation in tourism, digital technologies, European Union member countries, Digital Economy and Society Index, digital COVID certificate. JEL Classification F29, L83, L86, O52 Formulas: 0; fig.: 4; tabl.: 2; bibl.: 14.