Екотуризм як складова розвитку туризму територіальних громад

Abstract

Обґрунтовано важливість глобальних цілей сталого розвитку для розвитку екотуризму на прикладі Заліщицької міської територіальних громади (МТГ) Тернопільської області. Проаналізовано основні підходи Міжнародних організацій, щодо розуміння екотуризму через глобальні цілі сталого розвитку територіальних громад. Висвітлено вибрані тенденції екотуризму в європейському туризму. Розглянуто особливості формування стратегій розвитку туризму у громадах. Теоретичні напрацювання було апробовано на дослідженні туристичного сектора Заліщицької МТГ. Розроблено систему чинників розвитку екотуризму та наявних передумов у Заліщицькій МТГ в моделі сталого розвитку.

This article demonstrates the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals for the development of ecotourism, using the Zalishchytsia urban community in the Ternopil region as a case study. It analyzes the main approaches of international organizations to understanding ecotourism through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals for local communities. This article highlights selected trends in ecotourism within the European tourism sector. The Council of Europe and the European Tourism Commission (ETC) highlight changes in the behavior and mindset of modern tourists, which are primarily reflected in their increased environmental awareness and higher expectations regarding service quality, as well as their desire for an attractive, natural, and unspoiled environment at their travel destination. Ukraine’s greatest advantage compared to other European countries is its rich natural heritage. The great diversity of natural habitats places our country among the leading European nations in terms of biodiversity conservation. Ukraine has protected areas cover over 6.8% of the country’s territory, while in the Ternopil region, protected lands account for 8.95% (as of 2023). The total actual area of protected territories in the Ternopil region is 123,866.7911 hectares. Unlike in EU countries, in some regions, such as Ukraine, this figure has historically been lower (around 6.8%), although there are plans to increase it. These areas are recognize ding by international naturalists as some of the most valuable nature reserves in Europe. The subject of this study is the Zalishchytskyi UTC, one of the most attractive regions in Ukraine with a long standing tradition of resort and climatic tourism. This choice is basseting on several factors. First and foresting, this is linking to the specific nature of the resources upon which tourism here is developed. The Dniester Canyon, with its climatic conditions and rich natural and cultural-historical heritage, is precisely that wealth. The main trends in the development of tourism in the Zalishchyky UTC have been selecting as the subject of this study. Naturally, it is impossible to cover all aspects of a phenomenon as complex as tourism in a single article, even when focusing on a single region. Therefore, this paper provides a general overview of tourism activities in the community. The focus is on the characteristics of the geographical location, population, accessibility of the territory, management system, principles and forms of utilizing natural resources and cultural-historical heritage as the main foundation of the local tourism product; and the specifics of the tourism infrastructure. However, the main objective is to identify the most characteristic features that define the specificity of the Zalishchytskyi UTC as a tourist destination. The sources and basis for the analysis include monographs, statistical data, reports from travel agencies, descriptions of tourist routes and other elements of the tourism infrastructure, as well as strategies and plans for tourism development in the community. The article makes extensive use of materials available on the websites and web pages of various entities in the tourism market. A system of factors influencing ecotourism development and the existing prerequisites for its development in the Zalishchytska UTC has been developing within the framework of a sustainable development model. Recommendations have been madding regarding the Tourism Development Strategy for the Zalishchytska UTC. The strategy is viewing as a comprehensive long-term plan aimed at sustainable development, improving quality of life, economic growth, effective resource management, and the preservation of ecological and cultural potential. The main areas typically including economic development, tourism and recreation, tourism infrastructure, the social sector, and environmental protection.