Directions of improvement of economic and legal regulation of the activities of tour operators in due with COVID-19
Authors: Semenova Maryna , Gunare Maryna 
Published: July 2020

Problem setting. COVID-19 and global quarantine have changed the lives of the world and dealt a devastating blow to business and the economy. The most affected industry, of course, can be considered tourism. According to Bloomberg, the global tourism industry in 2020 will lose $ 1.7 trillion. The tourism industry around the world and in Ukraine has virtually come to a complete halt. This is primarily due to the closure of borders, the cessation of passenger traffic, the shutdown of hotels, tour desks, guides and restaurants. The cancellation of tours and the refusal of tourists to travel, has led to the fact that many tourism entities suffer losses, and some are on the verge of bankruptcy. And those who want to start their own tourism business and develop the tourism industry have many difficulties. All these factors make it necessary to consider simplifying the activities of tour operators. All these factors together make it necessary to consider the issue of simplifying the activities of the main actors in the tourism industry and especially tour operators. The purpose of this study is to analyze the possibility of simplifying the activities of tour operators in terms of the abolition of licensing of tour operators in view of the priority of ensuring the interests of consumers of tourism services and taking into account the successful experience of the Baltic States. Analysis of resent researches and publications. The licensing of tourism in Ukraine and security in the field of tourism, including in the context of international experience, considered by the following scientists: S.S. Galasyuk, V.G. Gerasimenko, A.G. Okhrimenko and others. However, issues related to the liberalization of tourism need further research. Aricle’s main body. Based on the study and generalization of scientific sources and international experience of tourism licensing, taking into account the difficult situation in which tourism entities in connection with COVID-19, we consider it appropriate to propose the abolition of tour operator licensing, while providing for several existing legislation. at the same time other means of influence: 1) financial security in the amount which depends not only on the type of tourist activity, but also on the annual volume of provided tourist services. Establish the obligation of the tour operator to independently assess the adequacy of the amount of financial security and, if necessary, increase its size. Introduce a mechanism of liability for violation of the requirements for an adequate amount of financial security in the event of negative consequences; 2) the Unified State Register of Tour Operators, having established that tour operators may carry out activities only if information about them is entered into the Unified State Register of Tour Operators; 3) compulsory liability insurance of the tour operator. Conlusions and prospect of development. In turn, the imperfection of the legal regulation of tourism entities, the need to improve the mechanism of financial support of tour operators and travel agents, the conditions of the Unified State Register of Tour Operators and compulsory liability insurance of a tour operator, confirms the need and prospects for further research.