TOURIST POTENTIAL OF BALNEOLOGICAL RESOURCES USE IN KHMELNYTSKYI REGION
Authors: Dolynska Olesya 
Published: June 2022

The article deals with the Khmelnytskyi region balneological resources analysis. The peculiarities of their functioning and the possibilities of increasing the efficiency of their use in the tourist and recreational industry are described. New opportunities for recreational resources management in Khmelnytskyi region and within its territorial communities in the light of decentralization processes, modern political and socio-economic challenges are considered. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of domestic tourism is very important. Tourism has big losses and it is balneological resorts that should encourage investment in the regions. The article substantiates that the potential of balneological resources makes it possible to improve the level of financial capacity of the united territorial communities of the region by filling local budgets through the development of the respective territories. On the example of Khmelnytskyi region the directions of balneological resorts development are offered. Balneological sanatoriums of Khmelnytskyi region are specialized in the treatment of sick people with chronic diseases of the digestive system, cardiovascular system; peripheral and central nervous system; musculoskeletal systems; pulmonary system; metabolic disorders and endocrine system; skin diseases. On the basis of the conducted research the key problems and prospects of Khmelnytskyi region balneological resorts development are defined. We can admit that the serious component of the strengthening of modern tourism activities in the Khmelnytskyi region is the realization of an effective regional tourism policy. The main task is to attract recreational and tourist potential for the socio-economic development of united territorial communities. Coordinated and joint work of the authorities and entrepreneurs of local territorial communities will effectively promote the development of recreation and recreation facilities in rural areas. Only an effective regional tourism policy can reduce the polarization of socio-economic development in Khmelnytskyi regions.

Thus, the potential of balneological tourism in Khmelnytsky region is very high. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic and the partial closure of borders have created opportunities for domestic tourism. Many mineral water deposits have been explored in the region and there are deposits that still need research. In the Khmelnytsky region there are a sufficient number of beds in balneological sanatoriums and other accommodation establishments. Despite the fact that balneological institutions provide a large number of medical, diagnostic and additional services, there are problems of an infrastructural nature. It is the development of tourism in the region that should become a "magnet for attracting" investment, promote job creation and intensify the development of the region as a whole.

We see the prospect of further scientific research in the development of effective mechanisms for attracting domestic and foreign investment in improving the infrastructure of balneological resorts in Khmelnytsky region, taking into account the experience of foreign countries.

Key words: balneological resources, recreational resources, mineral waters, mineral water deposits, Khmelnytskyi region.