CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIVE TOURISM AND RECREATION IN THE WESTERN REGION OF UKRAINE
Authors: Romaniv Pavlo 
Published: August 2023

The study of the tourism and recreation sphere in the context of the postulates of sustainable development is carried out by many researchers. In particular, geographical, economic, social, behavioral, legal and other aspects of sustainable tourism development are investigated. Our research mainly regulates the formation and organization of the active tourism product of the Western region of Ukraine and their compliance with the principles of sustainable development. The principles of organizing active tourism and recreation are also proposed. Separately, we emphasize recreational and tourist initiatives within nature protection territories, taking into account the natural and geographical environment: geological and geomorphological environment, climate, hydrological and forest-vegetation conditions. The process of active tourism management has a negative impact on the relief and vegetation of the territory (tourist digression). This is especially relevant now, when the Western region of Ukraine receives internally displaced persons as a result of the war with Russia, as well as due to uncontrolled tourist traffic and activities. Manifestations of tourist digression are observed on popular tourist routes within the borders of Chornohora, Gorgans, Svidivets, Beskids, Vododilno-Verkhovyna ridge, Chivchyns, Hryniavs. Therefore, the changes that tourism in western Ukraine underwent after the start of the full-scale war were outlined. The correspondence of active tourism products to the principles of sustainability of the development of the tourism and recreation sphere in general is suggested. Achieving the principles of sustainability must be ensured at various levels of the organization of the tourist process: administrative, economic, subject (tourist), local community level. At each of the levels of the organization of the principles of sustainability of the development of the tourism process, it is worth applying both direct (direct) and indirect (mediated) levers of influence.

Direct levers provide for strict, scientifically based regulation of the number of tourists; restrictions (in some cases, closure) for visiting particularly valuable natural objects and territories; application of modern technological innovations that allow minimizing environmental pollution, etc. Non-compliance with established norms and rules involves the application of appropriate sanctions. Mediated methods are a more flexible way of influencing the behavior of tourists and are based on raising the level of their culture, environmental education, and fostering a tolerant attitude of the local population. Currently, methods of direct influence due to the growth of mass tourism in the Western region of Ukraine are key and require immediate implementation, especially at the local level.

We believe that the concept of active tourism has the right to exist in the context of its understanding as overcoming space in an active way with or without the use of specialized vehicles, using mainly the physiological and psycho-emotional conditions of the body to achieve the goals (goals) of the trip: cognitive, scientific, educational , sports, nature conservation, etc.

Tourism in the Western region of Ukraine (especially in its Carpathian part) has undergone changes since the start of a full-scale war on February 24, 2022, which is recorded by many organizations.

All active tourism products developed and organized in the Western region of Ukraine must comply with the principles of sustainable development of the tourism sector in general.

We believe that the goal of the principles will not be achieved only by declarative statements, which is characteristic of most regional development programs, but by coordinating the efforts of all stakeholders of the tourism process.

Regional and local strategies and programs for the development of tourism, resorts, and recreation play an important role in forming the foundations of sustainable tourism development.

Highlighting the international environment, we are talking about the experience of the countries of the world in ensuring the sustainability of the tourism process, participation in international and interregional programs, grants, etc. Among other stakeholders, the following are important: elements of the infrastructure that ensure the functioning of the destination, representatives of business, social sphere, marketing and advertising, legislation, executive power at various levels, the market of qualified specialists in the field of hospitality, tourism, and recreation.

Key words: active tourism and recreation, sustainable development, Western region of Ukraine, tourism process.