UZHANSKYI NATIONAL NATURE PARK: FEATURES OF THE ECOTOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors:   Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine, Habchak Natalia , Dubis Lidiya ,   Lublin Catholic University named by John Paul II, Lublin, Poland
Published: September 2023

Aim. The aim of the article is scientific and practical research of the possibilities of development and use of ecotourism infrastructure within the borders of the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park (hereinafter - UNNP) of Zakarpattia oblast. Method. The essence of the research methodology is based on the integration of scientific approaches to the study of various aspects of the development of ecotourism infrastructure at the regional level. The main research methods are comparative-geographical, statistical, descriptive, point (rating) assessment and analytical. Results. A number of works of domestic scientists, legislative, regulatory, strategic and programmatic documents regulating tourist movement within nature protection territories were analyzed. The essence and potential of the research area regarding the possibilities of development of ecological tourism and the prerequisites for the functioning of the ecotourism infrastructure are revealed. The structural elements of the ecotourism infrastructure are singled out, namely: ecological and cognitive trails, tourist routes, visitor centers, informational tourist centers, specially equipped zones, historical and cultural objects, tourist accommodation and catering establishments, etc. The detailed analysis of the ecotourism infrastructure of the UNNP is given, as the example, which is located within the Carpathian region of Zakarpattia oblast. On the basis of thorough analysis, natural and historical and cultural attractions were researched, the most popular tourist routes within the study area were singled out. In addition to interesting tourist objects (natural or historical and cultural), the current state of ecological trails and tourist routes, as well as the mode of their use, are determined. The main issues and limiting factors of tourist use and conservation of nature conservation areas are characterized. A detailed description of the functioning of the Uzhanskyi National Nature Park is provided, the latest material on natural and historical and cultural attractions, ecological and educational trails and tourist routes has been collected and analyzed. Originality. The main accents of the relationship "urbanized society - recreationist (tourist) - natural environment" are determined. For the first time, the most popular tourist destinations with proper infrastructure and informational and advertising support are singled out. Practical value. The problems and prospects of the development of ecotourism related to the opening of new tourist routes and brands, the creation of a single information space are highlighted. A number of recommendations have been proposed regarding the promotion and regulation of tourist traffic, improvement of ecotourism infrastructure, optimal territorial management, and approximation of protected areas to the requirements of sustainable development of tourism in nature conservation areas of Zakarpattia oblast.