Regional Features of Rural Tourism Development in Ukraine

Abstract

Rural tourism in Ukraine is in its infancy today. The revival of rural communities, their further social and economic development are connected with the future industry of rural tourism. Holidays in picturesque villages through the use of the available private housing stock of hospitable hosts have a positive effect not only on the health of vacationers, but also on the environment and the economy of the regions of Ukraine. This, in turn, expands the employment scope of rural residents, gives the opportunity to implement on the spot the environmentally friendly products of personal farming, helps to increase the attractiveness and viability of rural areas, to mitigate demographic problems, to reduce migration, to promote local resources and folk traditions, thereby diversifying life of rural communities. The picturesque Ukrainian village has a unique historical and architectural heritage, medical and recreational resources, original culture and way of life, unique landscapes, rich national traditions, opportunities to eat ecologically clean products and recreation in enchanting nature. That is why today rural tourism is becoming more widespread among tourists. This type of tourism proves that it is not only a type of recreation, but also an important factor in solving socio-economic problems of the village, one of the types of small business. The article considers the rural tourism as a promising direction of development of the tourism industry in Ukraine. It was analyzed the current state and features of rural tourism development in regions of Ukraine, which are attractive and favorable for recreation in rural areas. It was highlighted the main advantages of this type of recreation and the opportunities, which rural tourism opens for the rural population in each region of Ukraine. It is emphasized that rural tourism as an economic activity contributes to regional development and leads to the overall economic growth of the country. It is determined that rural tourism is a guarantor of stability and viability of rural areas, an important alternative for agriculture and a factor in the development of local communities.