STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE TOURISM IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the development of strategic priorities of inclusive tourism in Ukraine. It was determined that inclusive tourism is a step towards creating a society where everyone has the right to a full-fledged rest and travel, regardless of their physical capabilities. This type of tourism is a promising direction that can significantly expand the audience of tourist services, stimulate the development of the economy, increase the image of the state as a hospitable and inclusive country in the international arena, etc. The key problems of the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine, which prevent a full-fledged rest and personal growth of people with special needs, have been identified.

For a comprehensive assessment of the prospects for the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine, the article uses the SWOT analysis method, which made it possible to systematize information about internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) that affect the development of this direction. The results of such an analysis became the basis for the development of priority directions for the development of inclusive tourism in Ukraine, which include specific goals, tasks and measures aimed at overcoming weaknesses, using opportunities and minimizing threats. It is substantiated that the goal of the development of inclusive tourism is to ensure equal access to tourist services for all citizens, regardless of physical, sensory, intellectual, mental or age characteristics. In accordance with the outlined goal, strategic goals are defined, each of which contains a list of tasks for their achievement. The proposed goals are based on taking into account a set of tasks, the implementation of which will contribute to the social integration of people with disabilities and the expansion of their access to cultural goods. It is emphasized that the implementation of the outlined tasks is associated with a number of risks (insufficient funding; lack of uniform state accessibility standards; lack of qualified personnel; lack of coordination between various state bodies and organizations responsible for the development of inclusive tourism; stereotypes and discrimination; political and economic instability etc.) that need to be taken into account.