TOURISM AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC)

Abstract

The article is devoted to determining the level of influence of tourism on the social and economic development of the Czech Republic. The diagnosis of the current state of tourist flows in the Czech Republic was carried out, the number of registered economic entities in the field of tourism of the Czech Republic was investigated, and the main trends were considered. The dynamics of the tourist flow in the country and socio-economic indicators of tourist activity were analyzed, taking into account the impact of the pandemic, and the tourist flow in the regions of the Czech Republic was also investigated. The share of tourism in the creation of gross added value in the national economy is determined. The problems of the development of the tourism sphere of the Czech Republic were identified and the ways to overcome them were determined, the impact of the tourism sphere on the socio-economic development of the country was assessed. The Czech Republic has great opportunities for the development of tourism - a favorable climate and natural conditions, world-famous resorts, a significant number of historical monuments. This gives us the opportunity to develop both domestic and inbound tourism. The dimensions of organized tourism reflect the scale of activities of the country's tourism firms. In the market of tourist services of the Czech Republic, there is a tendency to decrease the number of tourist companies. The consequences of the coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on the regional indicators of the functioning of the tourism sector and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. During the development of the strategy for the further development of the tourism sector, new circumstances and requests of tourists are taken into account, regarding the search for smaller, more private apartments for short-term rent, equipped with a kitchen. By helping to shape a country's value, image and identity, tourism is an important factor in economic growth. The promotion of business in the tourism sector can guarantee a significant contribution to the social and economic development of the Czech Republic, to the creation of new jobs and replenishment of the state budget through the payment of taxes. The country's government can use tourism as a tool to increase the level of employment and economic growth, upgrade infrastructure, etc.. Analysis of measures to gradually restore tourist flows helps to avoid severe lockdowns in the future, which determines the prospects for further research.