ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC PARADIGM OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF EXTREME TOURISM IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article considers the theoretical and methodological basis of the development of extreme tourism in Ukraine as one of tourist activities that has a significant ecological and economic impact on regional socio-economic systems. It is established that the development of extreme tourism is influenced by a complex of socio-economic factors, in particular, it is more popular among the people whose work is related to mental activity, and among young people who, under the influence of social networks, would like to gain new experience and additional adrenaline. As a result of conducted research was found that Ukraine is far from fully using the opportunities and available resources for the development of extreme tourism. It is established that the impact of extreme tourism is caused by the need to use natural resources, since certain types of extreme tourism significantly depend on the availability of appropriate natural resources, and, therefore, compete with other resource-dependent sectors of the economy, in particular forestry and agriculture. The potential negative environmental impact of various types of extreme activities is substantiated. An assessment of the possibilities for the development of extreme tourism in the different regions was carried out, taking into account their potential and ecological-economic impact, and regions were identified in which extreme tourism has greater prospects compared to others, in particular, in Ukraine there are good initial conditions for the development of certain types such as mountain and water extreme tourism in the Carpathian macroregion associated with skiing and rafting on mountain rivers; speleotourism in Ternopil and Zakarpattya region. Based on the SWOT analysis, factors influencing the development of extreme tourism were identified. It was substantiated that the development of extreme tourism in Ukraine should be based on both an economically profitable and an environmentally responsible basis. Conclusions were drawn regarding the importance of popularizing extreme tourism and measures to minimize negative impact on the environment.