DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE TOURISM IN THE CONDITIONS OF POST-WAR TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores how the full-scale war in Ukraine has dramatically increased the number of people in need of medical, physical, psychological and social rehabilitation, creating an urgent need for barrier-free environments, accessible infrastructure and inclusive tourism products that could meet both basic and special needs. In this context, inclusive tourism acquires not only functional but also strategic importance as a means of reintegration, resocialisation and support for post-traumatic emotional well-being. Global experiences confirm that inclusive and rehabilitation tourism is an effective tool for improving the quality of life and social adaptation of people with special needs. Implementing such initiatives in a national context creates opportunities not only to expand the tourism market but also to develop local communities, improve infrastructure, implement universal design principles, and strengthen social cohesion. Therefore, studying inclusive tourism within the context of Ukraine’s post-war transformation is highly relevant, as it allows for the development of innovative tourism models with a high social potential that align with modern humanitarian challenges and societal needs. In the post-war context, inclusive tourism is seen as part of the reintegration system for veterans, internally displaced persons, and other socially vulnerable groups. Of particular importance are studies on the recreational potential of territories for restoring human capital, especially in the fields of medical rehabilitation and military tourism. Despite existing research, the issue of inclusive tourism in the context of Ukraine’s post-war transformation remains underexplored. There is a pressing need for the development of new approaches to designing inclusive tourism products, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and mechanisms of state support, as well as fostering partnerships between public, civil, and private structures in the tourism sector. In the current context, inclusive rehabilitation tourism is viewed not only as a segment of the tourism market but as a tool for social adaptation, psychological rehabilitation, and economic integration of individuals with disabilities. Its role is especially significant for military personnel, veterans, internally displaced persons, and individuals who have suffered physical and mental trauma due to war.