ADAPTIVE TOURISM: HISTORY OF FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE AND IN THE WORLD

Abstract

The article explores the history of the emergence and development of adaptive tourism in Ukraine and in the international context. The study identifies the key stages of its evolution, including the origins in global practice, the specific characteristics of development during the Soviet period, the institutionalization and gradual professionalization in independent Ukraine, as well as the current trends in its integration into the global tourism industry. Particular emphasis is placed on analyzing the main challenges that continue to hinder the effective growth of adaptive tourism. These include insufficient regulatory and legal support, organizational and financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure accessibility for people with special needs, as well as the lack of systemic educational and informational support in society. At the same time, the article highlights promising directions for further advancement of adaptive tourism. Among them are the modernization and harmonization of national legislation with international standards, the creation of an inclusive social environment that ensures equal opportunities for all categories of citizens, the strengthening of international cooperation and exchange of best practices, and the implementation of innovative technologies that can improve the quality of tourism services for people with disabilities and other groups with limited mobility. The research results demonstrate the importance of adaptive tourism not only as a sector of the tourism economy, but also as a social phenomenon contributing to sustainable development, human rights protection, and inclusive policies. They can be applied in further scientific studies, in the practical work of tourism enterprises and operators, as well as in the development of state and regional strategies in the field of tourism and social integration. In this regard, adaptive tourism should be viewed as a multidimensional process that combines social responsibility, economic efficiency, and cultural exchange. Its successful progress requires close collaboration between state authorities, business representatives, academic institutions, and civil society, ensuring that the principles of accessibility and inclusion are transformed from declarations into everyday practice.