RETREAT TOURS AS A MEANS OF RESTORING MENTAL BALANCE: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PROSPECTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN UKRAINIAN TOURISM
Abstract
The article is devoted to the topical issues of the development of retreat tours as an innovative direction of modern tourism, aimed at restoring a person’s mental balance in conditions of growing psycho-emotional stress. Particular attention is paid to the role of recreation as a basic mechanism for restoring mental health, as well as the transformation of tourism practices in the context of global challenges. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate and practically analyze retreat tours as a tool for restoring mental balance, as well as to determine the possibilities of their adaptation and development in the system of tourism activity of Ukraine, taking into account international experience and the potential of recreation. In the process of the study, a set of general scientific and special methods was used, which provided a comprehensive analysis of retreat tours as a tool for restoring mental balance in the system of tourism and recreation. The influence of retreat trips upon the psycho-emotional condition of an individual is evaluated utilizing current scientific findings. The present standing of progress of wellness and restorative tourism within Ukraine is scrutinised. The resource capacity of Ukraine for advancing retreat tours is established. The primary obstacles and limiting elements affecting the realisation of retreat tourism in Ukraine are ascertained. It is proven that Ukraine has significant natural resource and recreational potential for the development of retreat tourism, however, its implementation is hampered by an insufficient level of infrastructure, a limited offer of specialized products and low institutional support. It is substantiated that the adaptation of international practices taking into account national characteristics will contribute to the formation of a competitive tourism product. It is established that the introduction of retreat tours into the national tourism system can not only expand the range of recreational services, but also strengthen the role of tourism in preserving the mental health of the population, which determines the prospects for further research in this direction. The approaches and recommendations proposed in the study can be applied by tourism operators, local governments and recreational entities to develop competitive tourism products focused on restoring mental balance. Practical developments also contribute to more effective use of natural resource potential and development of recreational areas, in particular in mountainous, forest and coastal regions. In addition, the results of the study can be used in the development of tourism development strategies, educational programs and professional training of specialists in the field of tourism and recreation.
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