The thesis generalizes theoretical, methodological and applied approaches to the stimulation of entrepreneurial activity in tourism and recreation sphere of the region.
The content and interconnection of conceptual approaches to the interpretation of the concepts of "tourism” and “recreation” are revealed; the definition of the concept “tourism and recreation sphere of the region” is expanded in view of globalization processes. The tools of stimulating the development of entrepreneurial activity in tourism and recreation sphere are explored. The specifics of the development of regional tourism and recreation sphere are determined by carrying out a comprehensive analysis of its activities. The place and significance of micro-enterprises in regional tourism and recreation sphere are investigated. An estimation of influence of seasonal fluctuations on activity of regional tourism and recreation sphere is conducted taking into account spatial and temporal specifics.
The object of the research is the process of stimulating the development of entrepreneurial activity in tourism and recreation of the region.
The subject of the research is the set of theoretical, methodological and practical principles of organizing the organizational and economic mechanism of stimulating the development of tourism and recreation sphere of the region.
The influence of certain factors on formation of indicators of tourism and recreation activity in the region is analyzed. The measures are proposed to improve the components of the economic environment to stimulate entrepreneurial activity of the tourism and recreation sphere of the region and to expand the financial, economic and institutional tools for stimulating the development of entrepreneurial activity in this area.
The thesis substantiates that stimulation of entrepreneurial activities should include tools with the distinct effect of active motivation for entrepreneurs to make qualitative changes in organization of their activities, increasing their efficiency, creation and implementation of innovative services or procedures. This implies the use of a system that includes universal and sectoral organizational, legal, financial, credit and institutional tools with differentiated approach to different entrepreneurship groups, taking into account the stage of the life cycle of a business entity. Stimulation may be carried out at the national, regional or local levels taking into account the forms and methods used, and the scale of the toolkit.
The analysis of the main tendencies in the development of tourism and recreation sphere in Zakarpattya region demonstrates positive dynamics of the basic indicators. The study has identified specific features that significantly affect the financial and economic activity of entrepreneurs in regional tourism and recreation, in particular, expressed vertical spatial zoning and distinct seasonal activity. The research has revealed a significant strengthening of the role of micro-enterprises in the main indicators of tourism and recreation activities in Zakarpattya region.
The thesis proves that the activity of tourism and recreation sphere of Zakarpattya region has the clearly expressed seasonal character that influences demand and supply, leads to the periodic release of human resources and determines uneven distribution of expenditures and revenues of tourism and recreation facilities in the time dimension.
The research shows a positive long-term tendency to equalize the entrepreneurial activity in the spatial regional perspective. However, the increase in the amplitude of fluctuations in the number of visitors between the peak periods and off-seasons was fixed. It is caused by the accelerated increase in visitors during summer months and requires elaborating the system of incentives for entrepreneurs during the periods of low activity.
The thesis proves expedient to divide the economic environment of tourism and recreation sphere operation into two groups. The first one is the group of basic support conditions provided by state authorities and local governments through realization of their direct functions. The second one is the group of incentives implemented by local governments, financial and credit institutions, international organizations, regional development agencies, non-governmental organizations aimed to stimulate entrepreneurial activities in the field of research.
Cooperation between all participants of tourism and recreation sphere has been proved important in the identification of problem issues, elaboration of joint measures for the development of the sector and the search for financial resources.
The thesis reveals that financial and economic stimulation is an important aspect that is implemented at the national, regional and local levels and includes a toolkit of budget, tax, credit and investment incentives, and also participation in international cooperation programs.
