Seneta Z. Organizational and economic principles of rural tourism development in Ukraine

The dissertation summarizes the main scientific approaches to the interpretation of the concept of «tourism» by domestic and foreign scientists. Based on this, it is proposed to consider tourism as a type of recreation and active rest, which is associated with the temporary departure of a person from the place of residence for the purpose of recreation or a tourist trip to a certain area, which should be based on the principles of sustainable development. It is also suggested to consider rural tourism not only in terms of passive recreation in the countryside, but also as the possibility of attracting a wide range of additional excursion services that the owner of the rural estate can offer to the tourist. Based on this, the author’s classification of the complex of direct links of rural tourism with other types of tourism is presented. The key features of the provision of recreational services are detailed. It is established that rural tourism is one of the types of tourism that combines other subspecies that are directly related to recreation in the countryside (a rural estate or the host's own house). The key approaches to the interpretation of the definition of «rural tourism» by domestic and foreign scientists are considered, and the main functions of rural tourism are summarized. The main components of rural tourism are considered, which form the rural tourist space. In the process of considering the main scientific approaches of the researched issue, the following interpretation of this term is proposed: rural tourism is a multifaceted recreational type of tourism that takes place in rural areas and is organized by people who are in family relationships on the territory of a personal peasant farm (in a rural estate) taking into account the principles sustainable development. It includes hiking and horseback riding, excursions, weekend trips, photo hunting, fishing, familiarization with local household, national cuisine, folklore, traditions of folk holidays and unique features of the respective area. Taking into account the unique natural conditions, resources potential opportunities for the development of the tourism sector, it is justified that rural tourism in Ukraine can become one of the important tools for ensuring the sustainable development of rural settlements. The main factors that will contribute to the development of rural tourism in Ukraine are given. It is outlined and detailed the conceptual framework of sustainable development of rural tourism. It is proposed the author’s definition of sustainable rural tourism as a recreational type of tourism that takes place in rural areas and is organized by people who are in family relations on the territory of the personal peasant farm (in a rural estate) following the concept of sustainable development. The provision of recreational services by the owner of a rural estate may also be related to the use of tourist resources, cultural and historical values of the countryside. The priority directions of the state policy development in the field of rural tourism should be based on the principles of sustainable development and should be supported at the local, regional and international levels. An analysis of the current state of the organization and development of rural tourism in Ukraine was carried out based on statistical indicators. The formation of rural tourism in Ukraine began in 1996, when the public organization «Association for the Development of Rural Green Tourism in Ukraine» was created. It was found that the negative dynamics observed in 2020 is mainly related to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which negatively affected the indicators of the development of the tourism industry in Ukraine and the whole world. The field of rural tourism after the pandemic has been adversely again affected by Russia's military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is investigated that during 2022 the economy of Ukraine suffered the greatest losses and damages in the entire history of independence. It is determined that in wartime the domestic tourism and excursions act as a kind of therapy and an opportunity to feel positive emotions. It is also a contribution to supporting the economy, because tourists invest in a wide range of services provided by the owners of rural estates, buy souvenirs, pay for transport, etc. The main stages of the development of rural tourism in Ukraine are outlined and supplemented. It is established that today rural tourism in Ukraine is at the fourth stage of development