Analysis of ecotourism infrastructure within the nature-protected areas of the Transcarpathian region (on the example of National Nature Park «Synevyr»)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the development of ecotourism in the protected areas of the Transcarpathian region. The peculiarities of ecotourism development in the period of globalization are considered and the insufficient involvement of nature protection territories and their potential for the development of domestic and international tourism is pointed out. The problem of poor implementation of forms of sustainable tourism is singled out. The main accents of the relationship «urban society – holiday-maker (tourist) – environment» have been identified. A number of works of domestic scientists, legislative, normative-legal, strategic and program documents regulating tourist movement within the protected areas are analyzed. The essence and potential of the research territory on the possibilities of ecological tourism development and preconditions for the functioning of ecotourism infrastructure have been revealed. The structural elements of ecotourism infrastructure have been singled out, namely: ecological and educational trails, tourist routes, visit-centers, information tourist points and centers, specially equipped zones, historical and cultural objects, accommodation and catering establishments, etc. As an example, a detailed analysis of the ecotourism infrastructure of the National Park «Synevyr» located within the Carpathian region of the Transcarpathian region has been given. On the basis of a thorough analysis the natural, historical and cultural attractions have been studied and the most popular tourist routes within the research area have been identified. In addition to interesting tourist sites (natural or historical and cultural), the current state of ecological trails and tourist routes, as well as the mode of their use has been determined. The main problems and limiting factors of tourism use and conservation of protected areas have been described. A detailed characteristics of the National Park «Synevyr» functioning has been given and the latest material of natural, historical and cultural attractions, ecological and educational trails and tourist routes have been collected and analyzed. It is proved that within the study area the village Kolochava is the most popular tourist destination with proper infrastructure and information and advertising support. We have proposed a number of recommendations on encouraging and regulating of tourist traffic, improving of ecotourism infrastructure, optimal territorial management and the approximation of protected areas to the requirements of sustainable tourism development in the protected areas of the Transcarpathian region.