1. SMEU
  2. All Volumes and Issues
  3. Volume 7, Number 1, 2025
  4. Current State and Development Trends of Heritage and Cultural Tourism in Ukraine and the Eu: a Comparative Aspect

Current State and Development Trends of Heritage and Cultural Tourism in Ukraine and the Eu: a Comparative Aspect

SMEU.
2025;
Volume 7, Number 1
: pp. 299 - 315
https://doi.org/10.23939/smeu2025.02.299
Authors:
  1. Oleh Karyy
  2. I. Kulyniak
  3. S. Ohinok
  4. Yu. Bondarenko
1
Lviv Polytechnic National University
2
Lviv Polytechnic National University
3
Lviv Polytechnic National University
4
Lviv Polytechnic National University

The study aims to analyze the current state and development trends of heritage and cul- tural tourism in Ukraine compared to EU countries by substantiating the significance of UNESCO World Heritage and museum infrastructure as key factors in developing heritage and cultural tourism. Additionally, the study formulates recommendations for improving Ukraine’s tourism policy based on the experience of leading European countries in the tourism sector. To achieve the research objectives and test the proposed hypotheses, the study employs a combina- tion of methods that ensure a comparative analysis of heritage and cultural tourism development in Ukraine and EU countries. These methods include statistical, correlation-regression, compar- ative, graphical, and cartographic analysis. Using econometric models, the study examines the impact of the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites on developing the tourism sector in Ukraine and EU countries. The comparative analysis revealed a positive correlation between the number of such sites and key tourism indicators. It was determined that the most developed tourist destinations are Italy, France, Spain, and Germany, which have the highest number of UNESCO sites, positively influencing the economic benefits of tourism. The findings indicate that Ukraine significantly lags behind European leaders in all tourism indicators. The research confirmed that the presence of UNESCO World Heritage sites is crucial in developing heritage and cultural tourism. However, a comprehensive tourism development strategy is required to utilize this potential effectively. Based on statistical data, the study examines the total number of museums and their accessibility to the population in Ukraine compared to EU countries. It was found that Ukraine significantly lags in the number of museums in absolute terms and per capita. The study also analyzes the experience of leading European countries – Germany, France, Italy, and Spain – in developing heritage and cultural tourism. It outlines the possibili- ties for adapting this experience in Ukraine to enhance tourism appeal and preserve historical and cultural heritage. Adopting European practices will contribute to the country’s economic development and promote its historical and cultural heritage internationally. The obtained data can benefit government authorities, tourism organizations, museum institutions, and investors in the artistic and tourism sectors.

tourism
heritage and cultural tourism
UNESCO World Heritage
tourism infrastructure
museums
domestic tourism
international tourism
European Union
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