Trends and structural shifts in the tourism industry of Ukraine during the war and possible prospects for its post‐war recovery

Abstract

The relevance of the study is обусловлена transformational processes experienced by Ukraine’s tourism industry as a result of the full-scale war, which has caused the destruction of infrastructure, changes in the geography of tourist flows, the loss of natural, recreational and cultural potential, and the reorientation of tourism priorities. Current challenges require a comprehensive scientific consideration of structural shifts in tourism, taking into account security, spatial and environmental factors that determine the new conditions for the functioning of the hospitality industry. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of trends and structural shifts in Ukraine’s tourism industry during the war, considering spatial, security and environmental factors, and substantiating priority directions for its post-war recovery. The study used the following methods: analysis of scientific literature, generalization, systematization, comparison, statistical analysis and graphical interpretation of data. Results. It has been established that the war has led to structural changes in the tourism industry, in particular causing a decline in international tourist flows, an increase in the role of domestic Ukrainian tourism, and a reorientation of demand toward safe regions and natural locations. It has been substantiated that digitalization, adaptation of management mechanisms, and the strengthening of the role of local communities have become the main factors supporting tourism activities under martial law. Attention is focused on the large-scale destruction of tourism and cultural infrastructure, as well as significant environmental losses, including damage to nature reserve sites, which directly affects the future tourist attractiveness of Ukrainian territories. The spatial differentiation of Ukrainian regions according to the level of risk and the priority of post-war tourism recovery has been determined. It has been proven that the realistic scenario for the industry’s development involves the gradual restoration of infrastructure, a focus on domestic tourism, and the development of rehabilitation and nature-oriented types of tourism. Conclusions.Effective post-war recovery of the tourism industry is possible only through a comprehensive consideration of security, environmental and spatial factors, integration of European standards, attraction of investments, and the formation of new approaches to the management of tourism resources.