RELIGIOUS TOURISM AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The article highlights a complex approach to the study of the religious tourism in the Ternopil region. The historical features of the formation and the current state of the religious tourism in the Ternopil region are analyzed. Problematic aspects of the development of the religious tourism in Ternopil region were identified. Strategic directions for the development of the religious tourism in the region are proposed.

In order to achieve a new high-quality level of the religious tourism in the region, it is necessary to work in the following strategic directions: ensuring innovative project development of the region's religious-tourist industry thanks to the development of a network of the religious-tourist routes with their appropriate signage and marking; development of the religious and tourist infrastructure due to the increase in the dynamics of the tourist flow, the increase in the number of operating institutions and those employed in this field, the increase in revenues to the budget; the growth of the image of Ternopil Oblast on the domestic and foreign tourist markets through the formation of a comprehensive tourism product, holding press tours for media and business representatives; a rational combination of religious and educational tourist objects within the framework of one tour; formation and further development of the religious-tourist destinations as objects of the local tourism industry; development of the tourism industry in general in the region and active stimulation of the investment attraction.