Sustainable development of tourism: European Union experience and tasks for Ukraine

Abstract

The theoretical and methodological basis and practical aspects of the concept of sustainable development of tourism are considered in the article. The scientific definition of this concept is clarified; its essential content is disclosed as a triad of interrelated components – social, economic and natural. The implementing experience of tourism sustainable development concept in the European Union is summarized, which is considerable scientific and practical interest, given the leading position of the EU in the global tourism business. On the basis of socio-economic paradigm with using an integrated methodological approach, the formation, development and implementation processes of the EU tourism policy are analyzed. Its peculiar properties, due to the management model inherent in a socially-oriented market economy and cooperation of state and non-state institutions are revealed. The principles, main directions and EU tourism policy implementing mechanism, administrative, legal, economic and social methods of state and international regulation are covered. The experience of joint activities of administrative bodies, business and public organizations, and also EU specialized funds to implement the sustainable development of competitive, affordable, socially responsible tourism was summarized. Particular attention was paid to the consideration of the «European system of tourism indicators» for monitoring and evaluating social and economic results of tourism. Scientific and practical recommendations of EU positive experience using for development and implementation of a sustainable competitive tourism strategy based on the social responsibility and social partnership principles in Ukraine are substantiated. Suggestions regarding further research on this problem are formulated.