Sustainable green tourism routes as a tool for post-war regional recovery in Ukraine

Abstract

UA: The article examines the role of sustainable green tourism routes as an important instrument for regional recovery and environmental transformation in Ukraine. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing need to implement sustainable tourism practices in the context of post-war reconstruction, decentralization, and European integration. The study analyzes international approaches to sustainable tourism management based on the standards and recommendations of UNWTO, UNEP, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Particular attention is paid to the integration of digital technologies, including GIS analysis, environmental monitoring, tourism flow management, and digital platforms, into destination management systems. The key barriers to sustainable tourism development in Ukraine are identified, including insufficient infrastructure, fragmented institutional coordination, weak environmental monitoring, and the limited implementation of sustainability standards. The paper substantiates the necessity of establishing regional tourism coordination platforms to strengthen cooperation among local communities, businesses, public authorities, and environmental organizations. It is concluded that sustainable green tourism routes can become an effective mechanism for preserving natural ecosystems, supporting local entrepreneurship, increasing regional competitiveness, and facilitating Ukraine’s integration into the European tourism market.