History of the implementation of social tourism practices in Europe and Ukraine

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the historical experience of implementing social tourism practices and their relevance in modern conditions. The methodology is based on the use of a complex of scientific methods: historical, comparative, generalization, systematization of psychological and pedagogical, scientific and methodological, and specialized literature; comparison of different views on the problem under study; modeling; analysis of the definition of concepts. Empirical methods are also used, in particular statistical methods: the method of determining the integral indicator, the method of predicting the accuracy of expert assessments, the method of assessing the representativeness of the sample, as well as methods of analyzing empirical data using information technologies. Scientific novelty. An analysis of foreign experience in social tourism has been carried out, showing that state support, a clearly defined strategy, and funding are necessary conditions for the development of this type of tourism. To this end, it is necessary to formulate a clear policy with principles that correspond to the tourism development strategy for the coming years: targeted support for social tourism by state authorities and local self-government bodies; legal regulation of relations between participants in social tourism (the state, travel agencies, tour operators, tourists, travel agents); support for producers of national tourism products; creation of favorable conditions for the development of social tourism among different categories and groups of the population and its promotion; consideration of the interests of all citizens in the development and implementation of social tourism development programs. Research results. Scientific approaches to understanding and researching social tourism are considered, and the theoretical and methodological foundations and practical directions for ensuring the innovative development of this type of economic activity are substantiated. Practical problems of organizing social tourism are analyzed, in particular, obstacles that arise in the way of innovative development of this type of economic activity.