Cross-border UTC of Volyn: socio-geographical backgrounds of tourism and recreation development

Abstract

Local authorities have been given significant powers, resources, and responsibilities as a result of government reform. Cross-border cooperation is one of the tools for solving the specific economic and social problems of the peripheral border united territorial communities, overcoming their lower level of competitiveness, attracting, implementing and using the best practices of foreign countries in different spheres of public life. Tourism and environmental trends of such cooperation are the main modern priorities. The resource potential of border communities are the following: favorable natural conditions, richness of protected areas, significant historical and cultural heritage, preserved traditional architecture, traditional folk crafts, original customs and rituals are a prerequisite for their development. Taking into account the existing conditions and resources, the article analyzes and substantiates the most appropriate types of tourism and recreational activities of the Western and Northern Volyn border area: recreational tourism for recreation and rehabilitation; ecological, green, agrоtourism, which involve traveling in ecologically clean areas, mainly in rural areas, studying rural life and traditions; pilgrim, religious for searching in the sacred centers of physical and spiritual healing; sentimental – for the purpose of visiting for some reason but not forgotten family places, relatives and acquaintances. Local governments will greatly assist in the development of community development strategies, information support and promotion of available resources.