Digitalization of processes of tourist destinations development in Western Ukrainian border regions

Abstract

Introduction. The processes of formation and development of tourist destinations in the border regions of Western Ukraine testify to the growing influence of Internet resources; mobile platforms and applications; use of various software and other digital products on tourism development. The urgent issue remains the introduction of information and communication technologies and the formation of a system of relations between the tourist and the tourist destination. In view of this; the article is devoted to the study of the use of digital technologies in the development of tourist destinations. Methods. The methodological basis of the study are general scientific and economic- statistical methods: analysis and synthesis – to explore the benefits of implementing digital technologies in tourism; peer review – based on a set of individual expert opinions; allowed to obtain an objective assessment of the need to introduce digital products in the development of tourist destinations; inductions; deductions – to determine the directions of development of tourist destinations; survey – to identify sources of information that prompted a tourist trip; etc. Results. On the basis of the analysis of the activity of tourist centers in the western Ukrainian border regions the advantages of digitization in the development of tourist destinations were determined and further possibilities of digital tourism were revealed. Through the expert evaluation; digital products were detailed and the need for their introduction into the development of tourist destinations was confirmed. A survey was conducted of respondents in the information tourist centers of some Western Ukrainian cities; which helped to identify the main sources of information that influenced the desire to make a tourist trip to a tourist destination. The international experience of using digital technologies in the functioning of local tourist destinations in Suceava County (Romania) is considered; which allowed establishing modern approaches to tourism development and introduction of new concepts; such as destination information systems. In order to fully meet the needs of modern tourists and efficient use of tourist resources; it is proposed to create «smart» territories where; through digital technology and the use of innovative devices; not only can full use of tourism potential and create new opportunities for its growth; but also make tourists stay at their destination more comfortable and secure. Prospects. The prospect of further research involves the development and implementation of a set of stimulating measures to intensify the processes of digitization of tourism destinations and search for tools to support the introduction of digital technologies in the tourism sector.