THE ROLE OF ETHNIC AND CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE PRESERVATION OF RELIGION AND NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP: THE EXAMPLE OF TRANSCARPATHIA

The article examines the influence of ethnic and cultural tourism on the preservation of religious and national traditions on the example of Transcarpathia. The authors emphasize the importance of this type of tourism in Transcarpathia for the maintenance and revival of cultural heritage, including religious and national rites, customs, and values. It was determined that the main idea of the development of ethnic and cultural tourism in Transcarpathia is to find a balance between ecological, economic and social aspects. Thanks to its geographical location next to EU countries, Transcarpathia has a unique opportunity to strengthen its tourist attractiveness by using foreign investments, advanced European experience and cooperation with other Ukrainian regions. Today, one of the key tasks is to determine the problems and challenges of the development of ethnic and cultural tourism in Transcarpathia and to create effective strategies adapted to local realities. The article emphasizes the importance of studying cultural heritage as an element of tourism and economic partnership. The authors analyze different interpretations of ethnic and cultural tourism, making an attempt to critically review existing practices. The article reveals the variety of aspects of cultural heritage and its role in ethnotourism. The authors also consider the key directions of using the cultural and historical heritage of Transcarpathia in the context of tourist and economic activity, focusing on ethnotourism as one of its main forms. It follows from the conducted analysis that the intensification of the use of cultural heritage becomes key in the direction of the development of tourism and economic cooperation. Focusing on ethnotourism will help to use the non-existent tourist and recreational opportunities, to start new tourist destinations and consulting centers to support private business. These initiatives will contribute to economic revitalization, formation of competitive positions of the region and will bring financial, environmental and socio-cultural advantages. Based on the analysis of local initiatives, popular tourist routes and their interaction with the transcarpathian public, the article highlights how tourism can serve as a tool for preserving and promoting the religious and national identity of Transcarpathia.