ECOTOURISM POTENTIAL IN UKRAINE

Background. The current issues of the development potential of ecotourism in Ukraine have been studied. The research was conducted using cluster analysis based on the study of a wide array of statistical data. The aim of the study is to assess the tourism potential of Ukraine for the development of ecotourism. The object of research is the development of ecotourism in Ukraine. Subject of investigation is impacts on the development of ecotourism. Materials and methods. Theoretical and methodological basis of the study were scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists, the State Statistics Service and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, reports of international organizations. A number of scientific methods such as cluster analysis, systems analysis, graphical analysis, induction and deduction, statistical data analysis and other were used. Results. Studying factors that influence the development potential of ecotourism in Ukraine made it possible to detect clusters of certain areas. The process of clustering was performed by Ward, K-means and dendrites methods. Structural elements of each of the clusters were determined and each of these clusters was described from the perspective of ecotourism. Conclusion. Thus, all areas of Ukraine should be divided into five clusters, as most methods prove such an outcome. Characteristics of each cluster are needed to develop the state program of development of ecological tourism, depending on the specific region. The aforementioned fact is due to the need to study each cluster as a single unit. Conducted cluster analysis of regions of Ukraine enabled to assess the tourism potential of ecotourism. The results allow identify five clusters. More detailed analysis of some of their characteristics will help develop a strategy for the development of ecotourism in Ukraine.