International Cooperation of Ukraine Tourism based on “The Belt and Road Initiative”

The development of the tourism industry and the development of the country's economy as a whole complement each other, because an increase in the tourist attractiveness of the region and the number of tourists contribute to the development of the corresponding infrastructure - hotels, catering establishments, transport, roads. In addition, related sectors of agriculture and industry receive additional incentives for development. Along with the agriculture, tourism in Ukraine can become an engine of economic growth, because the country is quite interesting for both travelers and foreign investors. The purpose of this study is to assess the state of tourism development in Ukraine and substantiate the need for broader international cooperation in this area based on the use of the capabilities of the Belt and Road Initiative, formerly known as One Belt One Road. To confirm the hypothesis of the research, the authors use the provisions of the international cooperation theory, which is based on three questions: 1) what is the purpose of international cooperation? 2) What are the ways of international cooperation? 3) What is the value of international cooperation? The answers to these questions allowed the authors to substantiate the vision of the successful development of the tourism industry in Ukraine, taking into account its strengths and weaknesses. The priority steps for reforming the tourism industry in Ukraine have been identified. These steps involve state support, improvement and expansion of the range of tourist services, the introduction of modern technologies, and the adoption of the best practices of other countries. Tourism can become an effective tool for the dissemination of Ukrainian culture, economic growth in the country. Tourism will give an opportunity to represent Ukraine to the world, increasing the interest of foreign investors and encourage cooperation in international projects such as Belt and Road Initiative.