RESOURCE AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF KHMELNYTSKYI REGION

The paper discusses that tourism is travel for pleasure; also the theory and practice of touring, the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, and the business of operating tours. Tourism is international, or within the traveler’s country. Now, tourism is a major source of income for many countries, and affects the economy of both the source and host countries, in some cases being of vital importance. Recreation is an activity of leisure. The ‘need to do something for recreation’ is an essential element of human biology and psychology. One of the regions of promising tourism development in Ukraine is the Khmelnytskyi region, which is characterized by advantageous features of its geographical location, favorable climate, and rich tourist and recreational potential. The tourism industry is an important component of the Khmelnytskyi regional and Ukrainian state's development and is of great importance on the whole for the economy and social sphere. Khmelnytskyi region has huge natural resources for the dynamic development of tourism and recreation. In fact, as you know, the natural resource potential of a specific territory is formed by the combination of its natural conditions and resources. Khmelnytska oblast ranks first in the country in terms of land provision for recreational purposes and natural recreational resources rank second in the structure of its natural recreational potential. The natural recreational resources of Khmelnytskyi region include favorable climatic conditions, picturesque landscapes, large forest areas and also mineral water sources near Sataniv. A significant part of the historical and cultural heritage is concentrated in the Kamianets-Podilskyi – famous historical city. Kamianets-Podilskyi city-museum includes more than 100 attractions. Unfortunately, currently the recreational potential of the region is not used to its full extent, which is explained by the peculiarities of regional management and weak promotion of the region for the needs of tourism and recreation. Key words: tourism, recreation, historical and culture tourist attractions, balneological resources, Khmelnytskyi region.