CASTLE TOURISM IN KHMELNYTSKYI REGION

The aim of the study. To study the current state and prospects of castle tourism in Khmelnytskyi region. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the partial closure of borders, the development of domestic tourism and the restoration of historical monuments of the native land, preservation of historical heritage for future generations becomes especially important. Method. The study uses general scientific research methods, namely, general scientific methods: comparison, analysis, synthesis, generalization and analogy. Methods of analysis, synthesis and generalization were used in the study of the causal relationship of tourist activity growth in the region due to the use and preservation of tourist sites and cultural, historical traditions of local communities. Using the method of analogy, the probable positive results of the castle tourism development in Khmelnytskyi region were evaluated. Results. Examples of the castle tourism development in Khmelnytskyi region are demonstrated. Also prospects of the castle tourism development in the Khmelnytskyi region are described. For ease of perception, we have developed a map of all the stone castles and fortresses of the Khmelnytsky region that have survived to the present day. The scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the obtained results was determined as a result of the potential of castles using research in the sphere of Khmelnytskyi region tourism. The development directions of the castles use in Khmelnytskyi region for the intensification of domestic tourism and the improvement of the image of the region at the international level are described. To further study the history of the Khmelnytskyi region, it is necessary to create a scientific group that could work in Polish and other European archives and museums, search for documents and make new discoveries in the history of castles in the modern Khmelnytskyi region. Practical significance. The article presents examples of the castle tourism development in Khmelnytskyi region. The strengths and weaknesses of castle tourism in the region are analyzed. The development of this type of tourism has many positive aspects: preservation of natural landscapes, popularization of the native land, development of infrastructure of the surrounding area, raising the national-patriotic spirit, receipt of funds to the budget, creation of new jobs. The article argues that the potential of castle tourism in Khmelnytskyi region is very rich and needs development. The obtained scientific results are used in the educational process of future specialists in the field of «Tourism», with the educational qualification «Tourism expert, organizer of excursions and animation activities» when teaching the disciplines «Local history and tourism», «Tourist work», «Professional competencies in tourism business». «Organization of tourist activities». The obtained data can be used for tourism, museum, excursion and other types of student's practices.