TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AS A DRIVER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS

Abstract

The article summarizes methodological approaches to the study of tourism infrastructure, in particular its main and additional components, and also formulates its definition, having previously established the functional features, properties and composition of elements. The factors influencing the development of tourism infrastructure are analyzed, in particular factors related to the need to provide services of appropriate quality, and factors determined by the level of consumer purchasing power. The indirect impact of tourism infrastructure on the development of the tourism industry is studied, in particular its impact on the structure and composition of tourism resources, the standard of living of the population and its income, travel safety, as well as changes in the policy, legislative and regulatory environment. One of the key challenges in the development of tourism infrastructure is the need for significant capital investments that do not provide a quick return on investment, making it difficult to find sources of financing, especially when it comes to the restoration or reconstruction of tourist facilities. At the same time, infrastructure provision determines the possibilities of access to tourist locations, transport mobility, quality of communication and service services, which directly affects the tourist flow. The level of investment in tourist infrastructure in the pre-war period is assessed and possible sources of financing for its restoration and development in war and post-war times are substantiated. Tourist infrastructure is an integral part of the sustainable development of the tourism industry, forming the basis for its economic growth, increasing investment attractiveness and ensuring long-term development of tourist areas. The development of tourist infrastructure should be balanced and correspond to the specifics of the tourist resources of a particular region. An important aspect is strategic planning of infrastructure, including the creation of modern transport hubs, digital booking systems, communication technologies, as well as the development of related services, such as financial support, logistics and retail trade.