INNOVATIVE MODELS OF DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL HISTORY TOURISM IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIES

Abstract

The local history potential of Ukraine's regions is extremely diverse and includes significant natural, historical-cultural, ethnographic and intangible resources that can form unique tourism products and strengthen local identity. At the same time, this potential is not fully implemented due to the fragmentation of tourism infrastructure, insufficient level of resource integration, limited use of modern management and digital tools, as well as weak coordination between stakeholders at the regional and local levels. The article is devoted to the study of innovative models for the development of local history tourism in the context of sustainable territorial development in Ukraine. The authors emphasize the importance of local history tourism as a factor of socio-economic recovery of regions, particularly in the context of full-scale war, when domestic tourism gains strategic significance for supporting local economies, social cohesion, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It is noted that the regional local history potential of Ukraine is highly diverse, encompassing natural, historical and cultural, ethnographic, and intangible resources, which are capable of forming unique tourism products. However, the full realization of this potential is constrained by fragmented infrastructure, insufficient coordination among stakeholders, limited use of digital and managerial tools, as well as a number of security, social, ecological, and financial challenges, which are further exacerbated under wartime conditions. The article substantiates the interrelationships between effective regional tourism policies, the development of local history tourism, and the sustainable development of territories. It demonstrates that strategic planning, financing, regulatory support, and partnership interactions create favorable conditions for integrating natural, cultural, and social resources, developing modern tourism infrastructure, and scaling tourism products. The authors identify five innovative models for the development of local history tourism: integrated routes that combine natural, cultural, historical, and ethnographic resources; digitalization of tourism products and implementation of interactive technologies, including virtual tours and mobile applications; creative and event-based forms of tourism that engage local communities and support cultural initiatives; cluster models of cooperation between businesses, communities, and authorities to coordinate tourism infrastructure development; and environmentally and socially oriented approaches aimed at ensuring sustainable territorial development and preservation of natural and cultural heritage.