FEATURES OF TOURIST CLUSTER FUNCTIONING DURING THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities of the functioning of tourist clusters in the conditions of the spread of the pandemic. The change in the state of tourist clusters during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic was analyzed. On the basis of the conducted research, the peculiarities of the course of the crisis, its impact on tourist flows by regions of the world, the strengths and weaknesses of the tourism industry during such phenomena were determined. PEST-analysis was used as a general analytical tool, in which negative and positive changes affecting the functioning and development of tourist clusters were formed by components. The conducted analysis made it possible to determine that the presence of appropriate tourist resources in the regions, which contributes to the development and increase of tourist activity, can be attributed to the positive factors that influence the development of tourist clusters. It was noted that in the summer period, there is a positive trend towards the relaxation of quarantine measures, which contributes to the revitalization of the tourism industry. It was established that among the continents, the leaders in restoring the functioning of tourist clusters are the countries of America and Europe. However, despite the positive changes, the number of tourist flows to Europe and America, despite the increase, was 43% and 46% lower than in 2019. For Ukraine and neighboring countries, the situation with the restoration of tourist flows is difficult due to military actions in the country due to Russian aggression. Despite the fact that this military conflict does not have a direct effect on the countries of Eastern Europe, it has serious economic consequences for the whole of Europe.

 The trends in the development of tourist clusters were evaluated, and positive dynamics in the processes of recovery of the tourism industry in the world were determined. On the basis of an expert survey, the main factors that inhibit the development and recovery of tourist flows in various countries of the world were determined. On the basis of an expert study, it was determined that the majority of experts determine the recovery of the development of the tourism industry in the period of 2023-2024, provided that the spread of the pandemic in the world decreases. The fastest pace of restoration of tourism clusters is taking place in Europe and America. The main measures to accelerate the process of restoring tourist flows to stabilize the development of the industry and reduce social tensions in the field were formed.