Transformation of the tourist and recreational potential of the Carpathian region in modern conditions

The study analyzes the tourist and recreational potential of the Carpathian region in the context of current global challenges, particularly in the context of post-industrial transformations, changing paradigms of natural resource management, and globalization processes. It has been established that the Carpathian region has unique natural resources and an ethno-cultural identity, which can become the basis for the sustainable development of the tourism industry. It has been determined that in order to effectively realize this potential, it is necessary to take into account the economic, social, environmental, and cultural aspects of regional development. It has been established that the study of mountainous regions, especially their tourism opportunities, is a priority for the world scientific community. The contribution of European scientific schools to the development of a sustainable tourism strategy, particularly their influence on the formation of concepts of balanced use of natural resources in the Carpathian region, is assessed. It is noted that the Carpathian region requires further scientific study in order to adapt global ecotourism models to the peculiarities of the local context. It has been found that the number of studies devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the tourism and recreational potential of the Carpathian region is limited. It has been found that most works focus on certain aspects of infrastructure development without taking into account modern socio-economic challenges. The impact of changes in tourist preferences after the COVID-19 pandemic is assessed, and the need to introduce interdisciplinary approaches to studying the dynamics of tourist flows and ecosystem resilience is emphasized. The current state of the utilization of the tourist and recreational potential of the Carpathian region is assessed on the basis of a SWOT analysis. The interdependence between geographical characteristics, cultural and economic factors, and the development of local communities is established. The synergy between tourism, ecological farming, and the preservation of traditional crafts is found to be a key condition for the sustainable development of the region. As a result of the study, the prospects for the development of the tourist and recreational potential of the Carpathian region are characterized. It is found that a successful transformation of the region requires a comprehensive state strategy that takes into account current challenges such as climate change, pandemics, digitalization, and the impact of military operations. Opportunities for improving infrastructure, attracting investment, and enhancing the quality of tourism services to achieve sustainable development of the tourism industry in the Carpathian region are assessed.