REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AS A STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ECOLOGICAL ECONOMY

The article examines the economic and environmental aspects of reducing the carbon footprint of the tourism sector in the context of the transition to a green economy. Particular attention is paid to the transport component as the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. The factors contributing to the growth of the environmental burden, in particular, mass air travel, are analysed. A systematic list of mechanisms for decarbonising tourism is proposed, grouped by areas: strategic, infrastructural, behavioural, regulatory and digital. It is proved that the decarbonisation of tourism is an integral part of climate policy, which can ensure not only emission reductions but also the economic sustainability of the industry in the long term. A model for implementing these mechanisms in the practice of tourism policy in Ukraine has been developed. A SWOT-matrix is formed to assess the potential opportunities and threats of responsible tourism.