Tourism Industry in the Context of the Circular Economy

In the article, the author examines in detail the existing problems of environmental pollution due to the increase in the amount of waste. Analyzing statistical data at the global level, the author predicts the possible results and consequences of further deterioration of the environmental situation from the impact of the tourism industry. The relevance of the circular economy concept in relation to the tourism sector as a basis for building modern economic business models for sustainable development of the region is proved. Based on international experience in the practical application of the circular economy, the author conducted a definitional analysis of the circular economy and highlighted its environmental and socio-economic advantages. This article reveals the key ways to encourage initiatives for large-scale cyclical transformation of the tourism industry, in addition, the author attempted to reveal the main forms of the circular economy in the activities of tourism industry enterprises. The author also gives a generalized description of systemic solutions and possible models at the regional level for the transition to circular sustainable tourism development. In the course of the study, the author substantiated and defined the place of circular tourism as a key aspect of the development of sustainable tourism formats and a catalyst for the application of the principles of the circular economy in other sectors, which, in turn, will help maintain a balance between economic growth and sustainability.