Modern aspects of development of world and Ukrainian ecotourism

The article examines the features of ecological tourism as a modern component of world tourism. Various scientific and practical approaches to the definition of this concept are analyzed. The functions, main directions and models of ecological tourism development, the mutual influence of ecological tourism and the environment are characterized. Also its role in the sustainable development of territories is analyzed. The methodology is based on general scientific and special research methods, including: analysis, synthesis, generalisation, retrospective analysis and geographical research methods. The article's scientific novelty lies in its comprehensive study of ecological tourism as a contemporary trend in global tourism development and its impact on regional sustainable development. It presents the author's vision of the impact of ecotourism on the surrounding anthropogenic and natural environments. Additionally, it investigates the distinctive characteristics of ecological tourism development in Ukraine. Conclusions. Ecotourism is aimed at protecting the environment and stimulating the economy of local communities. It provides tourists with the opportunity to communicate with nature and encourages them to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Ecotourism also seeks to reduce the impact of tourism on the natural environment.