DETERMINANTS OF RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE: EXPERT’S OPINION

This study examines the key determinants of tourism infrastructure development in rural areas of Ukraine through empirical research conducted in 2024. The investigation employed a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) methodology, utilizing a comprehensive questionnaire comprising 33 substantive questions organized into six thematic groups: demographic and social transformations, economic development, and agricultural changes and sustainable development, rural tourism development, tourism-related infrastructure, and tourism resources including natural assets and cultural heritage. Responses were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. The final Ukrainian sample consisted of 105 respondents representing diverse stakeholder groups, with scientists constituting the largest proportion (72.38%), followed by representatives from the tourism economy (9.52%), officials (7.62%), farmers (5.71%), and representatives of tourism associations and organizations (4.76%). The sample demonstrated gender imbalance favouring women (70.48%), with the dominant age cohort being 40-49 years (34.29%). Educational attainment was notably high, with 60.95% holding doctoral degrees and 22.86% possessing master's degrees. Geographically, respondents represented various administrative regions across Ukraine, excluding temporarily occupied territories such as the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol, and occupied portions of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to ongoing military operations and Russian Federation occupation.