'Ukrainian Destinations' Tourism Forum
The 'Ukrainian Destinations: Transformation of Cities and Regions' tourism forum was held in Kyiv. The event was organized by DART in partnership with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA). Attendees discussed tourism development strategies, presented community case studies, and designed new tourist itineraries.
The forum commenced with welcoming remarks from DART Head Natalia Tabaka, Kyiv Deputy Mayor Maryna Honda, and Vice President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nataliia Zabrudska. Participants included representatives from state authorities, local governments, businesses, and the public sector. A 'world café' format workshop was also conducted during the event.
Key Discussion Topics
Central themes of the discussions included:
- Strategic approaches to tourism development;
- The role of cities and communities in reviving the sector;
- Kyiv's experience in crisis response.
Speakers featured representatives from local governments, cultural institutions, businesses, and expert circles. As a result of the forum's work, participants developed more than a dozen new potential tourist routes for Ukraine, slated for 2026.
This forum represents a significant step in rebuilding Ukraine's tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by recent crises. The focus on developing new domestic routes is a strategic move to stimulate economic activity and preserve cultural heritage. The discussions and newly crafted routes could help foster not only domestic tourism but also attract international visitors, which is vital for the national economy. These itineraries may form the foundation for promoting Ukrainian destinations on the global stage.
As Ukraine continues to enhance its tourism potential, the recent initiatives discussed at the Kyiv forum align with the country's upcoming participation in international events. For instance, the showcase of Ukraine's attractions at ITB Berlin 2026 represents a critical opportunity to attract global visitors and further promote the newly developed tourist routes. This strategic approach not only aims to rejuvenate the local economy but also to highlight Ukraine's rich cultural heritage on a larger stage.