THE CONCEPT OF REGIONAL TOURISM SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study explores the concept of Regional Tourism Systems (RTS) within the framework of sustainable development, emphasising the challenges posed by global instability, technological advances and socio-economic shifts. The research aims to modernise the RTS concept by introducing the RTS 2.0 model, which integrates digital technologies, adaptive management strategies and sustainability principles. Methodology. The present study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining theoretical and empirical research. The theoretical foundations of the study are established through an extensive literature review, which analyses key studies on regional tourism, sustainable tourism, and tourism management models. Empirical investigation is facilitated by case studies, with a particular focus on Ukraine, and these examine the impact of crises such as the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 and the ongoing war on regional tourism systems. A comparative analysis is employed to evaluate the discrepancies between conventional RTS and the proposed RTS 2.0 framework. In addition, data synthesis and trend analysis are utilised to identify the key drivers and barriers to sustainable tourism development. The primary objective of the present study is to analyse, modernise, and propose strategic solutions for developing RTS and ensuring their resilience in the face of global uncertainties. Specifically, the research defines the essential components of RTS and their role in sustainable tourism, examines the impact of instability (political, economic, and environmental) on RTS, develops and proposes RTS 2.0, an updated conceptual framework emphasising digitalisation, community engagement, and sustainability, and offers strategic recommendations for integrating sustainability into RTS while ensuring adaptability to crises. Results. The study finds that traditional RTS models are inadequate to address the dynamic challenges posed by global instability. The RTS 2.0 framework introduces several innovations. First, digitalisation and smart tourism use online platforms, virtual tourism and AI-driven analytics to enhance destination marketing and crisis management. Second, sustainable infrastructure development promotes environmentally friendly accommodation, renewable energy sources and waste management systems in tourism regions. Third, community involvement and local empowerment strengthen the role of local communities in tourism planning and management, and ensure the equitable distribution of economic benefits. Fourth, crisis adaptability establishes risk management frameworks for RTS, allowing for rapid adaptation to political conflicts, pandemics and economic downturns. Finally, holistic branding and destination management promote regional tourism clusters, linking tourist attractions for greater competitiveness and resilience. The study concludes that RTS 2.0 is a necessary evolution in tourism management, combining sustainability, digital innovation and resilience strategies. By adopting adaptive tourism governance, regions can increase their global competitiveness, attract more tourists and sustain economic growth even in times of uncertainty.