CRUISE TOURISM: TENDENCIES OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN THE PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY

Abstract

The modern cruise industry is a dynamic industry globally integrated into the world economy that is continuously developing. Cruise tours become more and more popular among tourists. Before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise tourism was highly developed and was one of the most rapidly growing industries of the global tourism. The full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine has affected the cruise industry, especially in the Black Sea region. Tourism operators have started changing routes, there has been a fall in the demand for such recreation, economic restrictions and safety have become key factors which should be considered in this period. The study examines advantages of cruise tourism in comparison with other types of recreation. It analyzes the impact of tourism industry on the economies of the countries where it is developing. The research indicates negative processes of recession and cessation of the development of sea tourism in Ukraine caused by the full-scale attack of russia. The study makes a conclusion that the Black Sea region can definitely become an independent cruise direction in a mid-term perspective, the home port for liners, independent routes will be available and motor ships of different classes will sail in it.