Geography and Current State of Apitourism in Ukraine and Slovenia

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of the geography and the current state of apitourism in Ukraine and Slovenia. The essence of apitourism and its importance for achieving the goals of sustainable development are characterized. Apitourism is a form of tourism related to beekeeping as a traditional profession and beekeeping products in ecological, nutritional and medical aspects. At its core, apitourism is permanent, so it does not deplete resources, but contributes to their enrichment. The main prerequisites for the development, markets and geography of apitourism in Ukraine and Slovenia are analyzed. Ukraine is one of the main producers of honey in the world. The most promising regions of Ukraine for the development of apitourism are the Carpathian and Transcarpathian regions since beekeeping there is a widespread industry, a priority and quite profitable. Slovenia does not have a significant number of hives and beekeepers or a significant production of honey, but bees play a huge role in Slovenian culture. Slovenia is the only member state of the European Union to protect its native Karniolska bee and one of the first in Europe to ban the use of pesticides harmful to bees. Slovenian honey has the status of a protected geographical indication. Famous apitouristic centers in Slovenia are Ljubljana, Bled, Radovlica, Lasko, Brda, Zhirovnice, Maribor, Aquarius, Bohinj and many others, that is, villages, cities, entire regions. The main problems of development of apitourism in Ukraine are revealed. The experience of Slovenia in the development of apitourism is studied and the priority directions of the development of apitourism in Ukraine are determined. Ukraine should develop the existing potential for apitourism, in particular, provide a favorable regulatory framework, create regional programs for the development of apitourism and beekeeping, protect bees from pesticides, grant the status of a geographical indication to Ukrainian honey, in particular, Transcarpathian. Public organizations should study international (in particular, Slovenian) and domestic experience in the field of apitourism, prepare teaching materials, organize training of sandstones in the provision of apitourism services and their promotion. The apitouristic route “The Honey Route of Two Countries: Ukraine and Slovenia” is developed. To increase interest in apitourism among promising tourists, it is necessary to develop new apitourism programs and routes, in particular, not only domestic, but also international (for example, Ukraine-Slovenian).