PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EUROPEAN ROUTE OF HISTORICAL THERMAL TOWNS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The historical thermal cities of Europe were built around healing mineral water springs and over many centuries developed into centers of health, culture and tourism. Thermal waters can be an important factor in the development of tourism in each region. Therefore, the issue of prospects for the development of the European cultural route of historical thermal cities is currently relevant. Purpose: overview of the world experience of using the heritage of thermal cities for the development of tourism and recreation, as well as to assess the prospects for the implementation of these practices on the territory of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The material for publication was the information materials of EHTTA, UNESCO, the information platform of the "Green SPAS" project, as well as the works of domestic and foreign authors dedicated to the route. Scientific methods were used in the research process: theoretical generalization and analysis, logical generalization of results (formulation of conclusions). Results. Eleven famous spa towns were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as " The Great Spa Towns of Europe" in July 2021. The outstanding resorts of Europe demonstrate an important exchange of innovative ideas that have influenced the development of European and world medicine, balneology and leisure. Continuing the traditions of The Great Spa Towns of Europe is very important today, especially in the recovery of mental and physical health after pandemics and military conflicts. The European Association of Historic Thermal Towns was established in 2009 to promote, protect and enhance thermal and cultural heritage across Europe. The concept of thermal heritage is used to promote health and well-being, create original tourist destinations and protect cultural landscapes. In 2010, the European Route of Historic Thermal Cities was certified as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. In order to support a more ecological and sustainable model of thermal cities and regions of Europe that are facing climate change, the "Green SPAS" project is currently being implemented within the framework of the Interreg Europe program. In September 2022, the city of Truskavets was accepted into the European Association of Historical Thermal Resorts. This resort is one of the oldest in Central Europe. The development of the European Cultural Route of Historical Thermal Cities in Ukraine has significant prospects, as our country has significant reserves of natural healing resources and has an ancient culture of healing. In future studies, it is planned to examine in detail the potential of Ukraine's natural healing resources in the context of the development of Europe's thermal heritage.