| Summary: | Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of residents towards tourism development in the Ukraine.
Design/Methodology/Approach
• Literature review.
• Ap & Crompton (1998) Index.
• Questionnaire posed to the residents of the Ukraine.
• Interviews with two travel agency managers, and one foreigner.
• A thematic data analysis.
Findings
The results have established a lack of policy in regard to environmental protection, including a poor water resource infrastructure alongside a lack of awareness in this regard. Moreover, corruption is widely common attributed to mass tourism. Notably, there have been various UN attempts towards raising public awareness, and a recent increase in direct foreign investments, despite the lack of adequate legalisation and investment policy protection. Furthermore, low personal wages run alongside high company income, reflecting negatively in terms of the significance of tourism development. This comes as a result of a seeming lack of cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and the private sector. A strong belief amongst Ukrainian culture seems not to be influenced by tourism development; this contributes substantially to the recreation of the hidden culture as a result of tourism development. The crime rate has decreased as a result of tourism development; however, the birth of marriage tourism is considered to cause social conflict, racism and anti-foreigner attitudes. Rural areas are overlooked in terms of infrastructure alongside increasingly ecotourism activities.
Practical Implications
The results have provided insight into the consideration that the Ukrainian government and Ukrainians need to gain understanding into the significance of tourism development and its related issues for long-term growth.
Impact
This research will have an impact in terms of both academics and professionals in consideration of residents as a key success factor in terms of tourism development.
Research Limitations/Implications
Although attempts have been made to validate and generalise the results, only two travel agency managers were available for the interview. Unfortunately, ease of accessibility to the Ministry of Tourism members was an obstacle in regard to gaining more insight into some issues; the size of the sample of the questionnaire also cannot be generalised.
Originality/Value
To date, there seems not have been attempts in the Ukraine to investigate tourism development with regard to the perceptions and attitudes of residents, particularly in regard to the birth of marriage tourism. This research aims to bridge this gap.
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