TOURISM, SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES AND URBANIZATION PROCESSES (BASED ON THE EXAMPLE OF IVANO-FRANKIVSK REGION)

Abstract

Relevance of the study: the article examines the impact of tourism on the spatial development of cities in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, which is relevant in the context of significant growth in tourism activity and its impact on urbanization, the economy, and urban infrastructure in the region. It uses a set of modern methods and approaches, including statistical data analysis, a cartographic method based on OpenStreetMap open sources, spatial analysis in ArcMap, processing of satellite images from 2005 and 2025 with classification of land cover types, as well as a review of scientific sources. The article is based on scientific publications, statistical data on tourism revenue in the region, open geodata, and satellite images. The subject of the study is the impact of tourism on the spatial development of cities in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. The purpose of the study is to analyze the impact of tourism on the spatial development of cities in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, identifying the most important trends and challenges.The results of the study show that tourism acts as a catalyst for urbanization, local economic development, and modernization of urban infrastructure. It significantly alters the planning structure of cities, leading to new approaches to spatial development. Among the cities of the region, the influence of tourism is most pronounced in Ivano-Frankivsk. It manifests itself in the creation of a comprehensive pedestrian tourist space in the city center, the development of business infrastructure, and the expansion of cultural and tourism services. In small and medium-sized cities such as Kolomyia, Kosiv, and Halych, tourism contributes to the revitalization of historic centers, the preservation of cultural identity, and the creation of new economic opportunities in communities through the development of museums and tourist centers.Tourism creates a unique phenomenon known as “tourist urbanization” in mountain communities. In particular, in the area affected by the Bukovel resort, there is active construction, changes in land use, and seasonal labor migration, which creates additional challenges for balanced spatial development. The active development of tourism infrastructure necessitates consideration of environmental, social, and economic aspects to preserve natural landscapes and enhance the quality of life for local residents.Practical significance: the results of the study should be used by local authorities to improve the quality of the urban environment, optimize transport and housing infrastructure, preserve historical and cultural heritage, and ensure environmental safety. Prospects for further research: the issues of uneven territorial development and infrastructure overload, as well as the challenges associated with the preservation of historic city centers, require comprehensive and sustainable planning, which opens up avenues for further research in the development of effective models for spatial development management.