Forming tourist destination in Donetsk: problems and prospects

The article considers the development dynamics of approaches to the understanding the concept of “tourist destination” in the works of various authors, as well as notes the shortcomings taking into account the prevailing socio-economic conditions. The authors specify the notion of “tourist destination”. It can be any object (sociogeolocation, territory) from the tour operator catalogue, in other words it is a site in stable demand among tourists. The territory with the lack of sufficient infrastructure, high-qualified human resources, elements of security and an adequate level of management is able to be in demand due to active and passive image. The concept of “acting (real)” and “potential tourist destination” is distinguished. The former is sociogeolocation and currently in demand in tourists. Potential tourist destination is the territory possessing tourist potential (resources), which due to various reasons is not popular in tourists. The conditions for the formation of the acting tourist destination (Donetsk is a vivid example) are defined: transforma- tion of tourist conditions into attractions, the improvement of the basic and subsidiary infrastructure, optimization of the management and organizational subsystems, and high-qualified staff. Political and social aspects are also important. The problems and prospects of forming acting (real) tourist destination in Donetsk are analyzed. The city has enough natural, cultural and historical resources. Climate, topography, and high level of landscaping are advantageous. There are 262 historical and cultural monuments, 140 museums and museum rooms, 3 national theatres, circus in the city. Biosocial and event resources are also presented. At the moment, Donetsk is a potential tourist destination, which has all the chances to become a real tourist destination.