Scholarly record

VISITOR CENTRES OF NATIONAL NATURAL PARKS OF UKRAINE: SPATIAL ANALYSIS, FUNCTIONAL FEATURES, AND PROSPECTS FOR DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT

Oleksiy Davydov, Natalia Omelchenko, Alla Piatkova, Hanna Napadovska

Abstract

This study explores the spatial distribution and functional characteristics of visitor centres within the system of national natural parks of Ukraine, with a particular focus on the potential of virtual visitor centres as an innovative development pathway. Visitor centres are key elements of park infrastructure that provide information services, regulate visitor flows, and promote the conservation value of protected areas while supporting environmental education and community engagement. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach combining spatial, retrospective, and content analysis of open data sources. A total of 55 national natural parks were analysed with regard to their spatial distribution and affiliation with tourism macro-regions. The results reveal significant territorial disparities: only about 29% of parks have functioning visitor centres, while most lack such infrastructure or operate only partially due to financial constraints and the consequences of military actions. Given these limitations, the study identifies virtual visitor centres as a realistic and effective alternative to traditional infrastructure. These digital solutions are cost-efficient, accessible regardless of security conditions, and capable of ensuring continuous interaction with protected areas. Virtual visitor centres expand opportunities for environmental education, improve access to natural heritage, and enhance public engagement, particularly among younger audiences. The development of a network of virtual visitor centres is therefore considered a key strategy for supporting sustainable tourism and modernising conservation communication in the context of rapid digitalisation.

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