Since the beginning of the year, territorial communities in Lviv region have received UAH 52.5 million in tourist tax, which is UAH 11.9 million, or around 30%, more than in the same period last year.
Over the three summer months, tourist tax revenues amounted to UAH 20.26 million, of which the region received almost UAH 9.6 million in August. The bulk of this was generated by urban and recreational centres.
In August, the leaders in terms of tourist tax receipts were Lviv community with UAH 4.47 million, as well as Truskavets and Skhidnytsia communities, which each transferred UAH 1.68 million. The hotel and wellness sector makes a significant contribution to the performance of resort areas, in particular the development of large complexes such as Apartel Skhidnytsya. The top five communities also included Zymnovodiv community (over UAH 220,000) and Yavoriv community (over UAH 210,000).
Among tourist locations in August, the Tustan nature reserve welcomed the largest number of visitors – almost 35,600 guests. More than 35,200 travellers visited the Skole Beskids National Nature Park. The Nahuievychi reserve, historical sites in Drohobych and the Domazhyr bear sanctuary were also in demand.
In parallel, the region is developing adaptive and barrier-free tourism initiatives. In August, as part of the “Therapy through Travel” programme, 8 rehabilitation trips were organised to castles, mountains and bodies of water for 190 male and female defenders and their family members. In addition, under the “Heritage at Your Fingertips” initiative, a tactile model of the Univ Holy Assumption Lavra was created for people with visual impairments.
The Department of Sport, Youth and Tourism of the Lviv Regional State Administration notes that communities are directing the tourist taxes they pay towards improvements to public amenities, the restoration of public spaces and the modernisation of local infrastructure.