"Tourist Destinations of Transcarpathia: Natural Potential, Recreation, and Hospitality Sector"

In order to enhance the professional training of students and lecturers in ecological tourism andin the hospitality sector, to popularize tourism education at NUWGP, and to conduct planned events of the scientific clubs 'Tourism and Hospitality' and 'Hotel and Restaurant Management and Catering,' the Department of Tourism and Hotel-Restaurant Management of the Institute of Postgraduate Education held an off-site training and practical seminar 'Tourist Destinations of Transcarpathia: Natural Potential, Recreation, and the Hospitality Sector' from June 5 to 7, 2026, in the region of Transcarpathia.

On June 5, 2026, an unforgettable journey through Transcarpathia began, filled with bright emotions, discoveries, and admiration for the beauty of Ukraine. The first stop was the Synevyr Pass.

Visiting the Bear Rehabilitation Center evoked special emotions. For many students, it was their first opportunity to see such a number of bears in natural conditions. No less exciting was the meeting with the residents of the unique valley of 'Wolves.' The little wolf cubs, being lovingly fed by their mother, left a special impression.

The true highlight of the day was Lake Synevyr – one of the seven natural wonders of Ukraine. The silence, the mirror-like surface of the water, the mountain air, and the legends of this place created an atmosphere that is impossible to describe in words. Here, everyone was able to pause for a moment, feel harmony with nature, and simply enjoy the beauty of their native country.

After a busy day, the travelers were warmly welcomed at the cozy recreation complex 'Pid Mahuroyu' in the village of Pylypets. Comfortable rooms with views of the Carpathian slopes, the genuine warmth of the hosts, and the warm atmosphere created a feeling of true home. Special thanks go to the complex's restaurant, where every morning and evening everyone was introduced to local cuisine.

The day concluded with a joint evening by the barbecue. The director and head chef of the 'Laymon' restaurant, Yuriy Oleksandrovich Kuznetsov, held a master class on preparing shashlik for the students.

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On the second day of the journey through Transcarpathia, the head of the sports tourism club 'Azimut', Serhiy Hennadiyovych Mykhailus, led the ascent of Mount Hymba near the village of Pylypets. During the climb, Serhiy Hennadiyovych shared knowledge about the specifics of mountain tourism, safety rules for climbing, orientation in the terrain, and behavior in the mountains.

A visit to the health complex 'Zhaivoronok' in the city of Berehove proved equally interesting. For students of 'Hotel and Restaurant Management' and 'Tourism and Recreation,' it was a wonderful opportunity to see a successful example of the operation of a modern recreational health complex, to learn about the features of organizing recreation, health services, and hospitality. For all participants, it was a time to restore strength in thermal waters, known far beyond Transcarpathia for their unique properties.

A special stage of the journey was the excursion to local winemakers, during which participants learned about the long-standing traditions of winemaking in the region. The hosts shared secrets about growing grapes, caring for vines, the technology of harvest collection, and the wine-making process.

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The third day began with a delicious breakfast and an introduction to yet another tourist highlight of Transcarpathia – the lift to Mount Hymba, which is considered one of the longest in Transcarpathia. With every meter of ascent, the Carpathians revealed themselves anew: one mountain changes into another, and endless serpentine mountain ridges stretch around.

At the peak near the lift is the well-known among tourists 'Chaiovnya' – a cozy wooden place where one can warm up with a hot drink and admire the mountains. Here they offer sbiten, masala, ginger tea, and homemade pastries, but the biggest treasure remains the incredible panoramas outside the window. Nearby, there is a large kolyba-restaurant with spacious terraces and panoramic windows, which is a good example of the development of tourist infrastructure in mountainous areas.

For students majoring in 'Hotel and Restaurant Management' and 'Tourism and Recreation,' it was a great opportunity to see how the region's natural resources are combined with modern tourist and restaurant services, creating an attractive tourist product for visitors to the Carpathians.

Next, everyone headed to the State Historical and Cultural Reserve 'Tustan' near the village of Urych in the Lviv region. For students majoring in 'Hotel and Restaurant Management' and 'Tourism and Recreation,' visiting Tustan was particularly educational. The reserve is an example of how cultural heritage can serve as the foundation for developing a tourist destination, combining monument preservation, scientific research, educational activities, excursion services, and community development.

It was no less interesting to see how a modern tourist infrastructure is forming around the historical monument. The reserve actively collaborates with the community, supports the preservation of local traditions, promotes folk culture, and contributes to the development of agritourism. Such examples demonstrate that successful tourism begins with a love for one's own history, a responsible attitude towards cultural heritage, and cooperation among the community, business, and government.

Filled with new knowledge, bright emotions, and unforgettable impressions, the trip participants headed home. In three days, Zakarpattia and the Carpathians gifted them incredible landscapes, new experiences, interesting professional observations, and many warm memories that will warm them for a long time.

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