Ukrainians to Utilize Travel as a Tool for Psychosocial and Physical Recovery – DART Head Natalia Tabaka

The State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (DART) has announced the initiation of a national program called 'Journey to Oneself: Paths of Recovery,' designed to assist Ukrainians in regaining their psychosocial and physical health through travel. In a brief interview with Interfax-Ukraine, DART Head Natalia Tabaka stated that the program has already begun accepting applications from potential participants.

The primary objective of the program is to establish a new philosophy of travel that serves as a tool for emotional recovery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant portion of Ukrainians is experiencing a decline in their psychosocial well-being, and the program aims to harness the potential of domestic tourism to support these individuals. 'We expect Ukrainians to use travel as a means of recovery and rejuvenation. Through domestic travel, we hope that Ukrainians will feel better, become more productive, and more effective in their daily lives,' Tabaka noted.

The program includes the creation of a national digital platform that will connect various stakeholders within the ecosystem: hotels, eco-farms, retreat centers, natural parks, museums, cultural spaces, tour operators, guides, farmers, and others. This initiative will stimulate the development of domestic tourism and provide access to diverse resources for recovery.

The program will be implemented in multiple phases, starting with ongoing research into traveler demands and the market for such journeys. Additionally, training for representatives of the tourism sector and the provision of micro-grants for both businesses and communities are planned. 'Within the framework of the program, we see an opportunity for gentle decriminalization, which will create new spaces for guests, tastings, and other products that will help people recover,' added the DART head.

Key criteria for participants in the program include legality and transparency in operations, as well as adherence to the philosophy of quiet travel, which emphasizes respect for individuals, inclusivity, ecological sustainability, and a commitment to the theme of recovery. 'The application process has already begun, and in the first phase, we expect to have 300 locations,' Tabaka reported.

Discussing the experiences of other countries, Natalia Tabaka mentioned that the DART team has studied various approaches to recovery through travel, particularly in Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Scandinavia, and Britain. 'In Ukraine, thanks to our geographical capabilities and rich culture, we can develop various directions,' she emphasized.

Among the requirements for program participants are the legality of operations and alignment of products with the philosophy of silence. 'We expect guests to share this vision as well,' she added. To ensure compliance with the program's values, systematic monitoring purchases and feedback from travelers who utilize the services of program participants are planned.

The launched project is extensive and requires both human and financial resources. A key partner in the program is the Brand Ukraine team, which assists in finding valuable partners for the initiative's implementation. 'We plan to launch a basic version of the platform to interact with users, and we hope that by this summer, the platform will be available where such locations can be found,' Tabaka stated.

According to Natalia Tabaka, the program could serve as a tool for attracting foreign tourists in the future. 'We have conducted strategic sessions with Ukrainian and foreign stakeholders, and for all of them, the key words associated with Ukrainians are freedom, resilience, and recovery,' she highlighted.

Despite the challenges related to safety, Natalia Tabaka noted that Ukraine is prepared to welcome tourists. 'Our working slogan is Let's Plan Ukraine: let’s plan Ukraine for visiting, for investments, for interactions when you feel safe,' she added.

The program also includes the creation of personalized products tailored to the requests of each traveler, reflecting the initiative's inclusivity. 'Regardless of financial capability, there are accessible tools for recovery for everyone,' Tabaka emphasized, highlighting the importance of diverse approaches to travel.