The Magnet of Ukrainian Tourism: What Travelers Choose in the Carpathians This Summer
The Carpathian region once again remains one of the country’s main tourist magnets this summer season, as it combines relative safety, picturesque landscapes, mountains, cultural attractions, and opportunities for physical and mental recovery. The most popular destinations among travelers continue to be Bukovel and the surrounding villages: Yablunytsia, Voronenko, Bystrytsia, and Klympushi. In Ivano-Frankivsk region, Yaremche and Vorokhta remain in high demand, while in Lviv region tourists are choosing the balneological resorts of Truskavets and Skhidnytsia.
Photo: Serhii Zysko
Notably, the attractiveness of the Ukrainian Carpathians was recognized internationally last year. In 2024, the village of Urich (Lviv region) and the settlement of Vorokhta (Ivano-Frankivsk region) were included in the list of the best within the international “Best Tourism Villages” competition. UN Tourism launched this global initiative back in 2021. “Best Tourism Villages” highlights villages with unique cultural and natural resources, responsible tourism practices, and sustainable development.
“Urich and Vorokhta were recognized for their unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, tourism development, and commitment to sustainability. This year, Ukraine has nominated three more villages: Synevyrska Polyana (Zakarpattia), famous for Lake Synevyr and scenic hiking routes; Kolochava (Zakarpattia), known as an ‘open-air museum’ with more than a dozen historical treasures; and Kryvorivnia (Ivano-Frankivsk region), regarded as the cultural capital of the Hutsul region and a place of inspiration for Ukrainian artists and writers,” — said Nataliya Tabaka, Head of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine.
Strong demand for travel to the Carpathians is also reflected in Ukrzaliznytsia’s data. In just two and a half months of summer, Yaremche was visited by 54,000 passengers, Tatariv-Bukovel by 52,500, Vorokhta by 39,000, and Truskavets by 37,500 travelers.
Ukrzaliznytsia also notes significant travel activity to the regional centers of western Ukraine. Between June and August 13 alone, Lviv welcomed 719,000 passengers, Ivano-Frankivsk — 135,500, Uzhhorod — 85,000, and Mukachevo — more than 82,500. However, it remains difficult to segment these flows into strictly “tourist” and “non-tourist” trips.
Financial indicators also confirm the consistently high interest in the Carpathians. In the first seven months of 2025, the region collected 76 million UAH in tourist tax. The leader remains Lviv region with more than 33 million UAH, followed by Ivano-Frankivsk with 27 million, Zakarpattia with over 15 million, and Chernivtsi with nearly 3 million UAH. Among local communities, the largest contributors are Polianytsia (Bukovel and nearby villages) with almost 19 million UAH and Yaremche with over 3 million UAH. In Lviv region: Skhidnytsia collected over 3.5 million UAH, while Truskavets contributed nearly 5 million UAH.
The Carpathian region has consistently maintained its position as a tourism magnet for several years in a row. It is exactly the type of destination that matches the needs of Ukrainian travelers today: peace, rest, picturesque nature, physical and mental recovery, cultural exploration, and immersion into local traditions. This demand drives the development of tourism products and services and, as a result, contributes to the economic growth of local communities.
