PROSPECTS FOR GREEN PILGRIMAGE IN THE KHMELNYTSKYI REGION: THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CAMINO PODOLICO
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37406/2706-9052-2025-2.22Keywords:
Camino Podolico, Khmelnytskyi region, TDI, digital technologies, accommodation, advertising campaignAbstract
Religious tourism is one of the most dynamic areas of the tourism industry, combining spiritual experiences, cultural heritage and economic development of regions. One promising area is green pilgrimage, which involves environmentally responsible travel and digital technologies to improve the tourist experience. In this context, developing the Camino Podolico pilgrimage route in the Khmelnytskyi region is an important aspect that can contribute to preserving the natural environment, attracting international tourists and creating new opportunities for local communities. The study is based on an analysis of global practices in developing pilgrimage routes, particularly the experience of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Digital technologies, such as mobile applications for navigation and booking, play a key role in increasing the route’s accessibility and improving communication among pilgrims. To analyze the tourist attractiveness of the Camino Podolico in the Khmelnytskyi region, the method of assessing the tourist readiness of the region (TDI) was applied, which includes a comprehensive assessment of such parameters as infrastructure, resource base, socio-economic level and competitive position. Each indicator was evaluated on a 5-point scale, which made it possible to determine the region’s generalized index of tourist attractiveness. The obtained TDI value of 3.12 indicates a moderate level of readiness of the Khmelnytskyi region to receive pilgrims and the need for further development of the route. To transform the Camino Podolico into a powerful tool for attracting tourists, a set of measures has been proposed, including activating the involvement of local entrepreneurs and organizations to create a developed network of budget accommodation and food for pilgrims, expanding the advertising campaign, as well as strengthening cooperation with international pilgrimage associations to popularize the route among foreign tourists. Thus, the study confirms that green pilgrimage tourism in the Khmelnytskyi region has significant potential, but its implementation requires an integrated approach, including infrastructure development, digital solutions and international cooperation. Camino Podolico can become essential for the region’s cultural and spiritual development and economic growth.
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