| Western Ukraine is really very attractive to persons seeking Ukrainian customs, traditions, national language and lifestyle. Contrary to Eastern Ukraine the Ukrainian language is in constant, everyday use here. The moral barriers survive and traditional folk customs are still carried on. Moreover this region is rich in cities with historic and national monuments (Lvov, Zhovkva), castles, palaces, natural values. These facts determine its strong tourist potential. The prominent advantage here is its proximity to Poland, a gateway to the European Union. Therefore it is necessary to develop more interest in promoting the tourist possibilities of this area for the residents of richer Eastern Ukraine, including Kyiv. The main attraction is certainly Lvov itself with its multifarious, multinational, historical heritage included on the UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. The increase in tourist arrivals in Lvov provides new chances to develop interest in the Ukrainian part of Roztocze, especially in the Yavorivskyi National Nature Park. Furthermore the location of this region on one of the main east-west transport corridors in Europe, especially with imminent plans to build the new Polish border-Lvov motorway, gives numerous opportunities for development. A stay in Western Ukraine should encourage one to visit the Polish Roztocze and demonstrate the remains of or ability to penetrate different cultures, for instance in Młyniv, near Radymno, one can find the grave of Mykhaylo Verbytskyi, (1815-1870)- a pioneer of Ukrainian song- the author of the national Anthem.
The Potential of Truskavets
This health resort 80km south of Lvov has been the largest spa in Ukraine since Soviet times. Nowadays the resort receives about half a million visitors a year. Many of them make sightseeing visits to Lvov on excursions organized by local travel agents and they take part in cultural events in the city. It is desirable to create more interest in running excursions throughout the whole Roztocze area, including Zamość. A two-day excursion would be especially attractive. Unfortunately there is a major problem in obtaining visas for residents of Ukraine and other countries of the former Soviet Union. (There is a consulate in Lvov and once agencies have accreditation they are able to obtain visas within one day- the visas themselves are free) |
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