How the tourism industry of Ukraine has changed over the past 5 years: report of the Head of DART Mariana Oleskiv

Mariana Oleskiv, the head of DART, has completed her five-year term in office. Learn more about the results of the agency's work during this period
On January 21, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dismissed Mariana Oleskiv from the head of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine due to her expiration of term. Yulia Kasyan, who served as the head of the Public Services Department, will temporarily take over the head of the State Agency.
At the reporting conference at the end of her five-year term, Ms. Kasyan discussed DART's main achievements during this period. The full list of DART's achievements and effectiveness can be found here.
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What has DART achieved in 5 years?
At the press conference, Mariana Oleskiv summarized the work of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine during global challenges, such as the pandemic and full-scale invasion. Despite the difficulties, the agency has achieved significant results in developing the tourism industry and forming a positive image of Ukraine on the world stage.
“Over the five years of DART's existence, we have systematized the development of the tourism sector, developed a law on tourism, implemented a Unified Tourism Register, and established cooperation between key market participants. Even during the war, tourism brings hundreds of millions of hryvnias to the budget and creates new opportunities,” said the head of the agency.
Among the main achievements were the expulsion of russia from the UN World Tourism Organization, the creation of unique memory routes and the development of domestic tourism, which is gaining popularity. DART also presented a strategy for developing the industry for the coming years, based on current market needs.
Mariana Oleskiv emphasized that Ukraine has all the prerequisites for leadership in the tourism sector. “We have created a solid foundation for further growth of the industry, even in difficult times. This is the result of the unity and coordinated work of the professional environment,” she added.
In our previous article, we talked about safe regions for traveling to Ukraine and how to organize such a trip.
Fighting for Ukraine in the international arena
In this regard, Mariana Oleskiv noted the following achievements of DART:
- Ukraine's chairmanship of the UN Tourism Commission in 2023-2025;
- Exclusion of the russian federation from UN Tourism on the initiative of the State Agency for Tourism Development;
- Complementary membership in the European Travel Commission until 2028;
- The Campaign Waiting to Happen promotion campaign;
- Awards at Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards and The Golden City Gate in Berlin;
- Participation in ITB Berlin, WTM London and other major international travel exhibitions.
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Development of tourism infrastructure
For the first time in the history of our country, a systematic development of tourism infrastructure projects took place. The Road of Diversity route was developed and river travel was popularized.
Another important achievement is the creation of the Magnets of Ukraine project, as well as the development of a methodology for assessing potentially attractive travel locations.
Increased flow of foreign tourists
Under Mariana Oleskiv's chairmanship, the Saudi Arabian market was launched. This helped to attract more than 56 thousand new tourists and replenish Ukraine's budget by more than $100 million.
In addition, the first comprehensive study of inbound tourism was conducted. Based on the results, we managed to plan and develop effective targeted campaigns for foreigners.
Support for domestic tourism
Among the main achievements in this area was the organization of the Travel Ukraine festival, which attracted more than 100,000 visitors.
Another important achievement of DART was a large-scale campaign to promote local tourism. The campaign reached almost 45 million views.
Innovations in the tourism industry
Memory Routes dedicated to the full-scale invasion and bloody struggle for independence were created. Educational series were also created on the Diia.Osvita platform to support local communities and tourism initiatives.
Legislative reforms
The most important achievement is the development of a new law “On Tourism” and its amendments in the form of draft laws to stimulate investment in the development of the industry.
In addition, DART managed to introduce the Unified Tourism Register and create municipal enterprises in the tourism sector.
In the coming years, DART will focus on recovery and post-war development, as well as the implementation of programs for veterans. Priority will be given to 3 areas: ecological, gastronomic and historical tourism.
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Häufig
gestellte Fragen
Was sind die wichtigsten Errungenschaften von DART in der Zeit des Vorsitzes von Mariana Oleskiv?
Wie ist die Ukraine dank DART auf der internationalen Bühne vertreten?
Welche Schritte wurden zur Förderung des Inlandstourismus unternommen?
Wie hat sich der Strom der ausländischen Touristen verändert?
Was sind die Pläne von DART für die Zukunft?
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