Upcoming vacation spot emerges in the Western Ukrainian Mountains - Construction of a new vacation spot underway in the western Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it's fascinating to see the country's determination to invest in its future, particularly in the tourism sector. In the serene Carpathian Mountains, near the EU border, construction is underway for a new tourist resort. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the OKKO Group, is expected to include 25 hotels with over 5,000 rooms, covering a vast area of 127 hectares.
Vasyl Danylyak, the CEO of OKKO Group, regarded this as a significant step towards the realization of their comprehensive vision for an international, all-season resort. Austrian experts are providing their expertise for this project, which, over the next 15 years, aims to become a winter sports wonderland with ski lifts and slopes.
Initially, the project's costs were estimated to surpass 1.45 billion euros. A third of this hefty sum will be funded by the company's own resources and loans, with the remaining balance sourced from investors. This ambitious holiday complex is being built in the vicinity of Voloshanka, Lviv region, approximately 50 kilometers from the Polish border. The majestic mountains in this region tower at around 1,200 meters.
Ukraine, in its resilient fight against Russian incursions, has received substantial Western aid for nearly three years. Surprisingly, the Carpathian region has experienced limited Russian missile and drone attacks.
On a broader scale, Ukraine is actively developing and funding large-scale tourist resorts in the Carpathians through various initiatives. Private companies like Ribas Hotels Group and OKKO Group have invested in new hotel complexes and resorts. For instance, Ribas Hotels Group has joined forces with NUMO Development to construct a new apart-hotel in the Carpathians. Meanwhile, OKKO Group has begun constructing the GORO Mountain Resort, which, by 2029, is anticipated to boast 25 hotels and 41 ski slopes.
The surge in domestic tourism, driven by the conflict, has played a crucial role in sustaining the tourism industry in the Carpathians. This trend has also prompted the development of novel tourist products and routes, compensating for the loss of international tourists. Infrastructure development, including protective structures and shelters, has further bolstered the region's tourism potential, making it a safer place for visitors.
Eco-tourism has also gained traction in the Carpathians, offering visitors opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and paragliding. This focus on nature-based tourism is attracting responsible travelers who value environmental conservation.
Lastly, the Ukrainian government's support for the tourism industry has been instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by the conflict. Regional administrations and private investors are working hand in hand to ensure the continuity and growth of the tourism sector in Ukraine.
The new tourist resort, under construction by OKKO Group, will undoubtedly transform the Holiday resort scene in the Carpathian Mountains. Despite the ongoing conflict, the GORO Mountain Resort, with its anticipated 25 hotels and 41 ski slopes, is set to become a popular Holiday resort for both domestic and international tourists.
