In mid-November, the event “Sustainable Development in Hospitality and Tourism: Legislative Requirements, Trends, and Challenges” was held at the Bukovel resort.
The event brought together representatives of tourism companies, hotel and restaurant businesses, local authorities, and professionals committed to implementing modern environmental and social standards in the tourism industry.
The discussion confirmed a key message: sustainable development in tourism is no longer a trend, but a strategic necessity that determines the competitiveness of Ukrainian tourism today and shapes its long-term future.
Key topics and speakers
Bohdan Krasavtsev, Head of the Sustainable Development Office of Bukovel
During his presentation, Krasavtsev shared Bukovel’s practical experience in implementing sustainable environmental practices and international standards. The presentation covered:
- the process and outcomes of Green Key certification;
- real-life cases in energy efficiency, waste management, water stewardship, and biodiversity protection;
- 2025 achievements – certification of 11 hotels and the NUMO restaurant;
- the role of Green Key certification in strengthening responsibility, transparency, and the international appeal of Ukrainian tourism.
Dmytro Zaruba, First Deputy Head of the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine
Zaruba outlined the role of state environmental oversight in hospitality and tourism, focusing on:
- regulatory requirements for tourism and hospitality businesses;
- procedures for state inspections;
- common violations and liability mechanisms;
- practical guidance to help businesses comply with environmental legislation and enhance environmental awareness.
Taras Lozynskyi, First Deputy Head of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (DART)
Lozynskyi highlighted tourism as a key driver of Ukraine’s post-war recovery. His presentation addressed:
- the current state of the tourism sector;
- strategic priorities and new regulatory initiatives of DART;
- Ukraine’s participation in the Carpathian Convention on Sustainable Development;
- DART initiatives, including the “Routes of Memory” network, dedicated to honoring fallen heroes, significant events, and locations linked to the full-scale war.
Andrii Hrys, Head of the ESG Committee of the National Association of Banks of Ukraine, Head of Social and Environmental Risk Management at AB “Ukrgasbank”
Hrys emphasized that sustainable businesses are increasingly attractive to investors and financial institutions. Key insights included:
- green financing as both access to capital and a driver of responsible entrepreneurship;
- opportunities provided by the “5–7–9%” state program and the “Green Platform” for financing sustainable projects;
- the growing requirement for ESG reporting in lending practices;
- compliance with World Bank environmental assessment standards;
- the importance of accurate, verified, and accountable sustainability reporting.
Liudmyla Tsyhanok, President of PAEW, Founder of ESG Liga
Tsyhanok noted that ESG implementation delivers tangible benefits, including:
- economic value creation;
- increased trust from guests, partners, and international institutions;
- reduced operational risks;
- competitive advantages in both domestic and international tourism markets.
She emphasized that sustainable tourism is the foundation of a responsible and high-quality tourism ecosystem in Ukraine.
Anastasiia Striuver, Head of Food Quality and Safety, Trainer at LLC “Tsentr LTD”
Striuver highlighted the importance of a structured approach to food safety in hospitality operations, focusing on:
- HACCP implementation as a preventive risk management tool;
- core legislative requirements for food safety;
- best practices in staff training and quality assurance.
“Food safety is the cornerstone of guest trust,” she emphasized.
Conclusion
The event served as an important platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange between government representatives, business leaders, and civil society. Participants gained practical insights into regulatory changes, financing opportunities, and modern sustainability standards.
The event was organized by the Sustainable Development Office of Bukovel, the law firm “EVERLEGAL”, and the Professional Association of Environmentalists (PAEW), with support from the “Association of Hoteliers and Guesthouse Owners of the Yaremche Region”.
The venue for the event was the “Kukhnia Hir” restaurant at the “HVOYA” aparthotel.