August 2022 passed extremely quickly and was full of various events, including tourist ones. During the month, we actively followed the news of our region, which is why we decided to make a small summary: what was the most notable in August 2022 in the tourist life of Transcarpathia?
It is worth starting with the most important events not only for tourists but for all residents of Zakarpattia: On 5 August, the Regional Defence Council decided to ban hunting in Transcarpathia, and on 14 August to ban people from visiting forests in Transcarpathia.
In mid-August, at a scheduled meeting with owners and representatives of farms in the region, the creation of the United Association of Transcarpathian Sheep Breeders was initiated, as this industry requires systematic work to develop proposals that will be implemented in regulatory documents. And these initiatives should come from the farms. Sheep farming is an important area of tourism and promotion of the region. And this is what should be included in the business card of Zakarpattia.
There was also good news for travellers. On 5 August, Ukrzaliznytsia resumed running train No. 55/56 between Kyiv and Yasinia. A pleasant surprise for all travellers was that Ukrzaliznytsia launched ticket payments in the Apple Messages chatbot via Apple Pay. It also launched a mobile app that offers ticket sales/refunds, feedback and the ability to communicate with customers. On 26 August, Lviv Railway extended the route of suburban trains No. 6441/6442 from Kolomyia - Rakhiv - Kolomyia to Dilove and back.
In addition, this month, work was carried out to improve the tourist infrastructure, namely:
In early August, the construction of a new gazebo in the minimalist style with a swing was completed. The work was carried out by the foresters of Yasinya Forestry near the motorway at the entrance to Yasinya. According to employees of the state enterprise, the new elegant recreational area was arranged in a specially designated place so that tourists could have a safe rest.
The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve is actively improving its recreational facilities and tourist attractions to ensure comfortable visits to the protected area. In particular, as of the end of August, the following works have already been carried out:
- the gazebo and barbecue area near the branch office were renovated;
- 2 new seating areas (2 tables, 4 benches) were arranged;
- the arrangement of another barbecue area near the trout farm was improved - a new table and benches were installed in the gazebo;
- the route to the Lykhyi waterfall was cleared and cut;
- The quarter posts were replaced;
- information boards were updated;
- the information board "Primeval Beech Forests and Old-growth Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe" was replaced;
- the transition bridge was repaired;
- The area adjacent to recreational areas was cleared of clutter;
- the roof of the trout hatchery is being re-roofed.
The Velyky Bychkiv village council also joined in the renovation of the infrastructure of its territory and arranged a botanical natural monument of local importance "Sequoia" together with the head of the community and residents of the community. The participants of the event edited the route markings, restored the bollards, removed garbage, and covered the gazebo near the trees. Soon, every resident and tourist will be able to easily find the world's tallest Sequoia trees, and information stands about the rare trees and their locations are already being prepared.
And in Lazeshchyna and Lopushany forestries, foresters are building new bridges on their own to allow travelling on forest roads. This is the main route to Mount Hoverla and Mount Petros, which is now more convenient for tourists and local residents.
Of course, we cannot ignore the tourist events that were timed to coincide with Ukraine's Independence Day:
On 18 August, with the assistance of Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration On the occasion of Independence Day, a free walking and educational tour of Uzhhorod was organised for the children of our defenders.
On the initiative of Transcarpathian Tourist Organisation (headed by Fedir Shandor) together with Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration (headed by Bohdan Nos), a tourist information map in Uzhhorod (Baty Passage) was restored for Independence Day.
On the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day, the Train to Victory was launched. Its route: Kyiv - Uzhhorod. It consists of 7 painted passenger cars. Each car has a picture dedicated to the temporarily occupied cities of Ukraine.
On 24 August 2022, the mini-sculpture "Transcarpathian Champions" dedicated to the three-time champion of Ukraine in the American Football Super League was unveiled.
On 24 August, in the village of Vilshynky of the Turya-Remeta community in Uzhhorod district, a record for the tallest wooden swing in Ukraine was set, with a height of 9m 45cm, which is 57cm higher than the previous tallest in Bukovel. The record was officially registered by representatives of the National Register of Records.
On 28 August, the Transcarpathian Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life hosted the Living Heritage cultural and artistic project. The event was held to preserve the traditional culture of Transcarpathia, promote the region's tourism potential and provide comprehensive support to folk craftsmen from 12 territorial communities of Transcarpathia.
Also worth noting is the analytical initiative with the support of DART and the Ukrainian Hotel & Resort Association (UHRA). In the first half of August, a survey was conducted among hoteliers on the impact of martial law on the Ukrainian hotel market.
Thus, the month of August was fruitful for work to improve infrastructure and tourist attractions, for various attractions for the Independence Day of our country and for long-awaited solutions for travellers.
