INTERNATIONAL TOURISM LOGISTICS: THE ROLE OF AIR AND MARITIME TRANSPORT IN SHAPING GLOBAL TRENDS AND ACCESSIBILITY

Abstract

The article analyzes the complex relationship between air and maritime logistics and the development of international tourism. The author analyzes statistical data, including the volume of global air and sea traffic, the number of passengers, and annual growth rates with forecasts up to 2028. The author reveals the trends of steady growth in air and cruise traffic observed before the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with the expansion of global tourism. In 2020, the pandemic led to a sharp decline in both passenger demand and transportation operations, which revealed the vulnerability of both sectors. At the same time, the study demonstrates their ability to recover quickly in 2021–2023, thanks to the easing of travel restrictions, the resumption of tourist activity, and the expansion of cruise and ferry operations. The importance of well-developed logistics and transportation networks to ensure the accessibility of tourist destinations is identified. Key airports, as well as strategically located seaports, act as important hubs that facilitate the organization of global passenger flows. At the same time, managing the infrastructure and capacity of these centers is crucial to ensure the growth of transportation and maintain efficient logistics systems in the tourism sector. Further growth in air and sea transportation is predicted. The author emphasizes the need for systematic investment in the development of airport and port infrastructure, the digitalization of processes, and the implementation of sustainable practices to meet the growing needs of passengers and ensure the long-term viability of both sectors. It is summarized that the interdependence of aviation and maritime logistics with international tourism is key to the further development and growth of the global tourism industry. It is proven that efficient logistics systems contribute to increasing the accessibility of tourist destinations, while innovation and infrastructure development ensure the stable long-term development of the industry.