URBAN TOURISM AND NEW FORMS OF LEISURE IN CITIES

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by the growing need to conceptualize urban tourism as a factor of sustainable urban development capable of integrating economic activity, cultural identity, and social interaction. In the context of the spatial transformation of Ukrainian and European cities, the problem of integrating transport, recreational, and digital infrastructures become crucial, as it defines the comfort and quality of the urban environment. The lack of systematic management of tourist flows, fragmented analytical data, and uneven development of urban spaces highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to organizing urban tourism. The purpose of the article is to examine the specific features of urban tourism and to substantiate methodological approaches to the formation of urban tourist routes and new leisure formats based on the rational use of recreational potential, cultural resources, and infrastructure. The research results made it possible to establish that the effectiveness of urban tourism is determined not by the number of attractions but by the level of integration between cultural, social, and transport environments. The main problems identified include imbalances in transport development, fragmentation of recreational spaces, and the absence of unified statistical monitoring. It has been proven that the use of digital technologies – such as electronic visitor cards, interactive route mapping, and real-time flow analytics – can reduce these disparities and ensure polycentric tourism development. Conclusions confirm that urban tourism is transforming from a traditional recreational activity into a component of urban governance aimed at improving spatial comfort, balancing visitor flows, and preserving cultural heritage. It is recommended to implement unified digital platforms, develop barrier-free infrastructure, and involve local communities in route planning.