Thanks to Bukovel, the local community has an unemployment rate of just 2.4% – survey finds
Despite the ongoing war, the Polianytsia community maintains a record-low unemployment rate of just 2.4%, largely due to the presence of the Bukovel resort. Moreover, thanks to the resort’s implementation of sustainable development practices in cooperation with local businesses, the ecological situation in the region has significantly improved. These are the findings of a recent survey conducted by the National Technical University "Dnipro Polytechnic" to assess the impact of tourism on the quality of life and well-being of the local community, specifically its economic, social, and environmental effects.
Notably, 100% of respondents stated that Bukovel contributes to improving the living standards and overall comfort of residents. In addition, the resort supports local businesses and producers, helping stimulate the regional economy.
Unemployment in the Polianytsia community stands at a record-low level of just 2.4%. Of the surveyed population, 65.8% are employed full-time, 9.8% work part-time, 8.6% are engaged in seasonal employment, 2.4% are students, and 1.2% are retirees. This is largely due to Bukovel’s ability to attract large numbers of tourists. In fact, 74.4% of respondents said their work is directly or indirectly connected to tourism. Among them, 75% are involved in temporary accommodation of visitors, 10% in equipment rentals, another 10% in entertainment and leisure (including guided tours), and 5% in food services and catering.
Residents also noted an improvement in the community’s environmental situation, thanks to Bukovel’s development of local infrastructure. These improvements include the construction of a centralized wastewater system, use of renewable energy sources, water-saving technologies, modern waste sorting and recycling systems, reduction of single-use plastics, application of eco-friendly products and materials, and promotion of eco-friendly transportation and ecotourism.
In terms of environmental impact, 25.6% of respondents stated that Bukovel has an entirely positive effect on preserving local natural resources, 28% reported a positive impact, and 25.6% noted a neutral impact.
Earlier, Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, personally acknowledged the development of tourism in the Polianytsia community, which participated in the "Bridges of Trust" project — an initiative aimed at building connections between towns and villages in Ukraine and the EU.