Assessment of Balneological Resources for the Needs of Resort Establishments of Ivano-Frankivsk Region

Abstract
The topicality. The main natural recreational resources of Ivano-Frankivsk region are balneological, which include medicinal mineral waters, therapeutic mud and ozokerite. Mineral waters and, especially, medical occupy a significant place. Purpose and methods. The purpose of the study is a theoretical and methodological justification of the prospects for the development of balneological tourist and recreational resources in Ivano-Frankivsk region. To carry out this study a number of general scientific methods, approaches and techniques have been used which are applied in social geography. The authors have developed a new methodology for assessing natural recreational resources. In this study, balneological resources are on an example of Ivano-Frankivsk region. Results. The research examines the evaluation features of the distribution and development of balneological tourist and recreational resources of Ivano-Frankivsk region. The potential of spa treatment, which is not fully used, is thoroughly analyzed. In the article the authors propose to intensify the development of balneological resource potential of Ivano-Frankivsk region. In addition, it is proposed to divide the resorts of the region according to the specialization, which will correspond to a certain type of effective treatment of the disease. Conclusions and discussions. The study confirmed that Ivano-Frankivsk region has unique recreational and tourist resources. The scientific novelty of the study is to substantiate the prospects for the development of balneological tourist and recreational resources for the needs of resorts in the Carpathians. The practical significance of the obtained results is manifested in the possibility of applying a comprehensive model of development of balneological tourist and recreational resources in Ivano-Frankivsk region.