Strategic Development Plan for Rural Tourism Based on a Cluster Model (Example of Cherkasy Region)

Background. Modern rural development in Ukraine necessitates innovative solutions, as communities face demographic decline and economic pressures. The implementation of tourism clusters has emerged as a promising mechanism for enhancing local resilience and strengthening cooperation among key stakeholders. Collaborative Ukrainian-Estonian initiatives carried out from 2021 to 2024 provide evidence of the positive impact of shared expertise, hackathons, and networking on shaping community-based tourism strategies. These projects underscore the increasing significance of tourism in diversifying rural economies and fostering a professional environment for sustainable regional development. Methods. The research methodology combined social and economic-organisational approaches, which allowed for a comprehensive assessment of communication processes and the potential for partnership interaction within rural communities. Primary data were collected through surveys (over 250 interviews) and a hackathon, which provided an opportunity to test hypotheses, evaluate the level of cooperation between stakeholders, and identify opportunities for forming tourism clusters. Results. This article discusses the modern transformations of rural territories within the context of the transition from a productive to a post-productive development model, as well as the role of tourism in these processes. It highlights the key characteristics of rural areas and examines the range of tourism and recreational activities that contribute to the attractiveness of rural spaces. It is shown that the development of rural tourism contributes to economic diversification, the preservation of cultural heritage, the strengthening of social cohesion, and an improvement in quality of life. At the same time, the sector's limitations are outlined, including its fragmentation, lack of competencies, and limited financial resources. Based on the results of stakeholder surveys and a practical hackathon in the Cherkasy region, key challenges and strategic opportunities for the development of rural tourism are identified. The effectiveness of a cluster approach for uniting businesses, communities, authorities, and educational institutions to create a competitive tourism product is demonstrated. The importance of international experience, particularly Estonian, for enhancing institutional capacity and the sustainability of regional tourism clusters is emphasised. The article offers strategic guidelines for the development of rural tourism as a tool for sustainable territorial development in Ukraine. Conclusions. The transformation of rural tourism is only possible through stable cooperation among all participants, based on mutual trust and respect. The cluster approach serves as a key mechanism for development, capable of ensuring economic diversification, preserving cultural heritage, strengthening social cohesion, and creating a competitive and sustainable tourist region.