Proceedings of the International scientific and practical conference ―Science at the Frontier of Progress‖ (June 8-10, 2026) / Publisher website: www.naukainfo.com. – Paris, France, 2026. - 178 p.

94 Another problem is the potential distortion of historical memory. Gradually, in the minds of some tourists, Chernobyl begins to be associated not with the actual disaster and its victims, but with video games, movies, or mystical legends. This creates the risk of forming a romanticized or distorted view of the events of 1986. This is particularly true for the younger generation, who perceive this event through popular culture rather than through historical sources. According to the Center for Organizational, Technical, and Information Support of the Exclusion Zone Administration, tourism development is also influenced by external factors, in particular the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a significant decline in tourist numbers. Thus, ―in the first 10 months of 2020, 31,720 people visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which is 70% fewer than in 2019 (during the same period in 2019, 107,641 visitors came to the Exclusion Zone). The decline in tourist numbers was influenced by restrictions on entry to the Exclusion Zone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of a quarantine on March 18, 2020. At the end of August, Ukraine closed its borders to foreign visitors, so in September, the Exclusion Zone was visited mainly by Ukrainians (3,734 people). In October, the entry ban was lifted, and the number of visitors in October reached 7,202.‖ [10] The data obtained indicate the need to take external risks into account when planning and developing tourism activities in the Exclusion Zone. Conclusions. 1. The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has undergone a complex and multifaceted transformation—from a symbol of one of the 20th century’s most catastrophic man-made disasters to a unique tourist destination of international significance. Its gradual opening to visitors was made possible by comprehensive measures to ensure radiation safety, the development of a regulatory framework, and the establishment of a controlled access system. Globalization and the growing interest of the international community in sites of historical memory and man-made disasters also played an important role in this process. 2. The development of Chernobyl tourism has been largely driven by the active promotion of the topic in the media, film, digital culture, and online. This has helped create sustained international demand for visits to the Exclusion Zone and has transformed Chernobyl into a recognizable brand. At the same time, the economic impact of tourism and the growing number of foreign visitors demonstrate its significant potential for the development of Ukraine’s tourism sector. 3. Along with positive outcomes—such as raising awareness of the causes and consequences of the accident, fostering environmental consciousness, promoting international cultural exchange, and generating revenue for the state budget—a number of serious ethical issues have emerged. Among these, the risks of commercializing the tragedy, a superficial perception of historical events, and the potential distortion of the memory of those affected by the accident require particular attention. 4. Therefore, the further development of Chernobyl tourism must be based on a balance between economic feasibility, educational value, and moral responsibility. It is important to ensure that visits to the Exclusion Zone remain not an entertainment experience, but a form of historical awareness and a way to honor the memory of the disaster’s victims. Only under such conditions can Chernobyl fulfill its primary role—to serve as a constant reminder of the consequences of man-made mistakes and the need for a responsible attitude toward the future of humanity. REFERENCES: 1. Ivchenko, L. O., & Romanova, K. M. Dynamics and Prospects for the Development of Tourism in the Chernobyl Zone. Effective Economy. 2020. No. 1. – URL: http://www.economy.nayka.com.ua/?op=1&z=7619 (accessed: 06/04/2026). DOI: 10.32702/2307- 2105-2020.1.70 2. Hatch M. Cancer following the Chernobyl nuclear accident (The Ukrainian;American studies of thyroid disease and leukemia) 3. Parenyuk, O., & Shavanova, K. The Terrifying, the Beautiful, and the Grotesque in Chernobyl // Modern History, Science, and Natural History. Publisher: ―Vikhola.‖ 4. Khudoba, V. V., and Vashchyshyn, Y. M., ―The Organization of Tourism in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in the Prewar Period and Postwar Prospects,‖ *Economy and Society*. Issue #75, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2025-75-94 5. Kulagina, A. I., & Arion, O. V. The Current State and Prospects for the Development of ―Dark‖ Tourism in Ukraine// Constructive Geography and the Rational Use of Natural Resources. Issue 2 (2) 2022 https://doi.org/10.17721/2786-4561.2022.2.2-6/13 6. Romanova A. A. Tours to the Chernobyl zone as a phenomenon of dark tourism development. J.