THE CONCEPT OF THE UNIVERSE TOURISM

Abstract

The rapid development of technology in the 21st century has caused large-scale transformations in all spheres of human activity, particularly in tourism, which has gone beyond the traditional understanding and is acquiring the characteristics of a global and even extraterrestrial phenomenon. The article examines the phenomenon of space tourism and justifies the need to introduce a new concept – the Universe tourism. The main focus is on space tourism as a key factor in the transformation of traditional ideas about the scope of tourist travel. The historical preconditions for the emergence of space tourism are analysed, in particular the work of Barron Hilton and Eric Kraft, the first commercial flights and the role of SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic in shaping the new tourism market. Particular attention is paid to the conceptual shift from horizontal travel to vertical travel – into space, which transforms the very geography of tourism and opens up new horizons for humanity. The study characterises the economic, socio-cultural, legal, ethical, environmental and psychological aspects of Universe tourism. The overview effect is considered as a potentially valuable element of the future tourist experience, as well as the challenges of accessibility, social justice and environmental responsibility. Separate attention is paid to the issues of professional training, infrastructure development, insurance and international cooperation. The article formulates a vision of Universe tourism as a complex, multidimensional system that unites terrestrial and extraterrestrial forms of travel into a single humanistic paradigm of sustainable development. Universe tourism embodies a new stage in the development of humanity as a space civilisation, demonstrating the expansion of the boundaries of what is possible through scientific and technological progress and opening up new horizons for travel and exploration in the 21st century. Further research may be aimed at creating a theoretical and methodological basis for integrating this phenomenon into Universe tourism systems, taking into account socio-economic, legal, environmental and technological challenges.