Abstract. This article analyzes the strategic importance of tourism development in modern economic conditions based on a macroeconomic approach. Tourism is considered an important factor in diversifying the national economy, increasing GDP, ensuring employment, accelerating regional development, and increasing foreign exchange earnings. The study considers the improvement of the regulatory framework, institutional reforms, improving the investment climate, and introducing innovative mechanisms in the service sector as the main drivers. It also analyzes the specific features of the tourism industry - its multiplier effect, clustering opportunities, and its inextricable link with environmental and social sustainability. The article substantiates the priority areas of tourism development in the context of digitalization, green economy principles, and international integration processes. As a result, it is scientifically substantiated that tourism development is not only an economic necessity, but also an objective contemporary requirement of modern development.