Sustainable tourism development in the Tatra National Park

Tourism is mostly concentrated in protected areas. The highest level of protection of nature and landscape represents national parks, which are important biosphere reserves. Tourism in national parks has to be developed with a thoughtful and considerate approach to the environment and in accordance with sustainable development values, which are based on economic, social and environmental principles. The object of the study is the Tatra National Park, whose task is to preserve and protect the original conditions of the natural environment in the protected landscape and utilise its potential for recreational, medical and sport purposes. In the last decade, the territory of the national park has been undergoing major innovations associated with the construction and improvement of tourism facilities. The aim of the article is to examine the sustainability of tourism in the Tatra National Park based on indicators developed by UNWTO (2004) in terms of visitors with an emphasis on social and environmental aspects.