STRATEGIZING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS

Abstract

The article explores the conceptual and applied foundations for ensuring the sustainable development of tourism in protected areas, which combines ecological, social, economic, and institutional interests in the context of increasing anthropogenic pressure and global transformation challenges. It is substantiated that protected areas serve not only as key centers for biodiversity conservation but also as potential spaces for the development of environmentally responsible tourism practices. The study identifies that the unbalanced use of tourism resources, lack of proper coordination among stakeholders, and fragmented planning of tourism activities in such areas lead to risks of ecosystem degradation, social disengagement, and economic instability. The article systematizes strategic guidelines for the sustainable development of tourism in protected areas, including diversification of tourism products, support for small businesses, implementation of green certification, development of environmental education, ensuring accessibility, development of digital infrastructure, and intersectoral partnership. Special attention is given to the development of a conceptual model of sustainable tourism development for protected areas, based on the harmonization of four interrelated components: environment, economy, society, and governance. The model is analytically explained as a system that ensures a balance between nature conservation, meeting the needs of local communities, and the economic efficiency of tourism activities. The study also outlines a toolkit for building the tourism and recreational potential of protected areas on the principles of sustainability, grouped into economic, ecological, social, infrastructural, and institutional categories. Each group presents key tools and their expected impact on strengthening the resilience of the tourism system. The practical value of the results lies in the applicability of the proposed models and solutions for the development of regional tourism strategies, improvement of management systems, and involvement of communities in tourism policy planning.