Abstract
This article presents results of research carried out in 2018 that aimed to determine the opinions of Bieszczady mountain guides on the scope of development of tourism and recreational infrastructure in the Bieszczady forests, Poland. The online survey included questions regarding nature protection in the Bieszczady region, factors limiting opportunities for tourism and recreation development in the Bieszczady forests, and the needs regarding new elements of tourism and recreation management of the area. Our research results indicate that the greatest impediments to the recreational use of the forest result from temporary restrictions on forest access, which are related to hunting or forest-management works. Most the interviewed guides were against further development of the tourist and recreational infrastructure in the Bieszczady forests. They were also in favor of extending the nature protection area in Bieszczady. Statistical analyses using the Kruskal–Wallis test showed that persons who are against, in favor of and neutral on extending the nature protection area in the Bieszczady forests varied significantly in their views on issues such as hunting or restrictions on forest access related to forest-management works. Compared to the other respondents, the supporters of extending the range of protected areas were more frequently against designating new recreation spaces or bonfire places in the Bieszczady forests.
Highlights
For the past several decades, mountain tourism has developed significantly across the world [1]
The results of our research are useful for creating programs and policies for the development of tourism and recreation in the Bieszczady Mountains. These results provide support for wildlife managers and policy makers at both national and regional level who may be interested in conducting more effective environmental education and optimizing the scope of recreational management of the Bieszczady forests
This institution plays a significant role in the development of physical activity, including tourism, recreation and sports, in forest areas
Summary
For the past several decades, mountain tourism has developed significantly across the world [1]. Interest in environment protection has been increasing, and ecotourism has become increasing popular [2,3,4,5]. Mountain tourism covers tourist activities that take place in the mountain environment, with a close connection to nature and the culture of a specific region [6]. Mountain forests—along with their specific flora and fauna—are a basis for the development of various forms of tourism and recreation (ecotourism, terrain therapy, hunting, fishing, single tracking). Hunting activities and wildlife-related recreational services have been increasingly recognized for the benefits they can provide to the local economies [9]. Mountain forests play a significant cultural and spiritual role, they quite often obtain the status of protected areas [10]
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