Tourism Perspectives in National Parks—A Hungarian Case Study from the Aspects of Rural Development

Abstract

Nature-based tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted the tourism sector and triggered contradictory processes, even in protected areas. This phenomenon opens up new opportunities for nature-based tourism from the perspective of rural development. In this study, we assess the relations between tourism and nature conservation and examine the characteristics of practical cooperation in three Hungarian national parks. Based on in-depth interviews (n = 76), document review, and analysis of tourism-related data, our research proves that nature-based tourism could play an essential role in rural development, but this is far from being fulfilled. None of the sectors have been able to impact the comprehensive development of the rural areas concerned. We conclude that sectoral partnership is inadequate, and there is no effective policy coordination. There is a lack of multiday tourism programs, and the currently available tourism infrastructure is insufficient. Initiatives such as the national park product trademark exist but are not well managed, so they do not have a meaningful impact. The results point out that cross-sector collaboration must be strengthened after the epidemic to provide a basis for policy coordination and joint planning.

Current Trends and Issues in Research on Biodiversity Conservation and Tourism Sustainability

“…The main problem with the top-down approach to biodiversity conservation and tourism sustainability is that it does not facilitate nature-based tourism development in PAs but hampers entrepreneurial initiatives of local communities and small businesses. Thus, the top-down approach excludes people from the process of biodiversity conservation [54][55][56][57][58].…”

“…In many countries with top-down biodiversity conservation, nature-based tourism is often developed by larger tourism companies [57]. They are more advantageous regarding lobbying and 'bending' the conservation restrictions but ignore local socio-economic conditions.…”

“…Therefore, the 'negotiative' approach to biodiversity conservation and tourism sustainability is preferable combining top-down policy intervention with bottom-up local initiatives to enhance the value of the sustainable tourist experiences and the holistic sustainability of the destination. It is of more interest for scholars and practitioners than the 'prescriptive' approach, though it has its caveats [57][58][59][60][61][62].…”

Systematic review of strategies for rural tourism regeneration in the post-epidemic era-the case of mainland China

“…Lin et al (2022) believes that villagers serving as tou r gu ides is a characteristic service in rural t ourism, and their unique knowledge will satisfy tourists' curiosity and attract more visitors, which will effectively promote the revival of rural tourism in the post-epidemic era. In addition, Kovács et al (2021) and Srijib (2021) believe that villagers can be involved in the protection of the local environment to help rural tou rism destinations re main sustainable and ensure the capacity of scenic spots to receive tourists continuously.…”

Urban tourists' intention towards visiting national parks: an exertion of theory of planned behaviour and expectancy theory

“…In the wake of COVID-19, there have been dramatic shifts in the travel pattern of tourists. The world has experienced new trends, which are likely to influence how people travel for decades to come (Kovacs et al , 2021). Travel is becoming more selective with people gravitating towards quieter destinations.…”