European Journal of Geography Volume 8, Number 2:6 - 23, February 2017 ©Association of European Geographers ASSESSING SUSTAINABILITY IN MOUNTAIN TOURISM OF DEMANOVSKA VALLEY, SLOVAKIA Iveta Rakytova Catholic University, Faculty of Education, Department of Geography, Ruzomberok, Slovakia
[email protected] Ivana Tomcikova Catholic University, Faculty of Education, Department of Geography, Ruzomberok, Slovakia
[email protected] Abstract: Demanovska Valley belongs to the most beautiful and the most valuable territories of Slovakia. It is a source of interest for its high country aesthetic and natural value not only from the scientific and professional point of view, but also from the touristic and recreational point of view. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the natural potential of Demanovska Valley, to analyze the development of tourism over the past 10 years, the current state of the cable cars, ski lifts and slopes, as well as accommodation facilities in the valley. Also to point to the growing interest in Demanovska Valley and the growing share of visitors within the district, country and Slovakia. We use the Intensity Index of Tourism Development to assess the attractiveness of Demanovska Valley, but also to point out how the development of tourism impacts the environment, as the monitored area is located in the Low Tatra National Park. Keywords: Resort Jasna Nizke Tatry, environment, protected areas, amenity, the intensity of tourism. 1. INTRODUCTION Slovakia offers a very interesting and varied landscape from the tourism point of view. The development of tourism in Slovakia is one of the potential accelerators of economic development and factors in the standard of living.