Conceptualisation of forest tourism : the Kočevsko case study

english

2025

volume 18, issue 3

destination management   forest relaxation   forest tourism   nature-based tourism   outdoor recreation   wildlife

Založba Univerze na Primorskem
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

This paper presents the definition of forest tourism and three varieties of forest tourism activities. An empirical study was conducted to examine the perception of forest tourism and forest activities in the case study of the Kočevsko forest in Slovenia. The triangulation approach consisted of a survey among Slovenian tourists, interviews with tourism stakeholders, and content analysis of promotional elements of the Kočevsko destination. The data showed that tourists find forest destinations interesting, safe, unspoilt, and suitable for young people and families. They describe forest tourism with the words ‘bear’, ‘forest’, and ‘nature’. The respondents mostly prefer outdoor forest activities, wildlife observation slightly less, and lastly the relaxation options. The knowledge gained could help forest destinations to develop their products and adopt the appropriate customer approach.

01.09.2026