Sporting and Outdoor Activities in The Development of Tourism in Slovenia: The Case of the Triglav National Park

Abstract

With demand for its coastal resorts decreasing, Slovenia is recognizing the potential of its mountain areas for the development of tourism activities. The quality of natural assets including relatively unspoilt alpine countryside and clear lakes and rivers make these surroundings especially suitable for outdoor sporting activities such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, canoeing and river rafting. This paper presents a case study of the Triglav National Park, situated in Slovenia's Alpine area and the benefits and constraints such tourism activities bring to the small mountain communities. Specific attention is being paid to the increased interest for white water river rafting and the suitability of Slovenia's rivers to promote this new sporting phenomenon.