Standards of quality for outdoor recreation in Tatra National Park: A contribution to integrated visitor monitoring and management

Abstract

The aim of the study presented in the paper was to determine standards of quality for outdoor recreation in Tatra National Park in Slovakia. A survey was carried out in two nature reserves in the park, Mlynická Valley and Studené Valleys, during the 2012 and 2013 summer seasons. The questionnaire focused on several topics relevant for visitor management. In this paper we present partial results of the survey, focusing on visual simulations for crowding and vegetation loss. Findings from both study areas point towards the need for management action since preferred conditions for both indicators had been exceeded.