Empirical Investigation of the Motivation and Perception of Tourists Visiting the Apuseni Nature Park (Romania) and the Relationship of Tourism and Natural Resources

As part of an international project, national parks and nature established in karst regions are examined, with a primary focus on how local residents, visitors influential figures (i.e., park managers, mayors) perceive the advantages disadvantages specific park. The study area this paper is Apuseni Nature Park (Romania). main natural resources are: (morphology hydrology), forests landscape. In order to explore perception motivation tourists visiting park, field survey using convenience sampling strategy was conducted 2019 2021 at eleven sites results show that among motivations, “search for relaxation” option most frequently selected (43%), but “interest caves” (34%) terrains” (29%) were also relatively popular. terms public support potential developments, one positive result questionnaire developments involving sustainability conservation (visitor centre, education trails viewpoints) enjoy significantly more than put strain environment (adventure expansion entertainment facilities). awareness geotourism should be improved, even current level it can said geotourists important segment park’s visitors. A careful development tourism recommended must ensure principles taken into account during developments. Given environmental economic challenges, strengthening organization suggested better protect threatened resources.