Forests as a Tourist Product

Abstract

The purpose is to study and analyse the use of forests for tourism purposes. Materials and methods. The object of the study is forest tourism. The use of forests within tourism is analysed. The article considers Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Hocking Hills State Park as examples of forest tourism. The development of forest forms of tourism on the territory of the Russian Federation was analysed as an important indicator of the development of the destination. The research is based on the methods of analysis and synthesis. Scientifi c works of both domestic and foreign scientists were used in the work. The data of the Federal State Statistics Service were studied. Results and discussion. It is environmental resources that are the main potential production factors of tourism. The benefi ts of forest tourism include two aspects: economic income and non-economic value, including sensory aspects. Conclusions. People visit forested areas because it promotes mental and physical health, develops community pride and social connections, is economically profi table, and ensures public support for long-term conservation through ecology.