Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and one of its fastest growing economic sectors. It has a multitude of impacts, both positive and negative, on people’s lives and on the environment. Within the Carpathian region numerous places offer well-equipped and easily accessible recreational and seasonal sports facilities. Additionally, the Carpathians are also rich in medicinal mineral water sources and spas. Tourism is one of the most dynamically developing branches of the economy in the Carpathians that could be developed further in a more sustainable way. Moreover, this area benefits from a great potential of traditional professions, local SMEs and sustainable industries, relevant for a diversified mountain economy and its endogenous development. 

Article 9 of the Carpathian Convention asks Parties to further investigate on sustainable tourism, which must be ecologically bearable in the long term, economically viable, as well as ethically and socially equitable for the local communities.