New results in analysing the environmental impacts of tourism and sports

In the past few decades, interest in the environment has reached a peak as the public has become aware of the extent of the human impact on physical systems. A proliferation of degrees has followed this wave of ‘environmentalism’, with them focusing on natural areas and the damage caused by human impacts. Within the system of the physical environment, the transformation of any of its elements, including relief, has an impact on the mechanism of the whole system, and can trigger several, mostly unfavourable transformations. However, the extent of such impacts on the environment, and within this we include relief related to recreation activities, compared to that of other sectors (e.g. industry, agriculture) is rather small. However, due to the continuously growing popularity of these sectors, more attention should be paid to planning that takes the complicated relations of the environment and activities into account, apparent as a result of the discovery of new destinations. Those looking for leisure and, in the meantime, intending to enjoy nature, will also have to become environmentally sound users. The impact of recreation activities on the relief can come into force in many ways. In either studies carried out at a given area or comprehensive studies that also use the previous results, the demand for a multidisciplinary approach resultant from the characteristics of this topic represents a great challenge to the experts.