Alternative Forms of Tourism in Sharr Mountain National Park, With Particular Emphasis on Sports Tourism

In an increasingly globalized world, tourism has evolved to include a variety of alternative forms that provide more authentic and sustainable experiences for visitors. One of these forms is alternative sports tourism, which has gained popularity in recent years as a way to enjoy nature, practice physical activities and support the development of local communities. Sports tourism is a type of tourist activity that refers to the travel experience of the tourist who either watches as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event. It is one of the main pillars, generating about 10% of the world's expenditures on tourism. It is estimated that there is a growth rate of 17.5% in 2023 and it is expected that this growth will go at this rate until 2030, moving the mass of intercontinental tourists. Sport and tourism are interconnected and complementary to each other. Today, sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors, where more and more tourists are interested in sports activities during their travels regardless of whether sport is the main target of travel or not. Mount Sharr National Park, one of the natural treasures of the Balkans, offers ideal conditions for the development of sports tourism thanks to its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and numerous opportunities for activities. From activities like climbing, running, skiing and cycling, this national park presents endless opportunities for adventurers and nature lovers. However, as interest in these activities increases, so do challenges, such as pollution and the impact on local ecosystems, that require careful management and strategies for sustainable development. In this context, the paper will analyze the characteristics and potentials of alternative tourism in Sharr Mountain National Park, also examining the boundaries and zoning of the park, geographical characteristics such as geological, hydrological, climate, flora and fauna, sports activities offered, and the economic and environmental impact of outdoor tourism, as well as pollution problems that threaten this beautiful region. With this approach, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges posed by sports tourism in this area, contributing to discussions on sustainable management and development of natural resources.