Socio-Economic impact of nature sports in protected natural areas: Hiking in the Jerte Valley (Spain)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/riccafd.14.2.2025.21370Keywords:
economy, trekking, sustainability, outdoor activities, natural resourcesAbstract
Nature sports are shown as an opportunity for global sustainability, because in addition to improving global health, they allow the enjoyment of nature in a responsible way, minimizing environmental impact, promoting the conservation of ecosystems, respecting local culture, and generating benefits for communities. Aim: To find out the perceived socio-economic impact of hiking in a Nature Reserve, specifically in the Jerte Valley (Cáceres, Spain). Methods: A sample of 1,137 hikers was asked about socio-demographic data, estimated expenditure, activity impact assessment and perceived satisfaction. Results: Most hikers are Spanish nationals and both genders; there is a positive socio-economic impact but more traffic problems and less security; in addition, there is a high degree of satisfaction with a good predisposition to repeat the experience. Conclusion: Hiking has a positive influence on the attractiveness of the tourist destination and on the increase in employment demand. However, the greater number of people travelling to the Jerte Valley increases traffic problems and reduces safety. Hikers stress the importance of pre-serving natural spaces, paying attention to their conservation and environmental management. Therefore, it would be important for the administrations to be aware of these data and to implement sustainable measures and plans to promote sustainable tourism with nature activities to improve overall health
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