A stakeholders' analysis of potential sustainable tourism development strategies in Piatra Craiului National Park

Tourism is a major management issue for many protected areas as the presence and actions of visitors can present serious problems for biodiversity conser- vation. Therefore, tourism has to be managed carefully and site managers must assess and balance the costs and benefits of tourism in protected areas. It is also important to find ways for local people and communities to benefit from tourism linked to con- servation. Using a stakeholder analysis, the article assesses benefits and threats of tourism development in Piatra Craiului National Park. Through a range of interviews with local stakeholders, the article identifies the main challenges that tourism brings to the protected area: ensuring the effective participation of communities in tourism development, effectively managing tourism to prevent it from undermining conser- vation goals, encouraging all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to support the conservation of biodiversity and channelling a portion of tourism revenues towards supporting conservation. The ecotourism, as a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves welfare of local people, is con- sidered the best solution for a sustainable tourism development in Piatra Craiului National Park.