El papel del concepto de los servicios ecosistémicos en los estudios de turismo

The concept of ecosystem services is renowned in natural, social and economical sciences. It focuses on the analysis of relations between nature and people in order to improve spatial planning and management. As tourism is inseparable from nature both from the point of view of personal experience and material source, it is considered as an ecosystem service. The objective of this study is to discuss various aspects of relation between tourism and nature. The theoretical framework has been enriched with some examples of studies realized in the region of the Great Masurian Lakes in northern Poland. The presented examples approach the problem from different perspectives, including human preferences, field activities and economic value.