Youth’s perception toward ecotourism as a possible model for sustainable use of local tourism resources

The knowledge, perception, and behavior of young people toward ecotourism are important for the sustainable development this sector. purpose research is to evaluate analyze knowledge Romanian students about main destinations in Romania, their relation practice form tourism at local level last 2 years (2020 2021), people’s use Internet planning holidays digital applications while traveling nature. A quantitative was conducted based on a self-administered questionnaire, structured 13 sections ecotourism, which were added sociodemographic data respondents. conclusions that know well Romania; they choose them according beauty landscape, multitude outdoor activities, hospitality hosts. In pandemic, have visited several times existing locally, with an average vacation duration 1–3 days. remains source information, field, mobile allow download maps recognize different plant species. By integrating various activities nature, close connection culture, can contribute resources. This study provides detailed realistic picture type experience want. implications theoretical managerial, highlighting importance assessing preferences ecotourists, as basis developing strategies, resources, management protected areas.