The topic of this monographic study is related to finding an effective management approach for the development of health and recreational tourism that supports the socio-economic development of the destination. The main challenge is how to apply the ecosystem approach, taking into account the complex interconnections between the ecological, social, and economic aspects of tourism areas.

The study is timely due to the need for sustainable tourism development. The focus is on the ecosystem approach in management sciences, which provides new perspectives for developing sustainable strategies across various industries, including tourism—a fragmented and multilateral industry that has recently demonstrated its dependence on numerous non-tourism operators and external factors during the COVID-19 pandemic (Milwood & Crick 2021, 23). The concept of an ecosystem, borrowed from biology, is used in business to understand the complex relationships – partly spontaneously emerging and informal – between operators within a given sector. The ecosystem approach is particularly significant in the context of health and recreational tourism, where there is a pronounced involvement of operators from numerous industries and various stakeholders, necessitating the study of the socio-economic aspects of managing these tourism ecosystems. In this context, the ecosystem approach serves not only as a conceptual framework but also as a practical tool for optimizing interactions among different operators and natural resources, thereby creating conditions for the sustainable development of health and recreational tourism.

The search for alternatives to mass tourism, the global demographic changes, and the growing interest in personal health have led to an increased focus on health and recreational tourism. Combined with the need for balanced use of natural resources in protected areas, these factors motivate the development of this study. This sector requires integrated solutions that combine economic efficiency with social justice and environmental conservation.

From a scientific perspective, the study expands the understanding of the application of the ecosystem approach in tourism destination management, exploring new ways to implement it. From a practical standpoint, the research results can assist institutions and operators in creating more effective and sustainable destination management models, particularly in protected areas with potential for health and recreational tourism.