The tourism industry has developed over the last four decades all around the world. In doing so, economic benefits have always been at the foreground. The concept of sustainable tourism has appeared in the 1990s. Sustainable tourism is recognized as a form of economic development, which should maintain a proper balance between unspoiled nature, healthy culture, the well-being of host community, the satisfaction of visitors and economic health now and in the future. Sustainable tourism gives prominence to inhabitants, since they play a key role in the success of sustainable tourism. Inhabitants see tourism as a social exchange, meaning they want tourism to satisfy the needs of the local community. Therefore it is important to monitor and consider their opinions and attitudes and also to engage them in long term planning and decision-making on the development of sustainable tourism. The direct and indirect engagement of the community is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism. Slovenia is still a young country, but its tourism is rapidly growing. Nevertheless Slovenian tourism is slowly becoming aware of the importance of sustainability.
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