Study of the hunting tourism potential of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County

Abstract

Hunting has become a strong tourism motive and the role of hunting tourism in shaping the image of the country and destination has become clear. Hunting tourism can be considered a type of niche tourism, a form of tourism in an authentic environment, motivated by a special interest, and therefore only a narrow group of consumers. One of the natural resources of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County is the quality and quantity of game. In 2023, the number of foreign guest hunters visiting the county was 536, the most preferred game species being roe deer (3,662). The successful positioning of the hunting tourism offer available in the county is a relevant opportunity for the expansion of the county's tourist offer, and thus also for the prolongation of the tourist season for businesses linked to hunting activities. The aim of the study is to examine the possible interpretations of tourism potential, its components, and to attempt to describe the hunting tourism potential of the county on the basis of the current situation of these components.