SAFETY IN MOUNTAIN TOURISM: CASE OF SLOVENIA

The rapid expansion of tourism, particularly in mountain regions, brings heightened safety risks due to the seasonal and unpredictable nature of these areas. This paper explores safety concerns in mountain tourism, with a focus on crisis management, seasonality, and the impact of external factors such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature reveals that seasonality poses significant challenges for mountain destinations, affecting infrastructure, employment, and safety measures. Tourist safety is a critical factor, especially in activities like mountaineering, which carry inherent risks. The study analyzed data from mountain rescue operations between 2006 and 2023, focusing on accidents, interventions, and demographic trends. Results indicated that external factors, such as weather and economic crises, significantly influenced accident rates and rescue missions. A sharp decline in rescue operations in 2020 was attributed to COVID-19 restrictions. While rescue interventions have fluctuated over the years, the importance of coordinated crisis management, preventive safety education, and tailored safety measures for different tourist demographics is emphasized. This research underscores the need for improved safety protocols and visitor awareness in mountain tourism to mitigate risks.