II.4. Recreational tourism, the recreation of tourists

It is obvious that recreation, the physical and intellectual rejuventaion of people is one of the main aims of tourism. Due to peoples financial wealth, paid holidays from work, the development of transport and production, increased buying power of consumers have made recreational tourism a mass phenomenon. Its driving force – to relieve civilizational stress – is active recreation, the creation of well-being,, the restoration of one’s working capacity, the preservation and improvement of one’s health. It included a variety of tourism activities from getting acquainted with faraway and exotic places or enjoying seaside holidays and participating in cultural programs and difeerent forms of entertainment. Recreational tourism shares many characteristics with wellness and medical tourism as well as with health tourism.

Spending quality time during travel is important for sport tourists today. The main aims of recreational tourism include active participation in some kind of recreational activity , or, participating in a sport or cultural event as spectator. (Going to a play in a theatre). Intellectual recreational activities are also realized within the framework of tourism. Cultural tourism can be taken as a good example. Visiting castles, folk art museums, rdeligious tourim can serve as examples. Gastronomy is also important from this point of view. (Wine tasting,). (Gáldi 2011). The recreation of tourists primarily means recreational activities done by travellers. They may use those recreational opportunities, which are offered by the natural or man-made environment of their destination.