Tourism represents one of the economic sectors with major implications in the sustainable development of the mountain areas. The tourists’ perception regarding the image of the tourist destinations is a key requirement that all the stakeholders in tourism have to take into account, due to its major role in shaping and directing the tourist flows and in the development of local communities, by extension. In terms of methodology, the questionnaire method was used in this study, with a face-to-face implementation technique. Among others, the questionnaire had targeted the degree of knowledge concerning Bihor Mountain destination, the tourist consumer habits and the tourists’ perception related to the quality-price ratio because of tourist consumption. The results show that most of the respondents have stated that they have not visited Bihor Mountain Tourist Destination for the first time, coming back here even several times a year because of its multiple tourist attractions and the extremely convenient quality-price ratio. All these show a positive perception of the majority of tourists regarding the visited destination, being materialised in an increased flow of visitors and the beneficial effects on the local economy and the preservation of the mountain areas.

The paper focuses on investigation of the importance of nature and development of tourism in protected areas. Therefore, in this context a new challenge is emerging: the need to conserve and protect bio and geo diversity, as well as the economic valorisation of these areas based mainly on tourism and leisure. At EU level, Natura 2000 protected areas have developed, implemented and cultivated the need to practice sport and recreational activities in these areas both for spending leisure time and also as stress antidote. The recreational and sporting practices that can be undertaken within the ecological network Natura 2000 sites adapted to the specificity of each protected area, in close connection with the environmental conditions. For the preservation of the natural environment should develop and maintain a close collaboration with tourism and sports associations that organize such activities in those areas.