The author of the article, based on the views of industry experts, offers activities aimed at the introduction of eco-tourism in protected areas, and considers man-agement practices in ecotourism in these areas. In the article, the author put forward a definition of "eco-tourism", the basic problems of the development of ecotourism in protected areas, proposed a strategy for the optimal functioning of ecotourism, taking into account its profitability, competitiveness, and reduction of negative environmental impacts of mass tourism in protected natural area
