INNOVATIONS AS A FACTOR OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS

The aim of the paper is to identify the appropriate design of innovation for mountain destinations in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. The paper includes the definition of innovation in the mountain destinations, innovation typology and determine the impact of different types of innovation on the mountain destinations' development. Characteristics of all 107 Slovak mountain destinations was processed on the basis of data available in the annual reports, promotional materials, information provided by the Slovak Agency for Tourism and Tourism Section at the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development. We focused on their altitude, vertical drop, length of ski slopes and transport capacity. For generalization of the characteristics we used descriptive statistics and calculate the average indicators, based on which we can formulate conclusions and recommendations. Based on the analysis of current trends, examining demographics, changes in consumer behavior, trends in transport and information technology, experience from successful international mountain resorts, we have identified nine groups of innovations for the mountain destinations to ensure increase their competitiveness in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.