The need to analyze the relationship between ecology and tourism stems from the fact that there is a strong interrelationship between tourism and ecology. Preserved environment, natural beauties of relief, climate, flora and fauna are important attractions that attract tourists to receptive tourist areas. However, an irresponsible approach to managing the number of tourists in a destination can result in a significant disruption of the natural and cultural resource base as factors that originally spurred tourist movements. Such an approach leads to a development paradox that could be especially noticed during the "golden age" of mass tourism. At that time, mass and uniformed tourist capacities were developing, and the original views and ambience of numerous tourist destinations were changed beyond recognition. The paper shows that it is necessary to develop a responsible and sustainable approach to tourism development in order to preserve the environment, the quality of life of the local population and a high level of tourism experience. For this reason, it is proposed to manage destination development based on the calculation of the carrying capacities of the destination as well as to encourage the development of ecotourism as a responsible tourism in which care for the environment is the backbone of the entire tourist offer.