Tourism has become one of the fastest growing global industries in recent decades, and this is closely linked with the development of new destinations. Concurrently, the need for relaxation, recreation and leisure activities in an unspoilt natural environment gains in importance as populations living in cities continue to increase. The United Nations World Urbanisation Prospects in 2018 revealed that 55 % of the world population currently lives in urban areas, and their estimation of an increase to 68 % by 2050 does not account for the growth trends expected after this date. In addition, an intact natural environment forms a counterpart to the noisy, dusty and overheated summer urban environment. This paper therefore analyses the most recent findings that support the positive impacts of forests and green spaces on human health and well-being. Country forests and all urban and peri-urban forests offer opportunities for physical activity which is a well-acknowledged preventive life-style factor in the fight against physical and mental disease. Moreover, this initiative is especially supported by World Health Organization recommendations.