The theme of this paper is touristic valuation of Velebit whose area was declared a nature park in 1981. Velebit Nature Park area includes two national parks, strict nature reserves and several smaller protected natural areas. Protected area is is land or sea area and the area of natural and related cultural resources, which are managed by legal or other effective means in order to protect and maintain biodiversity. The management of protected areas refers to the management of human activities which take place in the area, where some activities are tried to be limited or adapted and others encouraged. Tourism can positively contribute to the socio-economic development, but at the same time with the rapid and uncontrolled growth, may significantly cause environmental degradation. The function of tourism in the concept of modern management of protected areas emphasizes the spatial planning and the establishment of governance that will, in order to achieve touristic and related activities, at least undermine basic ecological laws, with significant contribution to the other functions. The most suitable model for touristic development in the Velebit area refers to the model of sustainable development. It is necessary to develop tourism as one of the leading economic branches in the area, where it is necessary to take into account the protection of the natural and social heritage.