Abstract:

Increasing the amount of free time by reducing working hours is a major consequence of significant institutional changes. Historically, objective circumstances indicate significant differences between working time, which generally limits the content of the individual's professional framework, and leisure time, which is devoted to the diverse social, cultural and intellectual development of the individual. Leisure arises in the area where, with the help of cultural and leisure practices, not only the process of self-realization of the individual takes place, but also preconditions are created for improving the social quality of life.

The study of leisure is important from a theoretical point of view. The concept of leisure, free time is an essential part of scientific research. Theoretical and empirical studies of leisure practices today are not numerous, and therefore various types of theoretical and methodological problems arise in the study of this social phenomenon. In addition, the sphere of leisure and culture quickly reacts to social transformations that create new problems which were considered thoroughly studied before.

The article deals with the concept of free time of the population, recreation and holidaymakers. The percentage of daily and total free time was investigated. The concepts of  leasure time, recreation, tourism, excursion and some others were defined. A model for determining the free time of the population is proposed as a basis for the management of tourist and recreational activities.