Tourism, national parks and local governments

What is it about?

The objective of this study was to indicate the actions undertaken by the authorities of the Gorce National Park to boost the development of tourism and recreation, highlight fields for co-operation with local government bodies, and evaluate this co-operation as well as identify problems, and develop a strategy for developing tourism and recreation in the study area.

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Why is it important?

The result of the survey indicated that both local government officials and the national park authorities generally view positively, the joint actions undertaken. The majority or gmina and poviat representatives work, together with park employees, on the implementation of tasks aimed at developing tourism and recreational activities. In the survey, numerous advantages of having a national park in the given local government area were listed, including the increased attractiveness of the area to tourists. The disadvantages mentioned included, primarily, restrictions on investments. In the Gorce National Park hiking, biking, equestrian and ski tourism are promoted. In the surrounding areas the model of tourism should be developed in line with the principle of sustainable development, taking into account the opinions and needs of local residents. A regional partnership for tourism and creation of tourist products should be formed, centred on the national park. To date, an integrated offer to tourists and joint promotion activities of the municipalities situated around the Gorce National Park are lacking. Also necessary are investments in recreational facilities in the nearby villages.

Perspectives