Geoparks in SE Poland as Areas of Tourism Development: Current State and Future Prospects

Jakub Skibiński, Kamil Kultys, Bogusława Baran-Zgłobicka and Wojciech Zgłobicki
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Jakub Skibiński: Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
Kamil Kultys: Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
Bogusława Baran-Zgłobicka: Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland
Wojciech Zgłobicki: Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Kraśnicka Av. 2d, 20-718 Lublin, Poland

Resources, 2021, vol. 10, issue 11, 1-29

Abstract: Geoparks currently form the basis for the development of geotourism and, therefore, proposals of new geoparks are developed in many countries, including Poland, where over 20 locations for geoparks have been proposed so far. Two national geoparks have been established thus far, while another two have received the status of UNESCO Global Geoparks None of them are located in the Carpathian Mountains. Simultaneously south-eastern Poland—the Podkarpackie Province—boasts valuable geoheritage, biotic and cultural assets. In the past, having regard for the geological heritage, several research teams proposed the creation of three geoparks encompassing the existing landscape parks in that area. However, these were proposals based solely on scientific values. The objective of the study was to comprehensively assess their tourism potential, with a particular focus on geoheritage assets. The assessment has made it possible to determine to what extent these assets meet the conditions necessary for the functioning of this type of areas, i.e., the occurrence of diverse tourist assets, well-developed infrastructure and appropriate development potential. The assessment method used is based on 25 indices forming six groups. The analyses have been carried out for districts lying within the proposed geoparks. It has been found that the analysed area has a sufficiently high geoheritage potential that can be the basis for the functioning of two geoparks. The tourist infrastructure—particularly accommodation and catering facilities and geotourist trails—needs to be expanded and improved. It is particularly important to encourage local communities to become involved and engage in business activity within the geopark.

Keywords: geodiversity; geoheritage; geotourism; cultural heritage; tourism assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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