INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC DAYS 2008

Tyran, E.

Competitiveness of Rural Tourism

Anotácia:

Abstract:
The paper presents results of investigation on the competitiveness of rural tourism, especially agritourism in the south of Poland, surveys conducted in the years 2004-2006. From the economic point of view tourism is placed high in the hierarchy of needs so it has to compete with more basic ones. That can be easily noticed in the countries with weaker economy, meaning lower family incomes. In such a situation poorer part of population does not participate in tourism or seeks cheaper ways of spending their holidays. Rural tourism, especially farm tourism (agritourism) is perceived as such a way. Rural tourism and agritourism have been and can be even better source of income in rural areas although a lot has to be done to attract more tourists and keep them longer in the area. To achieve it rural tourism and especially agritourism need external help - financial and professional. Tourism as such has prove to have significant competitive advantage in winning the major part of families' free disposal resources.