Przestrzeń chroniona parku narodowego jako czynnik atrakcyjności turystycznej i lokalnego rozwoju turystyki. Przykład regionu Babiej Góry

The aim of this article is to diagnose the role of a symbolic value of protected space of Babia Góra National Park in a structure of motivation of visitors coming to this park and to determine social needs for the tourism infrastructure development. The important role of national park at the local tourist reception system was indicated. The symbolic value of the protected space is one of the important factors attracting tourist traffic into the Babia Góra region. From the tourist motivation perspective, protected space does not constitute a barrier to tourism development of the villages located in surrounding area of the park. There is a feedback in the local tourist reception system between the protected space value and the development and functioning of the local tourist base. Using cluster analysis (k-means) five categories (groups) of visitors were identified, representing similar tourism motivations, values and needs for tourism development. Given the analyses, the following conclusions may be formulated: - The protected area of Babia Góra National Park is a factor determining, directly and indirectly, the existing model of local tourism development. - Taking into account the needs and values declared by visitors, the presence of the National Park is not an obstacle for the tourist development of the surrounding areas. - The tourist facilities now available in the area surrounding the Park are insufficient for the visitors' needs. -An increase of Babia Góra National Park's impact on the local economy requires a more intensive development of tourist facilities in the communes surrounding the Park. - The generally low visitors' awareness of the area's cultural values should be an indication for the local authorities and cultural institutions of the need to launch specific information and promotion efforts to efficiently incorporate the local cultural values in the chain of benefits from inbound tourism for the local community.