Uwarunkowania rozwoju agroturystyki w Polsce

The paper discusses the factors that contribute to or limit the development of agritourism in Poland. Among the key drivers of the development are nature, landscape and cultural values of the Polish countryside, low income, in particular in case of small and medium agricultural farms, housing capacities and free labour resources in the countryside, state tourism development programmes as part of the initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and multifunctional development of rural areas, local government policy, quality and competitiveness of agritourism product as well as urbanization and level of city dwellers' income. The factors that hinder growth of agritourism include low educational level, lack of qualifications and entrepreneurial mindset of farmers, resistance to change and innovation, lack of cooperation between the agriculture-supporting institutions and farmers, high costs related to the improvement of accommodation standard, poor quality of services and dificulties in obtaining credit. The article touches also upon the importance of agritourism in the development of rural areas. As a form of non-agricultural activity, agritourism entails significant benefits. It constitutes an additional source of income for agricultural farms and ensures a social ladder for the farmers. In addition, it promotes culture and heritage conservation and provides an opportunity for the farmers to gain new experience and qualifications.