Geotourism Potential Assessment: a Case Study of the Czech-Austrian cross-border area

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the potential of tourism in the Novohradské Mountains and the Gratzen Mountains on the borderland of the Czech Republic and Austria, with a focus on geotourism. A partial objective was to evaluate the accompanying infrastructure in the background of geomorphologically attractive localities, especially the accessibility of the area by means of hiking trails and accommodation facilities. Five geomorphosites in the Czech Republic and four geomorphosites in Austria were examined for characteristics and relationships. The overall density of recreational routes is much higher on the Austrian side than on the Czech territory. Similarly, the use of car traffic, cycling and hiking on the Czech side is worse than on the Austrian side. The total number of beds is currently larger on the Czech side of the territory. However, beds on the Czech side are located in smaller accommodation capacities, which experienced unprecedented development after 1989, especially with the possibility of visiting previously unavailable territory. On the Austrian side of the territory, the larger bed capacity is concentrated in hotel complexes focusing on wellness and balneology; this is mainly due to the undisturbed, long-term development of the territory and the greater purchasing power of Austrian citizens. At a distance of up to 5 km and within 10 km of the geomorphosites, there are significantly larger accommodation capacities on the Czech side of the territory. In a wider area within 15 km, the accommodation capacities in both territories are similar. This is due to the location of geomorphosites in Austria, which are located in more central and interesting parts of the mountainous area, far from settlements. The availability of accommodation facilities in the wider area combined with other attractions has great potential for multi-day stays in the region.