‘GO TO BIESZCZADY!’: TOURISM IN THE WESTERN BIESZCZADY MOUNTAINS IN THE 1930s

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the study is focused on the development of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains in the 1930s, the period being a turning point which started to change the perception of the region and its opportunities for further progress in the field. Method. To present a comprehensive image of the issue in question, individual subsections covered in the study are devoted to available contemporary sources of tourist information, including maps and guidebooks, the creation of an activity profile of selected organisations, institutions and societies which had undertaken various steps and made investments in the tourist infrastructure. Furthermore, the contemporary transportation network and accommodation possibilities are discussed to outline the most severe limitations of tourism in the region. A depiction of marked tourist trails allowing first trips in the Western Bieszczady Mountains to be undertaken was also provided. To convey the intended study, historical-type methodology was applied. Findings. The conducted analysis indicates that one of the most significant issues hindering the development of tourism in the region was the unsatisfactory transportation network, and especially the quality of roads and lack of means of transport which would successfully link eastern and western railroads, allowing further touristic exploration and development of tourist infrastructure, especially places of accommodation. Furthermore, analysis of the contemporary sources indicates that the previously negative perception of the Western Bieszczady Mountains among tourists and specialists in the field had started to change. Research and conclusions limitations. The final conclusion, stating that the 1930s may be treated as a turning point in the development of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains, at least in terms of their perception, can be drawn thanks to analysis of the available primary sources issued in the covered period. Practical implications. The presented discussion demonstrating the development of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains in the covered period of time may constitute very useful material for any further research devoted to the history of tourism in Poland, and especially for studies discussing the history of mountain tourism in the Polish Carpathians. Originality. The study offers the first comprehensive discussion provided in Polish literature solely devoted to the topic in question. Previous sources are very limited in terms of analysed primary sources or treat the subject, especially the discussed period of time, as short introductory paragraphs or subsections in the discussion of tourism in the Western Bieszczady Mountains. Type of paper. Monographic article.