Relationship between the Geotourism Potential and Function in the Polish Part of the Roztocze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve

Teresa Brzezińska-Wójcik

doi:10.3390/geosciences11030120

Abstract

The Polish part of the Roztocze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve area is characterized by diversified geotourism resources with relatively high value. However, their potential seems not to be fully used in the current product offer. The aim of the study was therefore to assess the spatial variability of the geotourism potential and function and to determine their interrelations in view of further development of geotourism in the Roztocze TBR and the perspective of creation of the “Kamienny Las na Roztoczu” geopark. The study was carried out with the use of the taxonomic method of multidimensional comparative analysis consisting of calculation and analysis of general, total, and partial indices of the geotourism potential and function in 22 communes. The results showed the highest total indicator of geotourism potential in two communes, i.e. Józefów and Krasnobród, and the highest value of the total geotourism function index in Krasnobród. The results of the analysis of the relationships between the geotourism potential and function indicate that the geotourism resources and products are fully used in terms of the development of the function only in Krasnobród commune. In turn, the value of the total geotourism function index in the Zwierzyniec commune exceeds the geotourism potential indicator, which implies that this area is overloaded by tourist movement. The total indicators of geotourism potential in the other communes, especially Józefów, Krasnobród, Lubycza Królewska, and Susiec, indicate the possibility of more intensive exploitation of geotourism resources in preparation of interesting products in compliance with the principles of sustainable development and, consequently, the development of the geotourism function.

Highlights

The development of various forms of nature-related tourism in protected areas has a long tradition/history [1]
Geotourism Function Index allowed for the assessment of the diversity of the current geotourism potential and function in the 22 communes in the Roztocze TBR area
It should be emphasized that a substantial number of tourists in both communes exploit the geotourism resources for health and/or religious reasons

Summary

Introduction

The development of various forms of nature-related tourism in protected areas has a long tradition/history [1]. Geotourism in areas covered by Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme protection is part of the popular ecotourism trend [11] and a form of sustainable tourism [12,13,14], which favors geological education and benefits the local community in a holistic way [15,16]. It promotes knowledge of the geological and geomorphological features of the area and the related tourism products (attractions). Geotourism includes many aspects of other activities, e.g., transport, accommodation, planning, management, and complementary/additional services [17,18], which are important for sustainable development

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Conclusion