The Use of Cultural Landscape Fragmentation for Rural Tourism Development in the Zemplín Geopark, Slovakia

Abstract

This study outlines the creation of hiking routes in Slovakia’s cultural landscape, focusing on regions with marginal interest, low tourism engagement, and predominant monocultural blocks. The methodology was systematically applied to the Zemplín Geopark in eastern Slovakia, drawing upon historical cartographic records from the Josephine mapping period (1764–1787) to the present day. The investigation identified and delineated 14 hiking trails, offering historical and tourism significance while promoting multifunctionality. Our research introduces sustainable development avenues for regions with marginal interest, providing ecological and tourist benefits that enhance the overall quality of life. The findings align with the Common Agricultural Policy’s objectives for 2021–2027, addressing challenges related to large-scale field fragmentation. Two identified obstacles include property-legal challenges and issues arising from inadequate map registration, which current methods, unfortunately, fail to address.