Tourism assets of the Bieszczady Mountains

Abstract

Background: In the pandemic era, an increasing number of people have engaged in staycation as well as tourism that relied on the proximity of attractions. This led for some to the rediscovery and growing popularity of domestic, traditionally well-explored locations, such as the Polish section of the Carpathian Mountains. The easternmost mountain group of the Carpathian chain in Poland are the Western Bieszczady Mountains. In administrative terms, the Bieszczady Mountains are part of the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. This area enjoys the influx of tourists to its rich heritage, dramatic history and wild wastelands, but also the characteristic landscapes. The article is an attempt at a review of the causes of its popularity and at a categorisation of its tourism assets. Methods: The research method used was an analysis of primary sources of knowledge relying on own observations and secondary sources of knowledge, including literature, government data, and research reports as well as information contained in the relevant websites. Results: Geological structure, relief of the area and specific features of vegetation, hydrography as well as climate and human activity all contributed to the creation of a well-balanced and diverse realm rich in tourism resources which attract visitors throughout the entire year. Conclusions: Despite its remote location in the south-eastern part of Poland, as well as limited access by various modes of transport, the abundance and quality of tourism assets of the mountain group results in sustained, thriving and diverse tourism and hospitality industry, which benefits in a sustainable way from the conditions offered by the natural assets as well as human-created cultural context.