Intensive Tourism Research Articles

Visiting Warsaw for the first time: imagined and experienced urban places

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on social representations of Warsaw (Poland) as a tourist destination of 210 first visitors from seven EU and extra-EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, United Kingdom and United States of America) interviewed before and after their visit. In the framework of the social representations theory, the “cultural baggage”, rooted in the collective and social memory, forms anticipatory representations of the imagined places that may undergo transformations after the visit. How does this transformation occur?Design/methodology/approachThe authors consider the transformation of social representations as detected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that comprised the following tools: scales to measure the strength of various information sources about Warsaw (school, literature, movies, songs, internet, press, tourist guides, documentaries, interpersonal communication and other); associative networks (de Rosa, 2002) with the stimulus word “Warsaw”; a list of adjectives describing the city and its centre, as well as a list of the most important places in Warsaw. The questionnaires were coded to ensure anonymity of participants while enabling the researcher to administer them for the second time (after the visit). According to the modelling approach to social representations (de Rosa, 2013a), the research was guided by three related hypotheses concerning transformation of social representations of Warsaw.FindingsThe results confirmed the hypotheses of potential changes in the representations that shift the focus from Warsaw as “communist” to “green” capital city, and of the role of the Polish language as a “communicative barrier” for recalling specific names of city-places after their visit.Research limitations/implicationsSocial representations exist in people’s minds, and they include images that are further interpreted (Howarth, 2011). Especially when visitors are asked about places, it is likely that they recall specific images, but not their names. Since the questionnaires required them to write down the answers, words often did not correspond to the volatile and dynamic images that the human mind creates. In spite of recalling a specific park or fountain, participants resorted to general categories and simply wrote “park” or “fountain”. However, this limitation is familiar to the majority of social psychological researchers and very difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. The new research directions launched to integrate the research line of field studies with investigations based on new media offer complementary insights and opportunities (de Rosa and Bocci, 2014).Practical implicationsDestination branding has numerous practical implications. According to Ekinci and Hosany (2006), developing efficient communication methods is crucial to launching a distinctive and attractive destination personality. Hosany et al. (2006) have demonstrated that personality traits are ubiquitous in consumers’ evaluations of tourism destinations and therefore promotional campaigns should emphasize the distinctive personality of tourism destinations, based on the emotional components of destination image. European capital cities compete for visitors in the mature and saturated market, where brand strength is positively related to tourism intensity (Mikulić et al., 2016).Originality/valueExamining how social representations of a city are transformed by the visit from the perspective of the supra-disciplinary theory of Moscovici constitutes an original way to link imagery and tourist practices. The major cultural issues, such as history, language, art and traditions affect the theory and practice of urban tourism. For the first time, this theoretical framework is being used in case of a post-communist European destination such as Warsaw.

Tourism impacts on benthic communities of sandy beaches

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of human trampling on the benthic macrofauna of two beaches in Southeast Brazil with different levels of intensity of tourism, Grussaí (more impacted) and Manguinhos (less impacted), during periods of high and low tourism activity. The macrofauna of urbanized (U) and non‐urbanized (NU) sectors of the inter‐tidal zone was sampled and the number of visitors was recorded. General linear models revealed a decreasing in abundance of macrofauna species in the urbanized sectors of analyzed beaches, which are exposed to higher trampling impact than in non‐urbanized areas. At Manguinhos Beach, trampling did not affect the macrofauna (<1 visitors ∙ m−²), except for the polychaete Scolelepis sp., which was less abundant in the U sector. Considering the benthic community, Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis, Hemipodia californiensis and Scolelepis sp. were more sensitive to human trampling pressure and may be used as potential bioindicators of tourism impact. Management plans should consider mitigation of the effects of tourism, such as the control of the visitor number and their decentralization.

Second homes and local socio-economic development: the case of Croatia

This paper contributes to the discussion on the impact of second homes growth on host areas by providing an analysis of the relationship of second home development and local socio-economic development in Croatia. For that purpose, we used regression and cluster analysis while the local government level was used as the unit of analysis. The results show that second home development in Croatia is associated with increased dynamism of the local economy, particularly with higher local budget income per capita. Concerning the social components of the local development, the analysis revealed that second home development is positively connected to the local educational structure and the population index change. The research findings also indicate that second homes and tourism have independently a positive effect on the local socio-economic development, but the combination of the intensive second home development with the intensive tourism development produces the effect of synergy that additionally stimulates local socio-economic development.

Tourism impact on stream fish measured with an ecological and a behavioural indicator

Abstract As nature‐based tourism grows, its impacts on aquatic ecosystems follow, requiring effective management techniques to conserve river integrity. Nevertheless, strong indicators of tourism impacts are scarce and have seldom been studied for many species. This study evaluated whether microhabitat use and activity period of a variety of fish species are effective for assessing tourism impacts in a headwater stream in which recreation (snorkelling) occurs. Microhabitat use and activity period of the most representative fish were observed in river stretches used for recreation and compared with reference stretches. Fish neither altered microhabitat use nor became more cryptic owing to tourism, maybe because they have evolved to occupy a certain microhabitat and cannot inhabit others, thus making habitat use a poor indicator of tourism impact. Fish respond to the presence of tourists by changing the promptness to begin and end activity, making the time of activity a good indicator of tourism impact, which can be easily assessed by tourism managers or government agencies and used to control the environmental impact of recreation involving fish. It is suggested that aquatic conservation protocols should include local indicators, and that behavioural indicators (activity period) might be more relevant than ecological indicators (microhabitat use) for early recognition of tourism impacts. These findings can be extended to the conservation of other fish communities subject to intensive tourism and with a strong circadian rhythm, such as coral reef fishes.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: The construction of floating market community identity from agricultural society to tourism community

This qualitative research aimed to investigate the construction of a floating market's community identity and its impact on the people of Damnoen Saduak community. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, informal conversations, and participatory and non-participatory observations of the interactions and activities in daily life at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The 52 key informants were Damnoen Saduak Floating Market stakeholders: 1) 20 entrepreneurs, members of community and government officers, selected using a snowball technique, and 2) 32 tourists selected using an accidental sampling technique. The findings of this study indicated that the construction of the floating market's community identity contained many meanings. The meanings of three eras were: 1) the community of the local agriculturists' waterways roaming, 1868–1967, 2) the community of the local way of life floating market for tourism, 1967–1977, and 3) the community of floating market for intensive tourism, 1977–present. The impact of the floating market community identity on the people of Damnoen Saduak community was to form both positive and negative characteristics. The positive impacts included the occurrence of a floating market which became known to outsiders and the employment and monetization of community members. The negative impacts included the changes to the traditional lifestyle such as the change from a barter system to a trading system and the change in the types of relationship from generosity to competition.

Riesgo de pérdida de los sistemas de producción agrícola tradicional por la amenaza turística en Occidente Cercano (Antioquia, Colombia)

El efecto del turismo sobre los sistemas de producción (SP) puede analizarse en términos de riesgo de pérdida y como producto de la amenaza y la vulnerabilidad. En el Occidente antioqueño el turismo es una actividad transformadora, por ello se evaluó si constituye una amenaza para los SP tradicionales y si estos están en riesgo. Se determinó la intensidad del turismo y la vulnerabilidad de seis SP tradicionales, considerando múltiples factores externos e internos. Se encontró que, efectivamente, el turismo representa un riesgo para los SP y que los más vulnerables son aquellos que usan tecnologías inadecuadas para las condiciones biofísicas, donde el operador no es propietario o donde falta relevo generacional. La investigación muestra que se requieren estrategias de planificación para promover un turismo con identidad cultural.

ORGANISATION OF TOURIST MOVEMENT IN THE CZECH SWITZERLAND NATIONAL PARK

Purpose. Assessment of the organisation of tourism movement in the Czech Switzerland National Park taking into account the extent of protection zones, distribution of main tourist attractions and functions of neighbouring tourist settlements. Method. The course of tourist trails and the degree of infrastructure along them were compared with the zoning of the national park. A typology of tourist settlements (both within the borders of the park and in its vicinity) was prepared, taking into account their accessibility, tourist infrastructure and effects on the tourist movement in the protected area. The educational offer of the park, accessibility to the entries of tourist trails by public transport and proposals for handicapped tourists were also analysed. Findings. The Czech Switzerland National Park was introduced in a developed tourist space. That is why the network of tourist trails and locally intensive tourist infrastructure does not fully correspond with the division into protection zones. Out of 166.4 km of hiking and cycling trails, as much as 32.7 km lead through the first, most valuable zone, which composes less than 25% of the total park area. One main and few secondary tourist distribution nodes were distinguished, as well as two types of local tourist villages. The studied area is well accessible, has a developed educational offer, however, the proposals for handicapped tourists are limited. Research and conclusion limitations. In the research, only one national park was examined, thus comparison with situations in other protected areas is advisable. Practical implications. Findings may be useful while planning tourist infrastructure in other protected areas, especially those newly introduced. Originality. In the work, a relatively new national park (established in 2000) was taken into account. It has not been examined more thoroughly in Polish scientific literature concerning tourism. Importance was attached to the zoning of the protected area. Type of paper. The article presents the results of empirical research.

An assessment of water quality parameters and survival of indicator in pilgrimage place of Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India

Velankanni is anthropogenically highly vulnerable due to unregulated religious activities and intensive tourist density. The present study focuses on the impact of holy water bathing on water quality parameters and microbiological indicators. Water samples were collected at three different stations in a monthly interval starting before the onset of festival, during the festival and after festival season from August to October, 2013. The following indicators were analyzed: surface seawater temperature (30–33 °C), hydrogen ion concentration (7.4–8.3), electrical conductivity (6.9–11.4 mS/cm), salinity (16.2–37.0 ppt), total suspended solids (1080–2920 mg/l), total dissolved solids (20450–51880 mg/l), total solids (22650–53120 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (3.4–5.7 mg/l) and microbiological indicators (total heterotrophic bacteria (1–61 × 10−3 cfu/ml), total coliform bacteria (1–57 × 10−2 cfu/ml) and total Enterococcus bacteria (1–41 × 10−2 cfu/ml). Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between season and water quality (p < 0.05). This study strongly supports the necessity to implement water quality monitoring, coastal management policy and regulation of ritual activities, including the prevention of the waterborne diseases. Implementing these ideas would increase coastal water quality and maintenance of the beauty of the beach, which in turn promotes pilgrimage and tourism activities thereby benefiting the local communities and improving the regional economy.

Impact of recreation and tourism on selected soil characteristics in the Lisia Góra Nature Reserve area (south-east Poland)

Abstract The aim of the research was to estimate changes in soil properties caused by intensive recreation and tourism in protected areas within the urban borders of Rzeszów (south-east Poland). The research was conducted on two objects: (1) on protected areas of the Lisia Góra Nature Reserve and (2) along the Wisłok Valley. The difference in anthropopressure between the areas was taken into consideration. Soil penetration resistance and moisture were analysed in the spring and autumn period. Soil texture, pH, total carbon, and electrical conductivity (EC) in a 1:10 soil:water suspension were measured in soil material collected in spring. The ion content (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) was measured in the same suspension with an ion chromatograph. There were significant correlations (determined by the Pearson coefficient) between soil acidity, EC, total exchangeable bases, ions of calcium and magnesium, and soil penetration resistance. A significant difference was found in soil penetration resistance between objects (higher in the Wisłok Valley area) and between the distances from the border of the intensively managed area (a decrease as the distance increased). The Z coefficient (the ratio of sodium ions, the sum of calcium and magnesium ions) was significantly lower for the the Lisia Góra Nature Reserve sites.

The production of tourism in Ponta Negra, Northeast Brazil: policies, representations and logics of desire

ABSTRACTThis article discusses how the beach neighbourhood of Ponta Negra (Natal, RN), in the Northeast of Brazil, came to experience the intensive tourist development that now characterises it. Its origins as a fishing village, its gradual emergence as a local resort and the internationalisation of its tourism in the late twentieth century are examined. The discussion of this process demonstrates how public policies have played a major role not only in configuring the model of spatial planning and urbanisation that was adopted, but also in defining Europe as the main geographical focus of tourist internationalisation, in creating attractive conditions for foreign investment, and in the construction and dissemination of a tourist identity largely founded on past images and desires. At the same time, this discussion of Ponta Negra’s tourist-capitalist appropriation, Europeanisation and its (re)production as a site of racialised desires contributes to a better understanding of the ambivalent spatialities and multiple tensions that coexist in the neighbourhood today. The analysis presented here draws on empirical data collected during a period of ethnographic fieldwork in which the predominant methodologies included participant observation, semi-structured interviews and documental and statistical research.

Eco-Management and Eco-Standardization in Russia: The Perspectives and Barriers for Development

The Krasnodar Region is one of Russia's few traditional centers of tourism. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi contributed to rapid development of the tourist infrastructure in the region, as well as its increased attractiveness to Russian and international tourists. An enlarged flow of tourists requires the fast development of an effective environmental policy, aimed at maintaining the quality of ecosystems in developing tourist territories. In Russia, the environmental labeling of hotels and other accommodation facilities is not yet widespread. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to analyze the existing national regulatory framework (federal and regional legislation, standards, and voluntary certification systems, including regional ones) for identification of the most advanced ecology-preserving legal acts, which could serve as a prototype for the development of a regional system for eco-labeling in the tourist business. Secondly, we aim to analyze the attractiveness of eco-hotels for Russian tourists and their readiness to pay to for the different services in eco-hotels. To do so, we use face-to-face surveys, and process the obtained empirical data further using the methods of non-parametrical statistics. The results of the survey show that the majority of respondents (who are also tourists that visit the region on a regular basis), are poorly informed of the issues of ecologic management and ecologic labeling, as well as the issue of how intensive tourism affects the regional ecology. However, the majority of respondents still show interest in eco-hotel services, and would rather prefer to stay there if the price and the overall quality of their stay remains the same.

Zonasi Lanskap Ekowisata Pesisir Kecamatan Paloh Kalimantan Barat

ABSTRACTCoastal Landscape Zoning of Ecotourism in Paloh District, West KalimantanPaloh district is one of the coastal areas in the Sambas regency and is the only sub-districts in Kalimantan Barat Province bordering direct terrestrial and aquatic with neighboring Malaysia. With a long coastline of 63 km (32% of the total length of the beach Sambas) and the various resources they have, then the Sambas district has great opportunities in coastal tourism development. The existence of the sprawling beach and geographical districts Paloh directly adjacent to neighboring Malaysia will indicate the magnitude of the potential of eco-tourism sector in the region. Coastal ecosystems that are different from other areas with the structure of white sand that almost stretches along the coastline, the condition of sea water is clean (clear), the existence of mangrove forests and habitat for diverse species of turtles, fish, and a wealth of other biodiversity can be an attraction of ecotourism its own for this region. The purpose of this study was to analyze the object / eco-tourism attraction and draw up zoning tourist area. Data needed in this research is the layout, aesthetics and authenticity, transport and aksessibilitas, attractions and uniqueness, support facilities, availability of clean water, and community support. Methods of data collection is done by interviews, library research and field surveys. Based on the results of the assessment has been done, that the coastal areas Paloh districts actually have six (60%) of the object / eco-tourism attraction with considerable potential category (S2) and 4 (40%) object / eco-tourism attraction with less potential category (S3). Direction of development of ecotourism in the district Paloh zone can be divided into four development zones, namely: Zone I: As the allotment of service to visitors that will be developed a lot of facilities supporting the tour here. In addition, this region is focused as cultural tourism area. Zone II: As an ecotourism area classification of the types of activities and facilities are limited and the tourist sites of conservation as well as a buffer zone for ecotourism in the district Paloh. Zone III: This region is a region devoid of inhabitants who are on the border of two villages of Sebubus and Temajuk that made intensive tourist area. Zone IV: This area is located in the village Temajuk and become a hub for residential Temajuk villagers who also serve as ecotourism those classified as intensive.Keywords: Coastal area, landscape, zoning, ecotourism, district Paloh

Diversity and spatial distribution of seaweeds in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica: an updated database for environmental monitoring under climate change scenarios

The present study characterizes the spatial distribution of seaweed diversity on eight islands from the South Shetlands based on an updated taxonomic survey, discussing the higher number of species compared with previous studies and the possible relationships with environmental parameters. Seaweeds were sampled in Deception, Livingston, Halfmoon, Robert, Nelson, King George, Penguin, and Elephant Islands during the austral summer between 2010 and 2013 in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. The taxonomic analyses evaluated morphological characteristics, reproductive structures, and molecular features. Physicochemical parameters of seawater were also monitored using standard analytical methods. A total of 104 species of benthic marine algae were identified (28 Phaeophyceae, 24 Chlorophyta, and 52 Rhodophyta), ~82% of all seaweeds taxa described to Antarctica, including six new records previously recorded only at lower latitudes, four confirmed taxa, and two putative new species. Spatial variation in species diversity was observed among the collecting sites, and Livingston and King George Islands showed the highest diversity among the islands. Deception, an area with geothermal activity and intense tourism, was dominated by opportunistic and broadly distributed filamentous green algae. Antarctic macroalgae diversity was higher than in previous studies, most likely due to more efficient techniques of sampling, and combined taxonomical methods. However, changes in the biogeographical distribution or introduction of some taxa, resulting from anthropogenic activities and/or climate changes, should be considered. Therefore, the higher number of taxa and the new records reported in this study suggest the need for long-term monitoring in the area for conservation purposes.

Turisti iz Slovenije u hrvatskom primorju – obilježja i prostorni raspored turističkog prometa i internetske turističke ponude

The Croatian Littoral has been the most important tourist destination for tourists from Slovenia for decades. The coastal areas of Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia, including the Adriatic islands, became widely popular among Slovenes in the period of intense tourism development in the once common state of Yugoslavia. Today Croatia is the destination of as many as 60% of all private trips from Slovenia. In the introduction the affinity of Slovene tourists for travel abroad is supplemented with statistical data on their visits to the Republic of Croatia. In the next sections special emphasis is placed on the number of Slovene tourists and overnight stays, their average length of stay and spatial distribution in the Croatian Littoral in 2007. These data are then compared to those from 1999. The central section of the article consists of a detailed analysis of the content of the internet tourism offer of Slovene travel agencies as presented on their websites. The objects of the analysis were the structure of advertised destinations in the Croatian Littoral across counties and the structure of offer by type of tourist services (summer vacation, travelling/trip, cruising).

Does having the right visitor mix do the job? Applying an econometric shift-share model to regional tourism developments

This paper is the first to apply an econometric shift-share model to tourism. The approach allows us to isolate the growth contributions of changes in regional touristic attractiveness from those induced by the structure of visitors, but does not share the caveats of the conventional shift-share approach. Our application to regional tourism in Austria reveals important results: First, differences in long-run performance between regions are mostly related to idiosyncratic changes in the tourist appeal of individual regions rather than a result of more or less favorable structures of visitors. Second, none of several mega-events during the period observed seem to have left prolonged positive effects on the tourist performance of the host regions. And third, performance appears uncorrelated with tourism intensity of a region. Thus, from a policy and destination management perspective, tourism authorities and local suppliers should mainly focus on upgrading the permanent destination attractiveness rather than investing too much effort into landing mega-events or targeting the visitor mix toward promising source markets.

Introducing Imaginative Geographies of Rural Settlements. The Example of Poland

Rural space is one of the biggest problem areas in transformation countries. Already in the Communist era, it was a zone burdened with socio-economic problems, low quality of life and unfavourable economic and demographic development. After the political turn in 1989/90 and during transformation, the situation has almost everywhere become even more critical, except for rural areas with intensive tourism, areas located along development axes between larger urban centres and along borders towards countries in a more prosperous economic situation. Villages suffer from depopulation, lose their potential for regeneration and innovation. Cultivations are abandoned, and fertile lands turn into fallow or are getting covered by secondary vegetation. Very frequently, also cultural assets like traditional farmsteads and places of worship fall into decay. Scientists – and not the least geographers – are increasingly getting aware of this problem and have started not only documenting and describing it, but also hinting at possible solutions. Moreover, individuals from the place, but with some external experience and support as well as associations and agencies with the aim of promoting marginalised areas try to activate the remaining endogenous potentials – partly with considerable success. Eventually, they could serve as models, their procedures being transferred to other parts of the wider region. The volume contains a selection of studies on these topics from Central Europe.

Titelei

Rural space is one of the biggest problem areas in transformation countries. Already in the Communist era, it was a zone burdened with socio-economic problems, low quality of life and unfavourable economic and demographic development. After the political turn in 1989/90 and during transformation, the situation has almost everywhere become even more critical, except for rural areas with intensive tourism, areas located along development axes between larger urban centres and along borders towards countries in a more prosperous economic situation. Villages suffer from depopulation, lose their potential for regeneration and innovation. Cultivations are abandoned, and fertile lands turn into fallow or are getting covered by secondary vegetation. Very frequently, also cultural assets like traditional farmsteads and places of worship fall into decay. Scientists – and not the least geographers – are increasingly getting aware of this problem and have started not only documenting and describing it, but also hinting at possible solutions. Moreover, individuals from the place, but with some external experience and support as well as associations and agencies with the aim of promoting marginalised areas try to activate the remaining endogenous potentials – partly with considerable success. Eventually, they could serve as models, their procedures being transferred to other parts of the wider region. The volume contains a selection of studies on these topics from Central Europe.

The NIMBY Syndrome in Rural Areas. The Case of Poland. A Research Report

Rural space is one of the biggest problem areas in transformation countries. Already in the Communist era, it was a zone burdened with socio-economic problems, low quality of life and unfavourable economic and demographic development. After the political turn in 1989/90 and during transformation, the situation has almost everywhere become even more critical, except for rural areas with intensive tourism, areas located along development axes between larger urban centres and along borders towards countries in a more prosperous economic situation. Villages suffer from depopulation, lose their potential for regeneration and innovation. Cultivations are abandoned, and fertile lands turn into fallow or are getting covered by secondary vegetation. Very frequently, also cultural assets like traditional farmsteads and places of worship fall into decay. Scientists – and not the least geographers – are increasingly getting aware of this problem and have started not only documenting and describing it, but also hinting at possible solutions. Moreover, individuals from the place, but with some external experience and support as well as associations and agencies with the aim of promoting marginalised areas try to activate the remaining endogenous potentials – partly with considerable success. Eventually, they could serve as models, their procedures being transferred to other parts of the wider region. The volume contains a selection of studies on these topics from Central Europe.

Conditions for the Creation of the “Network of the Most Interesting Villages”. Results of Expert Evaluation of 50 Polish Villages

Rural space is one of the biggest problem areas in transformation countries. Already in the Communist era, it was a zone burdened with socio-economic problems, low quality of life and unfavourable economic and demographic development. After the political turn in 1989/90 and during transformation, the situation has almost everywhere become even more critical, except for rural areas with intensive tourism, areas located along development axes between larger urban centres and along borders towards countries in a more prosperous economic situation. Villages suffer from depopulation, lose their potential for regeneration and innovation. Cultivations are abandoned, and fertile lands turn into fallow or are getting covered by secondary vegetation. Very frequently, also cultural assets like traditional farmsteads and places of worship fall into decay. Scientists – and not the least geographers – are increasingly getting aware of this problem and have started not only documenting and describing it, but also hinting at possible solutions. Moreover, individuals from the place, but with some external experience and support as well as associations and agencies with the aim of promoting marginalised areas try to activate the remaining endogenous potentials – partly with considerable success. Eventually, they could serve as models, their procedures being transferred to other parts of the wider region. The volume contains a selection of studies on these topics from Central Europe.

Preface

Rural space is one of the biggest problem areas in transformation countries. Already in the Communist era, it was a zone burdened with socio-economic problems, low quality of life and unfavourable economic and demographic development. After the political turn in 1989/90 and during transformation, the situation has almost everywhere become even more critical, except for rural areas with intensive tourism, areas located along development axes between larger urban centres and along borders towards countries in a more prosperous economic situation. Villages suffer from depopulation, lose their potential for regeneration and innovation. Cultivations are abandoned, and fertile lands turn into fallow or are getting covered by secondary vegetation. Very frequently, also cultural assets like traditional farmsteads and places of worship fall into decay. Scientists – and not the least geographers – are increasingly getting aware of this problem and have started not only documenting and describing it, but also hinting at possible solutions. Moreover, individuals from the place, but with some external experience and support as well as associations and agencies with the aim of promoting marginalised areas try to activate the remaining endogenous potentials – partly with considerable success. Eventually, they could serve as models, their procedures being transferred to other parts of the wider region. The volume contains a selection of studies on these topics from Central Europe.