Natural resources of the Poleski National Park and the development of tourism

As the majority of Polish population lives in towns, there is a growing need to spend the rest time in natural conditions, explicitly in forest areas. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of natural resources of the Poleski National Park (PNP; eastern Poland) on the development of tourism within its area. We identified the factors with the greatest impact on the tourist attractiveness of PNP areas as well as assessed the level of management of this area in tourist−recreational infrastructure and availability of information about on the Park. Diagnostic survey with the original questionnaire was used as a research tool. The studies were conducted in September and October 2016 in Hańsk, Stary Brus, Urszulin and Sosnowica communes among adult residents divided into three age groups. Likert scale was used for the measurement of the respondents attitude. A sample size was established based the total adult population of four municipalities. The discriminant function was used for statistical calculations. The biggest attractions of the PNP include nature reserves, nature trails and the PNP museum. The Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful ones in Poland, with rich landscape and possible contact with unique fauna and flora. The prestige of the Park was an important factor of the attractiveness in respondents opinion. It is possible to rest actively in PNP what is supported by good management of the studied areas in the tourism−recreation infrastructure. The excellent marking of the hiking trails as well as the location of numerous information boards used by tourists were emphasised by the respondents. It seems that if taking reasonable care to protect natural resources, the PNP may be even to a greater extent subject to more complete spatial – functional management, in particular for the creation of new tourist products. In harmony with nature they determine types and forms of tourism, which can be developed in this region. These tasks fall within the competence and responsibility of the PNP authorities. The priority is to maintain an acceptable level of impact through checks and planned arrangements of indicators of tourist absorbency and capacity of these areas