Les transformations de l'aménagement du territoire dans le Beskide de Silésie depuis 1989

The transformation of tourist development in the Beskid Śląski Mts., Poland, after 1989

Summary: After 1989, the transformation of the tourist development of the Beskid Śląski Mts. was closely related with the general transformation of the economic and political system in Poland. Just as in other economic areas, private sector with its superior potential in creating an environment conductive to growth took the lead in the tourist business. Local authorities and self-government play an important role in inspiring such activity and ensuring proper conditions for further course and pace of tourist function development. The chief factors influencing the transformation of the tourist infrastructure of the Beskid Śląski Mts. after 1989 are as follows: - a shift in ownership of accommodation base; - modernisation and upgrading of the accommodation services; - increased number of catering establishments; - new sports and leisure facilities constituting tourist attractions; - new pension development; - extensive second-house development; - introduction of marketing and promotion by accommodation establishments and local government. One of the basic effects of the socio-political transformation of Poland was the privatisation of holiday centres run by state-owned enterprises. In 2001, 177 of 229 (79.7%) such centres existing in the area in 1989 changed their ownership. Four all-year and 14 season-operated tourist centres were closed causing the job number reduction. Compared to late 1980s, the number of employees in such centres dropped by ca. 55 %, with 70-80% in some extreme cases. National health care system reorganisation combined with changes in financing of balneological services resulted in lower patient turnout at spas. The accommodation base privatisation and the development of private lodging base changed the ownership structure of tourist accommodation between 1989 and 2001 (Fig. 2). Currently, the bulk of accommodation is provided by the private sector both in terms of establishments (90%) and beds (91.2%). During 1989-2000 period, the accommodation base in the Beskid Śląski Mts. grew by 4.1% from 29,486 to 30,679 beds. The freedom of business had also an impact on the number of various bars and catering places. During the discussed period, the number of such the facilities grew to 274. The 1990s also brought about a boost in capital projects in infrastructure accompanying tourism. Faced with reduced state-managed tourism, local authorities need to broaden their offer by building new sport and recreation facilities, as well as retrofitting and expanding the existing ones. Currently, one of the most popular and fastest growing forms of leisure in the region are second homes. They constitute the main (and sometimes the only) factor of the tourist function development, particularly in villages with poor accommodation base. During 1990s, national regulations on the protection of natural environment helped in achieving a significant progress in building municipal waste disposal and neutralisation facilities. Local authorities are allowed to decide themselves in this domaine.

Prace Geograficzne, 2004, z. 113, s. 135-144.

Instytut Geografii i Gospodarki Przestrzennej UJ

ISSN 1644-3586

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