The Impact of Intensive Tourism Development as Perceived by Residents of a Popular Tourist Resort – the Case of Białka Tatrzańska, Poland

Abstract

Purpose. The presented paper is aimed at detecting attitudes towards tourism development among inhabitants of the fast-developing and modern ski resort Białka Tatrzańska - Poland. Method. To investigate the impact of tourist traffic on the life of Białka Tatrzańska inhabitants, an empirical survey was conducted. The survey was conducted among 160 residents of Białka Tatrzańska. A research questionnaire contained twenty questions grouped into pairs. Each pair was dedicated to one of the earlier detected possible effects of over-tourism and one of the questions was connected with the appearance of the effect in Białka Tatrzańska, while the second was about the same impact on respondents’ everyday lives. Findings. The results allow to confirm that inhabitants of Białka Tatrzańska show a much higher level of acceptance regarding the negative consequences of tourism than previously observed in big cities. The respondents confirmed that this negative impact is present in their location, but their quality of life is not influenced strongly by that. Additionally, the results confirmed that local people participate in economic profits derived from tourism development in the case of resorts that followed the catalytic development path. Research and conclusions limitations. The research was conducted at one tourism resort and its characteristic features could have impacted the results. Some statements might have been consequences of the catalytic genesis of the resort and its remarkable success. Research also needs to be replicated in other countries and resorts not connected with winter sports. Practical implications. The results need to be replicated at resorts of another genesis (integrated or mixed), of other types (seaside resorts), and in other countries. Additionally, the very successful position of Białka Tatrzańska on the tourism market can influence the rather enthusiastic attitude of residents towards tourism. Originality. There are numerous studies in which residents’ attitudes are presented towards tourism and tourists in cities, while studies on over-tourism at resorts and nature-based destinations are much more concentrated on the ecological effects of tourism development and impressions possessed by tourists. The paper is focused on the impact of tourism development on residents’ lives, basing on the example of a very successful example of a Polish catalytic ski resort. Type of paper. Research paper.