Problems of Tourist Mobility in Remote Areas of Natural Value—The Case of the Hajnowka Poviat in Poland and the Zaoneshye Region in Russia

Abstract

Tourist destinations are often inaccessible due to mobility problems. The purpose of this paper is to identify the mobility problems of tourist destinations in remote areas of natural value. The research was carried out in the following two tourist destinations with the above-mentioned values: in the Zaoneshye Region in Russia and the Hajnówka Poviat, which includes the priceless resources of the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest. The research was conducted using a survey method. Respondents could download the survey questionnaire onto their mobile devices (smartphone, tablet) by scanning a QR code or provide their answers to the questionnaire on paper or to an interviewer, who recorded them in an electronic version. The respondent group consisted of tourists visiting both regions for tourism purposes. The survey was carried out between 2019 and 2021. The results showed that the car is the preferred means of transport in both regions, and that road works are somewhat or completely necessary. Additionally, tourists in the Hajnowka Poviat travel a lot on foot or by bicycle, as there are more cycling and pedestrian paths available. In contrast, tourists visiting the Zaoneshye Region suggest providing more facilities for tourism and better and more efficient communication.

Keywords

• tourism destination
• natural value areas
• rural areas
• mobility problems