Development of sustainable tourism in the eastern part of Poland on the example of bicycle green velo trail

Abstract

Sustainable tourism’s aim is to lower negative influence of tourism on environment. Development of such a tourism influences on local employment. Advantages of the development are aimed at local societies, tourism agencies and tour operators and also tourists themselves. Apart from that sustainable tourism does not disturb the natural environment and is environmentally friendly. The World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as a tourism that satisfies the needs of both tourists and tourist destinations, while protecting and promoting their future development. The main goal of sustainable tourism is to preserve the economic and social benefits of tourism while minimizing or mitigating adverse environmental, historical, cultural or social impacts. This goal is achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with the needs of tourist destinations. The most important documents defining the basis for sustainable tourism are: Agenda 21 and principles for sustainable development, UNCED, Rio de Janeiro Declaration, 1992, Global Code of Ethics in Tourism, WTO, 1999 and Cape Town Declaration. Responsible Tourism in Destinations, World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. (http://zb.eco.pl/publication/koncepcja-zrownowazonego-rozwoju-w-turystyce-p1338l1) Sustainable tourism goes side by side with ecotourism and heritage tourism. Many voivodeships in Poland have started to apply activities connected with sustainable tourism. The example of sustainable tourism is Green Velo Trail completed in Eastern Poland.