Abstract:

Agritourism is a unique segment of modern tourism different from various forms of so-called mass tourism. This uniqueness results, amongst others, from the specific nature of staying on an agritourism farm, the possibility of direct contact with the hosts, domestic animals, the opportunity to learn about rural life, agricultural production, the use of fresh, healthy food, as well as enjoying the nature and the material and spiritual culture of the village [Sznajder, Przezbórska 2006]. The uniqueness and richness of experience that are associated with staying on a farm make it a form of recreation, which has recently become more and more popular among tourists - as an alternative form of spending free time [Dorocki, Zdon-Korzeniowska 2013]. On the other hand, agritourism enjoys growing interest from farmers. It is an alternative form of agricultural activity including visits on a farm and various forms of recreation based on the specific advantages of rural areas [Dorocki, Zdon-Korzeniowska 2013]. In the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland after a period of transformation and the beginning of free market economy, typical agricultural activities encountered significant difficulties related to, among others the possibility of selling agricultural produce, low prices and rising costs of agricultural production. This led to the inefficiency and liquidation of a significant parts of farms. The natural consequence of this state of affairs was the search for new, alternative activities by farmers. Agritourism is one of them. Therefore, we can also look at agritourism as an effective tool for managing sustainable development at the local and regional level, allowing to preserve agricultural land use, and thus ecological balance as well as agricultural traditions and village culture.