PROBLEMY I WYZWANIA URUCHAMIANIA RUCHU TURYSTYCZNEGO W POLSCE MIĘDZYWOJENNEJ NA PRZYKŁADZIE WOJEWÓDZTW WILEŃSKIEGO I NOWOGRÓDZKIEGO
PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES IN RESTORING TOURISM IN INTERWAR POLAND: THE CASES OF THE VILNIUS AND NOVOGRAD PROVINCES

Summary/Abstract: Purpose | Using the example of the Vilnius and Nowogródek voivodeships, the articleidentifies key barriers to the development of tourism in interwar Poland and assessesthe effectiveness of the activities of the state administration and local structures. Thearticle compares the sightseeing and cultural potential of the Vilnius and Nowogródekvoivodeships with the possibilities of making it accessible in conditions of underinvest-ment in infrastructure. It also indicates the promotional tools used, such as publica-tions, events and railway discounts, and their importance for creating a sustainablebasis for tourism.Research method | The study was based on archival materials from the Lithuanian Cen-tral State Archives (Lietuvos Centrinis Valstybės Archyvas, LCVA) and the interwar press.These sources were analysed to provide descriptions of everyday barriers, modernisa-tion discourse and promotional practices. Statistical data on transport infrastructurea nd accommodation facilities were also employed to highlight regional disparities. Thestudy as a whole constitutes a qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of the limitationsof tourism development in the eastern regions of the Second Polish Republic.Results | The development of tourism in the Vilnius and Nowogródek voivodeshipsduring the interwar period was primarily hindered by infrastructure issues, particularlythe underdeveloped road network. Other issues included a shortage of accommodationand catering facilities, as well as a lack of qualified guides, both of which reinforcedthe niche and seasonal nature of tourism. Although administrative and promotionalactivities were extensive, their impact was undermined by the discrepancy betweenthe attractions’ potential and their capacity to accommodate tourists, as well as theprovincial administration’s limited resources. Consequently, tourism in the Vilnius andNowogródek voivodeships developed more slowly than in the western and southernparts of the country, despite their significant cultural and landscape attractions.Originality / value / implications / recommendations | The results are the product ofcombining the tourism policy of the Second Polish Republic with an analysis of organi-sational practices at the micro-regional level. By compiling archives, press reports andstatistics, we can identify the mechanism of developmental asymmetry: promotionaland tariff instruments were ineffective without investment in transport and services,and strengthening cooperation between the administration, local government andlocal entities was crucial.

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