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The issue of tourist destinations is richly reflected in the literature on the subject, but this does not apply to cross-border destinations where this problem is still being recognized. Classification of destinations allows the identification of cross-border destinations, i.e. those that are crossed by a state border. The authors analyse basic relationships between state borders and tourism destinations. They present various definitions and concepts of destinations and identify the specificity of cross-border destinations. They prove that borders can be not only barriers but also stimulators of tourism development. In relation to cross-border destinations, they use a broader interpretation, understanding them as points, lines and areas. In terms of points, the authors describe the phenomenon of 48 European tripoints, i.e. the crossing points of three national borders. The borders line have become tourist attractions allowing the traveler to physically stay in 2 countries at the same time. They compare the border line between Poland and Lithuania and cross-border seaside promenade connecting the Polish city of Świnoujście and the German city of Heringsdorf. Another group of cross-border destinations analysed in the paper are spatial destinations (Euroregions, macroregions, European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation) and cross-border facilities (hotels, restaurants, operas, hospitals). The authors also analyse 39 cross-border objects inscribed on the World Heritage List. The limited framework of the article does not allow full analysis of this interesting and complex issue. The authors' intention is that the article contributes to enriching the interdisciplinary theory of tourism, with particular emphasis on management science and economic geography, and constitutes an inspiration for further in-depth research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration processes in Europe contribute to the growing significance of local governments as substate entities of international relations. International cooperation is no longer a domain of countries. It is becoming an increasingly important factor in the social and economic development of local government units. Consular corps may be one of the instruments of this cooperation. Its activity stimulates international integration of cities and regions. Issues concerning diplomacy are reflected in rich interdisciplinary source literature; however, the issues of paradiplomacy are a relatively new research problem. For this paper, literature research has been conducted, the model of local government diplomacy has been modified, incorporating posts of consular corps. Next, the functioning of consular corps in Poland was analysed in the territorial, objective and subjective scope. Two hundred and seventeen consular posts from 66 countries have been located in Poland. The vast majority of them (over 90%) functioned as honorary consulates. Most consular posts were opened by countries that border Poland - mostly Ukraine and Germany. A coincidence of directions of consular cooperation and directions of partnership of Polish cities and regions has been observed. It has been noted that the number of posts in individual provinces varies. Provinces that are active on the international stage, e.g. Małopolska with its capital in Cracow and Pomerania with its seat in Gdańsk, are in the most beneficial situation in terms of the number of consular posts. An analysis of selected case studies has shown that the activity of consular corps has contributed to the development of international cooperation of cities and communes, with particular consideration of business, culture, tourism and sport. Honorary consulates took numerous initiatives for local communities. Seeing benefits from cooperation with foreign delegations, representatives of local administration and regional state administration took actions to establish stable positive relations with their "local consular corps". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibilities of information transfer, and in particular the dissemination of the Internet and the recognition of information as valuable and important development factor, have led to the increase of the importance of monitoring in recent years. A specific problem is not only the access to information, but verification of the information. The development of regional tourism products requires a special interdisciplinary approach in the field of development policy, its programming and planning, taking into account economic, spatial and administrative aspects. The aim of this study is to show the importance of access and verification of information in the development of regional products in tourism. An important aspect is to present the problem based on the opinion of entities that shape such products related to the development of tourism. Therefore, this study presents the results of a survey carried out among the creators of the tourist offer on the example of the city of Gdynia. The main objective of the study was an attempt of the respondents to assess access to information, information and the willingness to have market information at particular stages of the tourist product development of the area. It was assumed that the information chaos and the lack of a monitoring system and data presentation shows significant weaknesses in the harmonious development of the tourist function of the city. The results of the study clearly indicate the need to intensify activities for the acquisition and processing data that broadens knowledge about the market. This will significantly increase the quality of tourist products in Gdynia and increase the tourists' satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferry shipping is well developed in the Baltic Sea Region. Polish ferry market is a prime segment of ferry industry in South Baltic. Services from Polish ports to Sweden determine the carriage of units and wheeled cargo as well as transport of passengers between Continent and Scandinavia. Since Poland and other states have acceded to the European Union, growing foreign exchange between Continental and Scandinavian countries is visible and Polish ferry market has been affected by increasing demand for transport. These services as the only ones in the Baltic Sea have not recorded decline in turnover since 2008. Polish ferry terminals located in Swinoujscie, Gdynia and Gdansk are pointed as transport nodes in Baltic - Adriatic Corridor. Ferry routes from mentioned ports constitute the shortest connections for cargo transported from Central European countries to Scandinavia. These two factors determine the add value and competitiveness of Polish ferry market. The aim of the article is to analyse the trend in foreign trade among the above countries, the market development as well as study the interrelationship between the trade volumes and ferry turnover. The research hypothesis is: the increase in trade between Central Europe and Scandinavia is the prime factor developing the demand for ferry services in Polish shipping market. Detailed research hypothesis is that: the group of factors affecting Polish ferry market are both opportunities and threats for development of ferry traffic. In order to verify the hypothesis, the article is focusing on following aspects: international trade volumes and trends between Scandinavia and Central Europe, potential of Polish ferry market in context of market requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is an important element and factor for macroregional integration in the Baltic Sea Region. On the initiative of the European Union, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region has been prepared and implemented. The Strategy recognises tourism as one of the priorities of development. Taking into account the fact that the Russian Federation is the only non-EU country located at the Baltic Sea, this country needs to be engaged in cooperation and macroregional exchange. Such cooperation is particularly important for the Russian Federation's oblasts situated at the Baltic Sea. It is reflected in the strategy documents of regional authorities. The stimulation of tourism exchange in the BSR is determined by a range of factors, among them a special role is played by the demand factor. The aim of this paper was to analyse Kaliningrad Oblast as a tourist-generating area for the Baltic Sea Region. For this purpose, relevant literature research and a critical analysis of legal documents have been conducted. Furthermore, a survey has been carried out among 110 randomly selected students of the Kant University in Kaliningrad. The survey enabled to identify tourist preferences among respondents, including the rank of BSR countries among the visited countries. The attractiveness of the countries in the Region has been analysed. Respondents indicated the strengths and weaknesses of Baltic destinations. This enabled to identify barriers and suggest ways to reduce them. A barrier to the development of outbound tourism is, first of all, visa problems and further financial problems. There is a need for improved transport accessibility, lower prices of transport services and more intensified marketing activities in the Russian Federation's market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cruise industry is the fastest growing segment in the leisure travel market over the past ten years. The number of global cruise travellers amounted to more than 24 million in 2016. The Baltic Sea Region is the prime cruise market with seasonal operation. The Baltic cruising is unique in its luxury offers for passengers covering both the cruise ships and landside attractions. The research hypothesis was formulated as follows: Cruising in the Baltic Sea Region is a unique luxury product. The methodology used in this study is based on the analyses of statistics, analyses of services offered by cruise operators and source markets. The study verified the research question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper seeks to answer whether ferry carriers at the present moment (2018) are promoting Poland as an attractive destination, and if so, how they are doing it. Statistical and marketing data obtained from 4 carriers was analysed in order to solve this research problem. A new model of a tourist product dedicated to ferry tourism has been introduced. The research has shown that Poland has a modest network of links with other Baltic countries. Apart from a seasonal link with Denmark, Poland is connected only with Sweden. The ferry links are operated by four carriers. They all offer tourism products with attractions on land. By presenting Poland as an affordable country with rich history, fine food and entertainment, the carriers help develop this country as a destination of ferry tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When studying integration processes, the term tourist integration must be identified. The theoretical basis of this term is the transactional concept of the regional integration theory. According to the literature studies contacts and relationships are one of the measures of integration. In this paper the authors focused on the relationships between tourism and sea transport in the Baltic Sea Region. Using their own criteria, they carried out a quantitative and qualitative assessment of tourist integration in the context of the development of ferry transport services in the period 2001-2015. As regards the relations, there was a slight progress, but the connections slightly regressed. Despite the strong competition of air transport, ferry transport played an important role in tourist integration of the Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]