TOURISM AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT - THE CASE OF MÓRAHALOM.

Nowadays tourism is often a key element of urban and regional competitiveness. The aim of this study is to present how can become a less-known town also a tourist attraction with taking into consideration the local characteristics during the planning and development processes. The paper presents the case of Mórahalom, which is a small town in Southern Hungary. Few decades ago agriculture was the main economic sector in the settlement but since then massive investments have been put into the spa industry. These investments have accelerated the development of Mórahalom and quickly restructured its local economy and society, too. The paper is based on the content analysis of the local media and development documents, survey and local statistical data analysis. According to the results the cumulative inter-dependent developments in the spa industry of Mórahalom have produced a multiplier effect which has led to a strong increase in tourist arrivals or income tax. The visitors are satisfied with the spa and the services offered in Mórahalom. Therefore, the town has all the assets to be competitive in the tourism market which is a key factor of the local development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]