The Role of Tourism in the Development of Cross-Border Areas Based on the Example of the Neman Euroregion

Abstract

The purpose of this publication is to present the role of tourism as a factor in determining the development of cross-border areas. The article provides the reasons and basis for cross-border tourism development. It also describes the origins, causes and legal regulations regarding the functioning of euroregions, as well as characterises the importance of tourism in economic activation of border areas. The paper also contains statistical data and their analysis in the context of the changes that have taken place in recent years. Euroregion Neman serves as the source for considerations. The article also attempts at forecasting the future situation in cross-border tourism and the role of this Euroregion in the future. Literature on this subject is quite rich. The article was written with the use of books and press releases, as well as statistical data and Internet sources. Research method used in the article is a review of literature covering analysed topics. The research takes into account quantitative and qualitative data on tourism in the cross-border areas. Analysis of statistical data constitutes the research tool of the article. Results of the research clearly indicate the important role of tourism in the economic activation of all countries of the cross-border area. Conclusions that can be drawn on their basis clearly indicate the desirability of the existence and functioning of Euroregions in Europe, and in particular of the Euroregion Neman. The euroregion itself is a factor stimulating and developing tourism activity.