Delimitation of tourist activity zones in Auschwitz

key words: tourist space, martyrdom tourism, Auschwitz, Brzezinka

Summary:

Auschwitz is mainly recognized around the world for its holocaust camp, which is situated in the city and in its vicinities. The ominous Auschwitz-Birkenau camp was established during World War II and today it houses the National Auschwitz-Brzezinka Museum, which is annually visited by numerous tourist from around the world. As a result of establishment of this museum the municipal area has been transformed to a specific tourist space, which features the so-called martyrdom tourism type. Martyrdom tourism may be classified as a form of cul-tural and cognitive tourism, which is emphasized by its educational function. The level of tourism management and subsequent analysis of tourist movement enable to perform delimitation of the tourist activity zones. According to the tourist space concept developed by Liszewski four types of tourist space zones have been designated for the purpose of this research: penetration, exploration, assimilation and colonization. The above-mentioned zones have been outlined within the administrative borders of the city of Auschwitz and the nearby village of Brzezinka. Performed analysis indicates that the prevailing tourist penetration space is concentrated within the limits of the Auschwitz-Birkenau National Museum. This museum highlights the unique position of Auschwitz among other cities in Poland in terms of tourist attraction. Subsequently the specific ambience in Auschwitz attracts over one million tourist each year. At the same time other anthropogenic qualities of the city, which boasts a 800-year old history, sadly remain within the shadow of the former concentration camp.

Citation:

Ziernicka-Wojtaszek A., Bednarczyk E. 2013, vol. 10. Delimitation of tourist activity zones in Auschwitz. Infrastruktura i Ekologia Terenów Wiejskich. Nr 2013, vol. 10/ 02 (3 (Jun 2013))