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VYSOKÁ ŠKOLA POLYTECHNICKÁ JIHLAVA

Obor: Cestovní ruch

Turismus v Bydhošti. Kulturní a jazykové bariéry

bakalářská práce

Autor: Miroslav Danko

Vedoucí práce: RNDr. Jitka Ryšková

Jihlava 2013

Prohlašuji, že předložená bakalářská práce je původní a zpracoval jsem ji samostatně. Prohlašuji, že citace použitých pramenů je úplná, že jsem v práci neporušil autorská práva (ve smyslu zákona č. 121/2000 Sb., o právu autorském, o právech souvisejících s právem autorským a o změně některých zákonů, v platném znění, dále též „AZ“).

Souhlasím s umístěním bakalářské práce v knihovně VŠPJ a s jejím užitím k výuce nebo k vlastní vnitřní potřebě VŠPJ .

Byl jsem seznámen s tím, že na mou bakalářskou práci se plně vztahuje AZ, zejména § 60 (školní dílo).

Beru na vědomí, že VŠPJ má právo na uzavření licenční smlouvy o užití mé bakalářské práce a prohlašuji, že s o u h l a s í m s případným užitím mé bakalářské práce (prodej, zapůjčení apod.).

Jsem si vědom toho, že užít své bakalářské práce či poskytnout licenci k jejímu využití mohu jen se souhlasem VŠPJ, která má právo ode mne požadovat přiměřený příspěvek na úhradu nákladů, vynaložených vysokou školou na vytvoření díla (až do jejich skutečné výše), z výdělku dosaženého v souvislosti s užitím díla či poskytnutím licence.

V Jihlavě dne 10. května 2013

...... Podpis

I would like to express my gratitude towards my supervisor RNDr. Jitka Ryšková for her help with my bachelor thesis. I am greatful for the time she spent supervising my work and all of the advice she give me.

I wish to thank Mr. Jan Karol Słowinski who supervised and helped me with my thesis during my stay in .

I would also like to thank all the personel from the information center in and to all participants of the interview. Abstract

This bachelor thesis was made to evaluate the potential of Bydgoszcz as a tourist destination. One objective is to collect the knowledge, oppinions and experiences of visitors from abroad who explored this city.

The work also required research, a research for weak spots in the tourist sectors. The cultural and language barriers are the primary focus of this. To find them, define them and try to discover if there is a solution.

The experiences outlined in this work can be used to help others who are willing and interested in visiting Bydgoszcz as a student within the international student program.

Key words tourism, destination, Bydgoszcz, barriers, Poland, behavior

Abstrakt

Tato bakalářská práce byla napsána za účelem zhodnocení potenciálu Bydhošti, jakožto turistické destinace. Jedním z úkolů je shromáždit znalosti, názory a zážitky zahraničních návštěvníků, kteří měli možnost navštívit toto město.

Práce vyžadovala výzkum. Výzkum zaměřený na slabé stránky turistického sektoru. Hlavním cílem jsou kulturní a jazykové bariéry. Vyhledat je, definovat a zamyslet se nad řešeními.

Poznatky této práce také mohou být užitečné pro studenty, kteří se chystají na studijní pobyt ve městě Bydhošť v rámci některého zahraničního programu.

Klíčová slova cestovní ruch, destinace, Bydhošť, bariéry, Polsko, chování Structure

1. General characteristic of tourism in Bydgoszcz...... 8

1.1 Brief history of Bydgoszcz ...... 8

1.2 Tourism in Bydgoszcz ...... 10

1.2.1 Selective attractions ...... 10

1.2.1.1 The Old Town ...... 10

1.2.2.2 Mill Island and Bydgoszcz Venice ...... 10

1.2.2.3 Mostowa Street ...... 10

1.2.2.4 The Music District ...... 11

1.2.2.5 The Cathedral of Bydgoszcz ...... 11

1.2.2.6 The Opera Nova ...... 11

1.2.2 Cultural Tourism ...... 12

1.2.1.2 Bydgoszcz Opera Festival ...... 12

1.2.1.3 I.J. Paderwski International Competition ...... 12

1.2.1.1 Musica Antiqua Europae Orientalis ...... 12

1.2.3 Business Tourism ...... 13

1.2.3.1 Preconditions ...... 13

1.2.3.2 Bydgoszcz Convention Bureau ...... 14

1.2.3.3 Awards ...... 14

1.2.4 Sport tourism ...... 15

1.2.4.1 Sport club Gwiazda ...... 15

1.2.4.2 Organizer of sport events ...... 15

1.2.4.3 Zawisza Stadium ...... 15

2. Selective barriers in tourism ...... 16

2.1 Relations between tourist and resident ...... 16

2.2 Xenophobia ...... 17 2.3 Racism...... 17

2.4 Language Barrier ...... 18

2.5 Crimes against tourists ...... 18

2.6 Lack of education in tourism ...... 19

2.7 Negative tourist-resident impacts ...... 19

3. Tourist Barriers in Bydgoszcz ...... 21

3.1 Research ...... 21

3.1.1 Interview ...... 21

3.1.2 Security and safety ...... 28

3.1.2.1 Police ...... 28

3.1.2.2 Emergency, services, hotlines ...... 29

3.1.2.3 Public Information Symbols...... 30

3.1.2.4 Transport ...... 30

3.1.2.4.1 Public Transport ...... 30

3.1.2.4.2 Railway Station ...... 31

3.1.2.4.3 Bus Station ...... 32

3.1.2.4.4 Airport ...... 32

3.1.3.5 Information Centre ...... 32

3.2 Defining tourist barriers in Bydgoszcz ...... 33

4. Conclusion ...... 35

Bibliography ...... 36

Online sources ...... 36 1. General characteristic of tourism in Bydgoszcz

1.1 Brief history of Bydgoszcz

Bydgosczcz is the 8th largest city in Poland and lies in northern part of country in Kuyavian- Pomeranian Voivodeship. With neighbouring Torun manages its voivodeship.

The city was founded in 13.century to protect important trade routes on Vistula rivers. Later on, in 14.century, king Casimir the Great gave Bydgosczcz its privileges. From that moment, the city became very prosperous. At the same time was Bydgosczcz occupied by Teutonic order who remained her for ten years.1

Soon after, in 15.century, city increased in its importance due to its shipping trade of wheat with Hanseatic town in northern coast of Poland, Gdańsk.

16. century was a period of development of crafts. Many traders and merchants settled there. Mainly trade with timber, salt, wheat and amber was developed. Many guilds were settled there, because of this. Even a salt warehouse was opened for whole Voivodeship in Bydgoszcz. But not only trade prosperity was growing. Also significant shift in education was seen in that time. Local education was developed at Bernardine monastery. Monastery served as a school of philosophy. Also one of the most important event in city’s history happened in 16. century. The mint was built on Mill Island. Opening of the mint moved city to the next level. This mint was later turned into state mint by king himself.

The beginning of 17.century was still in spirit of the progress. It is clear, that by this time, Bydgoszcz was very fruitful. Unfortunately, not even in the half of the 17. century, turnover began. The plague struck the city and killed more, than half of the population. When the city was recovering from a disaster in late 17.century, the Swedes appeared. The Swedish army conquered Bydgosczcz and destroyed many of its building, including Bydgoszcz castle.

In 18.century, 1766, blueprints for construction of Bydgoszcz Canal were presented by royal Polish cartographer, Franciszek Czacki. His plan was realized six years later and the work took another three years. Canal served as a water trade route. But not only that. Bydgoszcz

1Bydgoszcz. In: Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia [online]. San Francisco (CA): WikimediaFoundation, 2001- [cit. 2012-03-15]. Availablefrom: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bydgoszcz 8

Canal gave to the city new character and nowadays is one of the attraction of the city and its highlight.2

At the turn of the 19th century, the city was inhabited by 5 000 dwellers. The first printing house operated by Andrzej Fryderyk was set up this time. By the first half of the century, the city’s population has increased to 10 000 inhabitants. The Royal Director of the Eastern Railroads as well as the highest authorities of the Royal Post were located in the city at the time. In the second half of 19.century the city was granted rail connections with cities such as , Szczecin, Gdańsk, and Toruń.

Also the first horse-powered streetcars began operating in the city’s streets. By the end of the 19th century, a power station, children’s hospital, slaughter house, a new theatre, as well as water station were built in the city. At the same time, Bydgoszcz has seen a large increase in population.

Bydgoszcz underwent a period of rapid growth at the beginning of the 20th century. With a population of 50 000 inhabitants, the first decade of the 20th century saw the opening of the city’s first steel bridge, municipal library, as well as emergency room in the municipal hospital. The airplane connection between Poznań, Bydgoszcz and Gdańsk began operating in 1929.

On September 1, 1939, the German Luffwaffe made its first air attack on the city. Bydgoszcz was damaged, but after war caught a second wind. The following years were spent on restoring the damage done during the war. Bridges were rebuilt, as was the theater. The building of the Pomeranian Philharmonic and Artists ‘Exhibition Agency were opened in years 1958 and 1970.

In 1999, Bydgoszcz became the capital of the Voivodeship of Kuyavia and Pomerania.

At the beginning of the new millennium, a number of crucial investments for the city’s sporting infrastructure were carried out. These included the construction of the Łuczniczka Sports and Entertainment Hall, as well as modernization of the Zawisza City Stadium, which hosted number of top flight athletic events in the past.

On May 1, 2004, the entire city celebrated Poland’s accession to the European Union. On the occasion of this event, a special sculpture located above the river Brda was unveiled.

2Bydgoszcz - BCI. www.visitbydgoszcz.pl [online]. 2010 [cit. 2012-03-15]. Availablefrom: http://visitbydgoszcz.pl/index.php/en/meet-the-city/history-of-the-city 9

At present, Bydgoszcz along with its surrounding area is populated by 500 000 people.3

1.2 Tourism in Bydgoszcz

1.2.1 Selective attractions

1.2.1.1 The Old Town

The oldest part of Bydgoszcz is The Old Town. The Old Town means primarily the Old Market with its picturesque houses from 19th century, surrounding streets, all of which are located in the immediate vicinity of the Brda River. The most important, yet most original monuments of the Old Town are the cathedral, the former Jesuit college – today the City Hall, the classical, the classical building of the Provincial and Municipal Public Library, the neo- gothic market hall, the majestic building of the Provincial District Court and, finally, the tallest building in Bydgoszcz, church of St. Anrzej Bobola.4

1.2.2.2 Mill Island and Bydgoszcz Venice

Mill Island is a spatial heart of Bydgoszcz. One of the most unusual and enchanting places in Bydgoszcz. This island is unique, because of its location in the heart of city, just few steps from Old Market Square. The Mill Island is a green oasis in the city centre. Most of its buildings located on the island are from 19th century.6Mill Island may well be defined as Museum Island. Needless to say why.5

1.2.2.3 Mostowa Street

Its a busy road connecting downtown to the Old town. The focal point of the street is the J.Sulima-Kaminski Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the river Brda and numerous monuments of the city center around the river. The panorama on the eastern side of the bridge is dominated by three famous granaries of Bydgoszcz form 18th and 19th century, the official symbol of the city, now part of the Leon Wyczółkovski Museum.6

3Bydgoszcz - BCI. www.visitbydgoszcz.pl [online]. 2010 [cit. 2012-03-15]. Availablefrom: http://visitbydgoszcz.pl/index.php/en/meet-the-city/history-of-the-city 4www.visitbydgoszcz.pl. Visitbydgoszcz [online]. 2010 [cit. 2012-04-01]. Availablefrom: http://www.visitbydgoszcz.pl/index.php/en/visiting/tourist-attractions 10

1.2.2.4 The Music District

The Music District is one of the most interesting urban planning solutions of the city, and one of the most charming and quietest corners of Bydgoszcz. The Music District is also famous for the Polish Theatre together with one of the symbols of the city, more than one hundred years old sculpture of the “Archer Lady“. In the vicinity of the park are several outstanding examples of Art Nouveau in the form of fine villas and townhouses designed by renowned architects of their name.5

1.2.2.5 The Cathedral of Bydgoszcz

The Cathedral of St.Martin and Nicholas is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and, above all, the oldest building in the city. The Parish church (Fara) as the Cathedral is still called, is a late gothic three-nave church, that was built between 1466 and 1502. One of the most valuable items in the church is the late gothic painting in the main altar called the image of “Our Lady of Beautiful Love“.8

1.2.2.6 The Opera Nova

The Opera Nova in Bydgoszcz is one of the most modern and most versatile music theatres in Poland. Its abundant repertoire covering operas, ballets, operettas and musicals is completed with concerts, shows and performances of other theatres within the Bydgoszcz Opera Festival organized by the Opera Nova since 1994.

The Opera Nova is a modern edifice located picturesquely on the Brda River. With two stages: big and small ones, two houses, and modern technical equipment, the theatre is an excellent atelier adequately prepared to undertake the boldest artistic ventures.

Our modern and functional Congress Centre of Opera Nova is a venue for the organization and servicing of conferences, symposia and conventions.6

5www.visitbydgoszcz.pl. Visitbydgoszcz [online]. 2010 [cit. 2012-04-01]. Availablefrom: http://www.visitbydgoszcz.pl/index.php/en/visiting/tourist-attractions 5BYDGOSZCZ LIFE TAKES COLOUR: CULTURE 6www.opera.bydgoszcz.pl. Opera.bydgoszcz [online]. 2011 [cit. 2012-04-01]. Availablefrom: http://www.opera.bydgoszcz.pl/54,about-the-opera-nova.html 11

1.2.2 Cultural Tourism

For many years Bydgoszcz has been called a city of music. There is no exaggeration in this observation. The city’s musical tradition dates back to the 17. century, when in the local Jesuit College there was a theatre with music and singing. The numerous choirs and musical groups that operated here in later years were straight line followers of this tradition.

1.2.1.2 Bydgoszcz Opera Festival

Bydgoszcz Opera Festival was introduced into the music calendar in April 1994. Today, the festival lives its own life and the building of the Opera Nova is one of the most modern and beautiful in Poland and since it is located by the riverside, it is a real cultural showpiece of the city. Opera groups from all over the world come to perform here, just to mention a few: a famous, contemporary ballet the Swedish Cullberg Ballet, Bejart Ballet of Lausanne, as well as groups from Cuba, Spain and many other countries. Not surprisingly, the Bydgoszcz Opera Festival attracts opera enthusiasts from all of Poland. It is worth mentioning that the rate of attendance at the performances of the opera is one of the highest in Poland.

1.2.1.3 I.J. Paderwski International Piano Competition

Competition is organized by the I.J. Paderwski Music Society. It is worth mentioning that the first competition in 1961 was won by – today and outstanding conductor. Once every 3 years young, talented pianists from around the world meet in Bydgoszcz to present their talent. The Competition was accepted by the Federation of International Music Competitions and found itself among the 123 most important music competitions in the world.

1.2.1.1 Musica Antiqua Europae Orientalis

Festival of Early Music of Central and Eastern (MAEO). It has been organized since 1966, and hosts artists and musicologists with truly encyclopaedic names. MAEO was born at the time when religious music was rarely performed in concert halls. During 3 weeks of September lovers of music listen to songs written for church purposes, but also pearls of symphony and chamber music. The unique character of MAEO lies not only in the original repertoire performed by leading Polish and European musicians, but also in discovering the common past of this part of Europe. The festival is accompanied by musicological

12 conferences with the participation of scientists from academic institutions around the world. This combination and science occurs only in Bydgoszcz.

1.2.3 Business Tourism

Bydgoszcz, the eight largest city in Poland, with nearly 360 000 inhabitants, is a modern and rapidly growing metropolitan area, that constitutes an important element in the country’s economy.

1.2.3.1 Preconditions

The largest city of Kujawsko-Pomorskie region has many advantages, which make it a very attractive place to do business.

Bydgoszcz is a city in which the industrial and business experience is combined with modernity. The city directs its activities towards manufacturing business, as to well as service to companies, in particular to the BPO sector. An important element influencing the city’s economy is the presence of companies with foreign capital. In 2010, 550 entities with foreign capital were registered and had offices in Bydgoszcz.

The most significant assets of Bydgoszcz include:

Central location in the country location between two rivers, that are part of the international waterway E-70, which has a connection with the nationwide system of waterways through a hydrographic junction connecting the Vistula and the Oder rivers, being also a focal point on the waterway Berlin- , four national roads running through Bydgoszcz (No.5,10,25 and 80), railway line connecting Silesia with Gdynia and Krakow, which intersects in Bydgoszcz with the routes: Warsaw – Szczecin and Wroclaw – Gdynia,

International I.J.Paderewski Airport located just 3,5 km from city centre, serving both domestic and international connections,

13 well-developed sector of business environment and significant research facilities strongly associated with business.7

Central localization and developed infrastructure of land, air and water communication ensure comfortable travel. International Airport in Bydgoszcz, railway network, transit companies, car rentals, infallible city communication and attractive water tram, tourist ships and narrow- rail tram help tourist get anywhere in the region traditional way.

Several renowned conference spots of the region will ensure pleasant stay with regional hospitality. Catering offers of hundreds of restaurants provide variety of regional and refined dishes. High quality of meals guarantees participant’s contentment.8

1.2.3.2 Bydgoszcz Convention Bureau

Convention Bureau of the City Promotion Department Baldly and effectively faces business tourism of today creating reliable image of the conference city of Bydgoszcz – friendly and open to visitors, offering professional service of the highest quality.

The ability to effectively use city’s rich conference infrastructure is definitely not only of its assets. Due to multiple tourist qualities of this place managing conference time is not a problem.9

1.2.3.3 Awards

The investment attractiveness of Bydgoszcz has also been confirmed by numerous awards and prizes, which the city obtains regularly in various competitions and rankings. Bydgoszcz received the title of”Fair Play Commune – Certified Investment Location”, and was also a laureate of the third edition of the “Teraz Polska”(“Now Poland”) competition for municipalities.

7BYDGOSZCZ LIFE TAKES ON COLOUR: BUSINESS. Bydgoszcz: Bydgoszcz, 2012. 8Visitkujawsko-pomorskie. TheOfficialTourismWebsiteofKujawsko-PomorskieProvince [online]. 2012 [cit. 2012-04-01]. Availablefrom: http://www.visitkujawsko-pomorskie.pl/organize-your-conference-with- us,233,2,328.html 9Visitkujawsko-pomorskie: BydgoszczConventionBureau. TheOfficialTourismWebsiteofKujawsko- PomorskieProvince [online]. 2012 [cit. 2012-04-01]. Availablefrom: http://www.visitkujawsko- pomorskie.pl/bydgoszcz-convention-bureau,233,2,390.html 14

1.2.4 Sport tourism

Bydgoszcz is a city which apart from culture is usually associated with sport. The city is the seat of a range of sports clubs and institutions that are well known in Poland and all over the world. Various sports facilities such as the regatta course in Brdyujście, Łuczniczka sport hall and the Zawisza track and field stadium have witnessed many historic sporting events. This is the home city and training location of many great champions of Poland, Europe, the world, and winners at Olympic Games.

1.2.4.1 Sport club Gwiazda

The club was founded in April 1920. It soon started expanding with new disciplines like: basketball, fencing, canoeing and wrestling. Many of famous sportsmen began their careers there. We can also find Gwiazda marina club located near the Gwiazda stadium. The marina was opened in 2009 and it meets the European standard for such facilities. Being located on the Bydgoszcz Canal in the vicinity of the historic locks, the marina offers everything enthusiasts of water sports need for boating, including mooring spaces equipped with platforms with electrical sockets, car parks and full sanitary facilities. It is worth noting at this point that, in the city centre, on Mill Island, another modern marina together with a hotel is under construction.

1.2.4.2 Organizer of sport events

Since late 90s the city has been the organizer of many major sporting events, especially in athletics. One could list: Junior World Championships under 18 in 1999, the European Championship under 23, SPAR European Cup, World Junior Championships in Athletics, the World Championship in Cross Country and European Athletics Festival. In March 2013, Bydgoszcz will be the host of the World Championships in Cross Country.

1.2.4.3 Zawisza Stadium

The ideally suited for athletics Zawisza Stadium and a great atmosphere in the stands foster the achievement of excellent sporting results. Zawisza Stadium is a complex of modern sport facilities, which, after a thorough reconstruction in the years 2007 – 2008 meets the standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the international football federations (FIFA and UEFA). The stands can accommodate over 20 thousand spectators. The

15 building under the new grandstand houses conference rooms, restaurant, wellness facilities, as well as the Gallery of Bydgoszcz Sport. Just in the last decade the Zawisza stadium has witnessed a few matches of the national team. It is worth mentioning just a few of these significant events: the football match with Finland in 2006 in the World Cup qualifiers and friendly meetings with Romania, Ireland, Greece and Canada. Bydgosczcz has also hosted twice Poland’s Football Cup finalists.10

2. Selective barriers in tourism

2.1 Relations between tourist and resident

Many studies to date have shown the problems and barriers that tourism creates between visitors and local people. Some resorts are now firmly secure from local people and even discourage their guests from wandering off campus. MacCannel’s study of ethnotourism shows how the pressure from tourism also creates the opposite of communitas, the erection of barriers to prevent tourists penetrating the everyday spaces of local cultures. Instead they erect stages or front stages with which to perform their cultures at times and places same time.

There are various levels of interaction that have potential long-term significance. The first might be simple observation of other ways of life. Other cultures may be, hard to understand, aesthetically confusing or distasteful and we may all have been subject to a great deal of racial and cultural vilification or unsympathetic stereotypes. However, tourism puts such claims to very stringent tests. Tourists see very easily how similar other cultures are to their own. The similarities may prove to be the most eye-catching and noteworthy. More often than not local people will help tourists who appear lost, in distress or in trouble.

In addition, the routinisation of tourism in key world tourist centres has produced relatively peaceful international havens for tourists, spaces where the presence of “others” is normative.

Tourism is actively reproducing such a mentality by suggesting that one should take an absorbed interest in the life and cultures of others and that one’s life will be the richer for it. While practitioners of metropolitanism cannot commit to community and local participation they are more open to relationships outside their own ethnic identity. We need to understand

10 BYDGOSZCZ LIFE TAKES ON COLOUR: SPORT. Bydgoszcz: Bydgoszcz, 2012.

16 the subtle but extensive effects of tourism on the relationships between strangers, if only because as Bauman (1998b) argues, cities are becoming once again spaces of strangers.11

2.2 Xenophobia

Xenophobia is an irrational fear or contempt of strangers or foreigners. This ancient cultural and political phenomenon is also present in contemporary tourism, mainly manifesting itself in the hostile attitudes of residents towards tourists. Tourism research has not shown a specific interest in this problem, except in a broader context. Sociological studies on the stranger were an important starting point. The tourist can in fact be considered like the stranger in transit in foreign community. The strangehood perspective was developed to emphasize the cultural distance between the stranger and the integrated community. Xenophobia can occur when the carrying capacity is exceeded and the tourist is seen as responsible for all the evils caused by social change.12

2.3 Racism

Racism is a belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. Racism involves belief in racial differences, which acts as a justification for non-equal treatment of members of that race. The term is commonly used negatively and is usually associated with race-based prejudice, violence, dislike, discrimination, or oppression. 13

Some people may have little experience with people of a certain race and therefore have benign curiosity upon first encounters. For example, some may ask what a specific type of hair feels like or if skin is the same colour all over without meaning any offence. 14

11FRANKLIN, Adrian. Tourism: An Introduction. : SAGE Publications Ltd, 2003, p. 48-50. ISBN 0-7619-6761-3. 12 HotelMule. HotelMule [online]. 2011 [cit. 2012-04-10]. Available from: http://hotelmule.com/wiki/Xenophobia 13 Racism. In: Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia [online]. San Francisco (CA): Wikimedia Foundation, 2001- [cit. 2012-04-11]. Dostupné z: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism 14 Femaletraveller. Femaletraveller [online]. 2000 [cit. 2012-04-11]. Available from: http://www.femaletraveller.co.uk/dealing-with-racism-while-travelling.html 17

2.4 Language Barrier

Language is a key to a person’s self-identity. It enables the person to express emotions, share feelings, tell stories, and convey complex message and knowledge. Language is our greatest mediator that allows us to relate and understand each other (Imberti, 2007).15

Language barrier is a symbolic expression used to indicate the difficulties faced by people (who have no language in common) while attempting to communicate with each other. Language barriers have existed from time immemorial but the problem has acquired huge proportions in today’s globalization era. People with little or no knowledge of English find it very tough to operate in such environments. Understanding road signs, restaurants menus become an impossible task. Even those who enjoy a fair degree of comfort with the English language sometimes find themselves in a quandary when they realize that the local people have little or no knowledge of the English language. 16

2.5 Crimes against tourists

Tourists offer a tempting and convenient target for that small minority of the local population that is determined to acquire some of wealth for themself, or wish to exploit the tourists in some other way. At one end of the spectrum where the element of illegality is vague or borderline are locals who engage in overpricing of begging. Escalating towards the other end of the spectrum are unambiguously criminal activities involving theft, assault and murder. The attractiveness of tourists as targets of crime is enhanced by several factors, including:

- tourists may be highly conspicuous because of their race, clothing, speech, location and tendency to carry cameras or backpacks presenting a readily identifiable target to criminals

- tourists are more likely to be carrying and displaying objects of value

- there is an increased probability that tourists may inadvertently stray into dangerous neighbourhood or become lost over the local road network

15 The Impact of Language Barrier & Cultural Differences on Restaurant Experiences: A Grounded Theory Approach [online]. Pennsylvania, 2011 [cit. 2012-04-11]. Available from: http://scholarworks.umass.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1175&context=gradconf_hospitality. Research. The Pennsylvania State University. 16 Streetdictionary. Streetdictionary [online]. 2012 [cit. 2012-04-11]. Available from: http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/106728/languages/language_barrier___no_more_a_barri er_now.html 18

- tourists are strangers in the destination, and few people will be aware of their specific activity patterns or will notice if they do not return to their accommodation after certain period of time

- tourists lack of familiarity with local services or language may produce long delays between when the crime takes place and when is reported to authorities. 17

2.6 Lack of education in tourism

Since many of the negative tourist-resident impacts of tourism are perceived an impact, that is judgments made by individuals about others, then it follows that mistakes and errors of interpretation are possible. A community which receives more detailed education in the field of tourism will be better able to analyse the impacts that are specifically tourism related with a rounded appreciation of both the negative and positive consequences of development. Murphy (1985), a leading international figure in tourism social impact analysis, strongly argues that tourism is better received when the community has been more adequately informed about the industry. Accordingly, non-trivial information campaigns about tourism, about tourist habits and cultural differences offer one line of attack for improving tourist-resident relationships.18

2.7 Negative tourist-resident impacts

Tourist resident contact is important because the international evidence indicates that when negative impacts are ignored there can be some major economic and political repercussions. This community backlash may include:

- a loss of support for the authorities/councils which promote tourism,

- an unwillingness to work in the tourism industry,

- a lack of enthusiasm in promoting the tourism product by word of mouth,

- a hostility to the tourists themselves which can manifested in overcharging, rudeness and indifference to the tourist’s holiday experiences

- delays in the construction of tourism development because of community protests

17 Has7. Has7 [online]. [cit. 2012-04-10]. Available from: http://www.has7.com/tourism-and-crime/

19

These negative consequences of tourist-resident contact have major implications for a tourism development in a region. They represent the combined effects of all the smaller consequences of social interaction transformed into political and economic power through community action. It is important to be aware of them, but it may not be possible to alter them quickly, because they represent the culmination of a complex web of community dissatisfaction.

In short, while they are highly undesirable for tourism development purposes, they can best be influenced by understanding the underlying interactions and effects on which they are based. There is also a growing moral or ethical concern about tourist resident relationship.19

18 THEOBALD, William. Global Tourism. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinmann, 1994, 144;130-131. ISBN 0- 7506-4022-7. 20

3. Tourist Barriers in Bydgoszcz

3.1 Research

3.1.1 Interview

The interview participants were students who had an opportunity to experience a life in Bydgoszcz in long term period of time from four to eight months. The aim was to gather opinions, experiences and impressions of foreigner students.

List of participants: Czech – 2; Greek – 1; Italian – 1; Portuguese – 3; Spanish – 2; Turkish – 4; Ukrainian – 2

All participans were involved in a discussion and answered eight chosen questions:

1) Does anyone from Polish residents let you know that you, as a foreigner, are not welcome in Bydgoszcz?

2) Do you feel safe when you walk in the streets during the night?

3) Would you recommend Bydgoszcz as a tourist destination to your friends or family members?

4) Would you like to visit Bydgoszcz again if you have a chance?

5) Are people in Bydgoszcz friendly and try to help you if needed?

6) What do you think about a quality of language skills of residents and public sector employees?

7) Have you witnessed a racist behavior from residents of Bydgoszcz?

8) Have you made new friends and met good, friendly people during your stay?

1. Does anyone from Polish residents let you know that you, as a foreigner, are not welcome in Bydgoszcz?

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Bydgoszcz as a city wants to build a strong and steady sector of tourism. But who would like that? The initiators are urban governance, universities, hotels and similar subjects. However the biggest part of the city is formed by common citizens who lived their lives in a same way and manner a year after year and might not feel positive towards to big changes.

Sometimes it is hard to tell, because I don’t understand what are they saying. I’ve had a glimpse in the pub, glimpses that they’ve acknowledged me in a negative manner maybe. I notice that they make eye contact and their eye contact doesn’t give a positive aura. I assume it is because of my colour.

Turkish student

It happened that someone started to talk to us or eventually shouted on us although we didn’t know those people or never met them before. Once they have even used english bad words. It is sad that some guys spend so much effort just to offend someone who is not from there. They were young. Probably teenagers.

Spanish student

The true is that we experienced unwelcome behaviours. For example in stores or during shopping when we approach a polish person in case we need a help. After they realized we are not from Poland or our is not so good then they gave us a bad look or started talking to another polish person. And as we could understood some polish language, it wasn’t nice talking. On the other hand it never happened to us at our university or among students.

Czech student

The city is at its beginning regarding to a tourism developement. Generally a tourism in Poland, even though it has a great potential, does not have a great reputation yet.

This leads to a suspicion, sometimes unwelcome behaviors of residents towards foreigners. It is a natural process. Tourists represent something new for citizens of Bydgoszcz and they are not always sure how to react. Despite the ingrained prejudices.

It brings us to occurence that almost every foreigner student experienced some kind of an unwelcome behavior or xenophobia.

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Do you feel safe when you walk in the streets during the night?

Safety and low crime is an essential basis for a tourist destination. A place where people can be assaulted, robbed or hurt will not attract so many visitors.

Bydgoszcz is one of larger cities in Poland and commonly bigger cities are places with higher crime presence. In Bydgoszcz there are many bars, pubs and clubs which makes the nighlife busy.

I never had serious troubles in Bydgoszcz. However there is quite a lot drunk people during weekend nights which is quite annoying. I’ve seen drunk people destroying some benches, but nothing has ever happened to me. If you know what places to avoid you should be allright.

Italian student

Although there are drunk people or beggars in streets, you can also meet a police quite often. So yeah, I can’t say I don’t feel safe. Some of my friends had bad experience. One of them got robbed while she was drunk and left her handbag unsecured so I guess there is blame on her side.

Portuguese student

Personaly I’ve never experienced any violence from polish people so I feel safe. It is really not a very different from home. Some places are best to be avoid so just use a common sense and you will not have any problems.

Czech student

Nightlife is a lifestyle attracted by tourists as well as young people like students. A big part can be an alcohol consumption and drugs. People under the influence of alcohol and drugs will more likely cause a violence and brawls. A police presence is more than needed in those occasions to provide help and safety for everyone.

2. Would you recommend Bydgoszcz as a tourist destination to your friends or family members?

Some tourist places became so highly visited because of a good reputation. People will always care about opinions of previous visitors. A good reputation of a destination is something what

23 would be hardly purchased. This kind of advertising is free and have a greater value than paid advertisement in tv.

Bydgoszcz is definately worth to visit. I had a great time here. It is just so different from my home.

Turkish student

The city is really nice. And so is the rest of Poland. There are many places worth to visit. I’ve tried to travel as much as I could. I also visited Gdańsk and Kraków and I found them more interesting. Anyway I enjoyed the time here in Bydgoszcz and I can recommend to everyone.

Spanish student

I like Bydgoszcz and I would recommend it to my friends. But I think that a day or two is enough to see and visit everything important here. There are also cities and places in Poland which are more interesting than this one.

Portuguese student

This place i really good for students. I would recommend it to my friends. Lots of cultural events are held here. Moreover I like parties and fun and those clubs and bars can be really busy which is exciting. You will not be bored there.

Czech student

The above interview excerps shows a very positive feeling about a stay of students. Bydgoszcz offers many kinds of entertainment so almost everyone will find a way to have a good time. And it is a variety what makes this city interesting. Cultural events, sport activities, nightlife and sights.

The question is if it is enough to entertain a visitor for more than few days. As comments of respondents reflect, Bydgoszcz is interesting, but there are more cities and places with warranted tourist attractions in Poland.

3. Would you like to visit Bydgoszcz again if you have a chance?

One of success of world tourist destination lies in regular flow of tourists. Those often visited their favourite destination more than once.

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I would like to visit Bydgoszcz again. I met there so many nice people. I hope I will stay with my polish friends in touch even when I leave. And I spent there lot of time. Two semesters and it is a big part of my life so hopefully one day I’ll have a chance to come back again.

Turkish student

I do like a travelling, but if I have an opportunity to travel again I might rather visit some new destination. There is nothing wrong with Bydgoszcz though, just there are so many other places which I’d like to visit.

Italian student

I think to visit Bydgoszcz once is enough. I don’t think I’ll visit this city again although I enjoyed my time here.

Czech student

Even though visitors had a good time during thier stay, not many of them wished to visit this destination again instead of any other place.

4. Are people in Bydgoszcz friendly and try to help you if needed?

Friendly people and a friendly environment is a very important factor for a tourism growth. Relations beteween tourists and residents can suffer from misunderstanding and cultural differences. Foreigners evoke all kinds of feeling in local citizens. Sometimes positive as a willingness to help or to show hospitality.

I had all kinds of experience. Sometimes people just ignore me or even look afraid when I approach them. But mostly they had a positive reactions. It is funny when we do not undestand each other, but still we can use mimics and body language to understand. It is almost seems that you don’t need words to understand most important things.

Spanish student

For me it is like everywhere. There are good people and bad people. If you speak polish or trying to there is higher chance that someone will help you. Also it is different whom you ask. Generally young people are more curious and act friendly.

Ukrainian student

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People in Poland are mostly friendly. Especially students at my university. I have great friends among them. Everytime I was looking for a help I found someone.

Greek student

Yes, they are friendly. But they are suspicious as well. Sometimes it takes a time since they start to trust you. They are not too open for foreigners though, but when they start to know and you make a friendship, it lasts.

Turkish student

What is important is that even though there can be a language barrier between a tourist and citizen, still there is a goodwill to help if needed.

People in Bydgoszcz are considered friendly, as well as suspicious. Young generations are more open minded and multilingual.

5. What do you think about a quality of language skills of residents and public sector employees?

Language barriers are faced by people who have no language in common. To provide information and ability to communicate with foreigners is one of bacis issues of tourism.

Well it is really hard to find someone who speaks english when you need. The true is that this is Poland. They have their own language and they do not have any obligation to speak english or any other language. Just it can be frustrating when you don’t understand anything so you can feel quite lost.

Italian student

For me it is difficult. People do not speak english there. I have trouble in restaurants when I’d like to order a meal. Menu is often only in polish language so I didn’t know what I’m ordering if there is a pork or isn’t. It is good to have a polish friend who speaks english. Over time I learned some polish so it got better.

Turkish student

Most often we had troubles during travelling. Trains are very common and cheap for students here in Poland so often we spent a lot of time with buying tickets. In those cities like

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Bydgoszcz everything is in polish language and you do not always find someone who speaks english or german language so it comes to any different kind of communication.

Portuguese student

Language here is a big issue for me. I don’t understand it. At the train station there is an information office, but no one speaks english. All signs are only in one language, polish. So you better to learn polish language fast.

Greek student

There is an apparent a lack of english speaking people in public sectors for a city that wants establish a tourism environment. Foreigner students are often relying on polish students to provide information and help.

6. Have you witnessed a racist behavior from residents of Bydgoszcz?

A racism is a big issue in Poland. The vast majority of population is white and differences can be preceived negatively. Verbal or physical attack with racial context is considered as a crime and can negatively affects a reputaion of the destination.

My friend and I had a bad experience. We were together with our polish fiend who is also student. We took a tram. There were two guys who were staring at us and started talking loudly. When we heard a word like a terrorist we knew something is wrong. We tried to ignore it, but they kept shouting and looked at us defiantly. After we got off the bus, our polish friend translated and explained what we already suspected. Our polish friend was quite sad and felt sorry for what happened.

Turkish student

Nothing has ever happened me, but friend of mine got to the trouble. There were fights in clubs between turkish and polish. Also time to time you can hear stories or rumors.

Turkish student

I had a very bad experience. Once I was returning from a gym to my college and four guys blocked the way. They had beer bottles and behaved agressive. They talked to me, but I did not understand. Then they started to shout, pushed me and one of them hit me to the shoulder. I struck back and start to run. I managed to escape. I was surprised and angry at the same

27 time. It happened close to the university campus. I guess they did not like me, because I look different.

Spanish student

Even if they had not suffered racial abuse directly, students were disturbed by stories of mistreatment. Emocional reactions to racially motivated incidents are generally more severe than for non- racially motivated incidents. Very often the first reaction to the confornation with racism was shock.

7. Have you made new friends and met good, friendly people during your stay?

A positive environment, new friendships and connections is frequently what is a tourist looking for. People are one of the main factors of destination they are visiting.

I’ve met lot of new people and made good friend. I hope we will keep in touch.

Czech student

We met bad people and nice people. More nice people. They are friendly here. I have few polish friends now.

Portuguese student

I met lot of friendly people. So now I’m sad that I have to leave. Hopefuly we will stay in contact or will see each other again.

Turkish student

From most of the respondents dominated positive feelings. It is obvious that basic life values like friendship and kindness are similar everywhere and you can find them everywhere.

3.1.2 Security and safety

3.1.2.1 Police

Police is the most important security keeper. Provides a protection and help for citizens and visitors of Bydgoszcz.

Cities and towns in Poland have a bad reputation of brawls and public vulgarities. Unfortunately Bydgoszcz is not an exception. These difficulties are caused mainly by soccer

28 and sport events. In a city itself there are two soccer clubs, Zawisza Bydgoszcz and Polonia Bydgoszcz and although they are not even playing in the same competition league a rivalry between club fans is more than evident.

Police is prepared for these events and well trained. Its presence is noticeable which is on the one hand a reason for feeling safe, but on the other hand brings a question what is a reason to have a police all around. Because there is a cause for it. Especially those armoured vans which can be seen in streets pretty often.

Police presence is more than welcome around areas of public transport stations. Bus station and train station are often a place where thieves and drunk people are hoarded up. Those can bother visitors and cause violence. That is why are places like those often visited by police patrols.

3.1.2.2 Emergency, services, hotlines

Poland as a developed European state has its own system of emergency and hotline services. The public telephone network has a single emergency number, sometimes known as the universal emergency telephone number or occasionally the emergency service number, that allows a caller to contact local emergency services for assistance.20

Emergency phone numbers from fixed phones:

999: Ambulance 998: Fire Brigade 997: Police 981: Road Assistance 986: Municipal Police

Using mobile phones callers need remember to dial a local code before the number: 52 – 997 to call the police in Bydgoszcz. Emergency calls from phone boxes are free of charge. If a tourist doesn’t know local code, he can dial the general emergency number for mobile phones: 112. The operator will request the appropriate emergency unit. It is recommended using direct emergency numbers in case of danger (997, 998, 999) because in some areas the general emergency number (112) still does not work properly.

20 Emergency telephone number. In: Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia [online]. San Francisco (CA): Wikimedia Foundation, 2001- [cit. 2013-04-30]. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_telephone_number 29

Between June 1st and September 30th however, English, German and Russian speakers may have the option of using a separate line specifically designed for foreigners in distress 800 200 300 from any land-line or 608 599 999 from a mobile phone for troubles during high- tourist season.

3.1.2.3 Public Information Symbols

One of the weakest spots in Bydgoszcz tourism development are public information symbols. The lack of public information symbols is obvious. There is note many of them, but those which can be seen are patchy or confusing.

In front of some sights can be found information boards. But those are in administration of other subjects than a Bydgoszcz municipality or tourism organizations.

Bydgoszcz is missing a united system of signs, directions symbols or sights information boards. As a city which would like to improve their tourism sector and bring tourist it is a ignominious absence.

3.1.2.4 Transport

Due to a transport developement during tha last years a tourism became a strong and steady industry. The developement of a transport sector is one of the keys which led to such a big grown of a tourism industry all around the world. Tourists now have a chance to travel for long distances as well as in the cities and tourist destinations itself.

Poland has a widespread road and railway transport network. There are many kinds of transport in Bydgoszcz and its surroundings. Tourist can use an air transport, train, buses, trams, cabs or boats.

3.1.2.4.1 Public Transport

As a public transport are available buses and trams. Tram routes were improved and changed. Just during the year 2012 was finished and presented a new route which leads from the train station to the city centre and connects others main routes. Tram routes lead through the city, connect urban areas and main residential areas with city centre. This change was more than needed, because the train station is one of the main entry of all visitors of Bydgoszcz.

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Trams itself work fine and are on time. Temporary construction activities put a bit of chaos to the transit system during second half of a year 2011 and beginning of 2012, but those actions were necessary and most of them were finished before main event of the year EURO 2012 soccer championship. Most of tram stops provide a shelter and time schedule. But not so many of them show a map of city. Some do, however there are not any schemes of tram routes so without previous knowledge visitors have no idea where and which tram will take them.

Current situation regarding buses is quite similar to a tram system. However during the February 2012 Bydgoskie Centrum Informacji (tourist information office) provided most of bus stops close to the city centre with a map of a city centre with a marked place where information centre can be found. It is look quite complicated, but if a visitor is lost or does not know where to go, at least he has a clue where to found information he is looking for.

3.1.2.4.2 Railway Station

Traveling by train is popular in Poland due to the relatively favourable prices. Station is often the first place where tourists come feet. Even though the station is in old fashioned style and has a deep history, nowadays appear more desolate and dirty.

Waiting room is rather stale, but at least it is equipped with a camera system, despite the participation of homeless people can feel safe. Main hall is equipped with two cameras however one of them is broken for a long time. You would hardly have sought information in a language other than Polish. A radio report of course, is only in Polish, which foreigners may consider a little uncomfortable. Although there is information for travellers, the staff speaks only polish.

What may seem fatal and surprising, considering the fact that Bydgoszcz is one of larger Polish cities, is a complete absence of any indicators or maps of the city. Although there is a bus stop outside the train station, even there is not any map or a plan of a city. Tourists often have to rely on taxi service, because they would not know what direction to go.

To feel safe and for protection there are security guards who patrol train station and platforms. Also city police bypasses around the area of railway station.

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3.1.2.4.3 Bus Station

The Bus station is near the city centre next to the river. Compared with the railway station there is no information staff. Just ticket sellers and they are not able to talk in different language than is the polish. Actually you would hardly see any indicators or information in a foreign language. Object is not monitored by cameras and there are no security guards.

What is good is that in the hall there is a map with Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship and bus routes are clearly displayed there. Environment is pleasing and there are enough seats. There are no signs for tourists to know what direction to be issued.

Bus station environment outside the main hall is clear and clean. In fact surroundings are very pleasant. The tourist after arriving can take the tram or walk trail along the river to reach city centre. The tram stop is in the immediate vicinity.

3.1.2.4.4 Airport

Bydgoszcz Airport has a completely new airport terminal building. The whole object is of course monitored and patrolled by security. Interior is very decent and tidy. The main hall is equipped with many comfortable seats for travellers who are waiting for their flights.

Information Centre staff speak foreign languages. Employees are well trained and are willing to assist in solving problems and help each visitor. Indicators and signs are in both Polish and English languages.

Outside of the airport there is a large parking and bus stop. The bus rides from there to the city center and bus station. The visitor can’t get lost here.

3.1.3.5 Information Centre

Information centre is one of the most important institutes of tourism. Every city or town what is trying to establish strong and well developed sector of tourism should have one. The purpose is to provide all kind of information needed by tourists. Information centre in Bydgoszcz is called Bydgoskie Centrum Informacji and is located on the square Stary Rynek.

Information centre is modern and well equipped. There are four employees. At least two of them are in the front office. All staff members are speaking English or one another foreign

32 language. People who are working there are trained in to find and provide information, helping visitors and tourists and providing customer service.

This tourist office offers internet access and all various kind of information sources. Books about city history, maps of Bydgoszcz, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship or whole Poland, interesting tourist travel routes, guides and of course souvenirs. But the most important is staff and its skills. Employees are very helpful and although a team is made mainly from young people they do have a lot of experience.

Bydgoskie Centrum Informacji has far more tasks then those previously mentioned. It is also directly cooperate with municipality of city Bydgoszcz and BYLOT (Bydgoska Lokalna Organizacja Turystyczna). Together they participate in an organization of local events and cultural actions.

This tourism office also manages their own web pages: http://visitbydgoszcz.pl/index.php/en. Those are available in six different languages and provides useful information about the city, hotels, cultural events and much more.

3.2 Defining tourist barriers in Bydgoszcz

Bydgoszcz is still fresh tourist destination at the begining of developement. It has many positive sides. For example there are tourists who prefer untouched destination to feel its authenticity. On the other hand it brings a lot of negative factors for a preparedness of the destination.

The vast majority of tourists has no knowledge of the polish language when they come to Bydgoszcz. Then it is very difficult to find any source of information. Citizens mostly don’t speak english or it happens that they lack a willingness to help.

There is an absence of tourist signs. No direction pointers what would lead tourist to interesting sights. There are no maps of the city or its describtion in english language at the places like the bus station, the train station or square.

The public transport works well for citizens, but without previous knowledge of the tranpsort system traveling becomes painful and confusing for the tourist. At the bus stops there are no maps where would be shown directions of particular bus lines. The same situation is with trams.

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Bydgoszcz is missing its own reputation. The city is not seen as something unique and original. Bydgoszcz doesn’t have built a strong tourist position among more famous cities like Kraków, Gdańsk, Toruń or Wrocław yet.

The tourists represent something new in the eyes of the local citizens. They are still not used to foreigner people. A tourist can be easily recognized as someone different, whether due to the appearance or behavior. Suspicious glances, unwelcome behavior, xenophobia are quite frequent. What is more serious is when the hostility grows into a racial attack, whether verbal or even worse, a physical assault. All those cases were witnessed by foreigner visitors.

Bydgoszcz as a city wants to develop strong and steady sector of tourism, but it does not seem that municipality is doing anything for this plan. And just want something is not enough. To realize its plans, the city must make changes.

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4. Conclusion

The main obstacles are cultural and language barriers, xenophobia, rasism, orientation in the city, the reputation of the city and the public transport.

The scale of the challenges is very large, but still we can find a solution or plan for every single one. Let start with problems what are easier to eliminate first.

The most important is to have a synptical and united system of signs, signposts, maps, descriptions of monuments and other places for a better orientation in the city. It is very simple. For a small effort get big results. Tourist will get this way much more independence. It is important to start at access points like the train station, the bus station and the airport. Maps with tourist trails and marked sights as well as basic information like emergency tel. numbers.

The situation regarding the public transport is pretty similar as orientation signs issue in the paragraph above. The lack of any signs and maps is apparent, however it can be easily fixed with displaying bus numbers and its routes on maps attached at bus stops or right in buses and trams as it is usual in many tourist destinations all around the world.

Xenophobia and rasism are much more serious issues. This is a worldwide problem. A time will help here till citizens get used to foreigner visitors and new cultures. Until that time come a police should provide a protection against a violence.

A big chance for Bydgoszcz are students. There are many universities with student exchange programs and a large part of foreigner visitors is formed by students. We can expect they behave presentable and polite and make a good impression on local residents. And again it is a matter of the time if those foreigner students awake trust in citizens of Bydgoszcz.

Bydgoszcz is a perfect destination for non-mass tourism. City is not transformed by tourism sector like other historic cities. You can see here a real polish life without falsity and kowtowing to tourists.

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Bibliography

 BYDGOSZCZ LIFE TAKES COLOUR: CULTURE. Bydgoszcz, 2012

 BYDGOSZCZ LIFE TAKES ON COLOUR: BUSINESS. Bydgoszcz, 2012

 BYDGOSZCZ LIFE TAKES ON COLOUR: SPORT. Bydgoszcz, 2012

 FRANKLIN, Adrian. Tourism: An Introduction. London: SAGE Publications Ltd, 2003, p. 48-50. ISBN 0-7619-6761-3.

 THEOBALD, William. Global Tourism. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinmann, 1994, 144;130-131. ISBN 0-7506-4022-7.

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