Małgorzata Bajgier-Kowalska

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the profile of tourists visiting Budapest, Prague and Warsaw. These cities were selected for their rich cultural heritage and change in volume of tourism in recent years. Survey data(N = 550) and statistical data on tourist volume were used to show similarities and differences in tourist characteristics in terms of socio-demographics and purpose of travel. The study concluded that most tourists visiting these cities are from Western Europe. The main purpose of travel is associated with cultural tourism offerings and entertainment. The study results help understand impact of city tourism development strategies on the tourist profile.

Keywords: capital cities, cultural heritage cities, tourist profile, urban tourism, Central and Eastern Europe

Mariola Tracz [mtracz-62@o2.pl], Polish Geography Society, Branch in Cracow Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Krakow: Poland
Małgorzata Bajgier-Kowalska [malbajkow@interia.pl], Faculty of Law, Administration and International Relations Department of International Tourism and Social Geography Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Kraków University Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzińskiego 1, 30-705 Kraków: Poland