The tourist attractiveness of Tuscany in the opinion of Italian residents and Polish tourists

Abstract

The tourist attractiveness of an area results from a set of features and properties of the area’s natural and non-natural environment that stimulate interest and tourist traffic. The main purpose of the article is to present the results of an assessment of the tourist attractiveness of Tuscany according to Italian residents and Polish tourists. The results determined that Tuscany is perceived as a very attractive region of Italy for tourists. According to respondents, the best-rated attraction for residents of both countries was the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. The Square of Miracles (Ital., Piazza dei Miracoli) in Pisa and the Piazza del Campo in Siena also received very high marks.  In the opinion of Poles and Italians, the region's tourist attractiveness is most determined by its picturesque views, wonderful monuments and delicious regional cuisine. There was an opinion among the respondents that Tuscany should be promoted even more heavily within the region. Additionally, respondents believed that accommodation and catering facilities should be improved and suggested the creation of new tourist routes.