The tourism sector is characterised by a unique complexity and diversity of institutional competences. It consists of elements subject to almost all sectors of the economy, between which tourist activity implies organisational, legal or technical relationships. Therefore, the feature of the institutional system of rural tourism in Poland is the multiplicity of actors involved in its functioning – at the local, regional and central level.

The main purpose of the visit is the creation of the international image of Polish rural areas as a tourist market offering varied and year-round attractions thanks to the integration of people and initiating cooperation.

Presentations of good practices, as well as meetings and discussions with the representatives of the actors operating for the development of tourism in Polish rural areas are planned within the framework of the visit, in particular with the owners of agrotourism farms and the representatives of local action groups and agrotourism associations concerning:

1)the offer of rural tourism and agrotourism, with a particular focus on interesting network products carried out/ managed in collaboration with entities from different sectors;

2)the importance of cultural heritage and regional products in the development of rural tourism;

3)the use of EU funds, including RDP 2007-2013 for the development of rural tourism in Poland;

4)directions of support for tourism in rural areas in the 2020 perspective.

Tastings of traditional and regional products and dishes, as well as presentations of Polish folklore and folk art are also planned during the visit. Moreover, the programme of the visit includes the participation in the 8^th edition of the International Fair of Rural and Agricultural Tourism AGROTRAVEL and accompanying events. The most important will include an international panel discussion during the Rural Tourism and Agrotourism Forum "The place of rural tourism in the modern economy" and the Folk Gala, which will serve as a summary of AGROTRAVEL 2016 competitions.

The participants of the visit will also have the opportunity to participate in educational workshops in the following areas: plant and animal production, processing of materials produced on the farm, environmental awareness, regional and traditional food or culinary heritage.

The visit is dedicated to the representatives of diplomatic missions in Poland, representatives of national and foreign government administration and local governments, as well as experts on the creation of rural tourist products brand, managing tourist products and quality in rural tourism, and the representatives of tourist and agricultural consultancy organisations.

Informations:

Katarzyna Orzechowska

tel. 22 623 23 26

Katarzyna.Orzechowska@minrol.gov.pl