EN
On the one hand, the dynamic development of modern tourism entails significant transformations in the existing tourism areas, on the other hand, it contributes to the creation of entirely new areas, as much original as controversial because of their utilitarian and architectural character. The process of their for mation is related to the functional and spatial development of airports and their surroundings (Fig. 1), and is sometimes referred to as the Airport City and the Aerotropolis. In turn, this spatial development is linked to a specific type of development, including elements of tourism development, enabling the implementation of a variety of socio-economic functions, including the tourist function (Fig. 2). These ‘interesting, new architectural spaces,’ which are located mainly in rich and well-developed countries, are the destination or transit points for many tourists. They are seen as multicultural places which exist across national borders, and have one common cultural code such as e.g. pictograms which are so important in international tourism management. Modern aerotropolises enable the development of certain forms of tourism (medical, health, incentive travel, congress) not only because of their proximity to the airport, but also due to a skillful planning process of the necessary tourist infrastructure. ‘New tourism areas’ which are discussed in this paper and which appeared at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, not only arouse growing interest but are beginning to play an increasing role in the global travel market. They illustrate meaningfully the general trend of spatial expansion of tourism areas. This article attempts to answer the question whether and to what extent the newly emerging urban spaces such as the Airport City and the Aerotropolis meet the criteria for a tourism area, and how these two models can change our perception in identifying a contemporary tourism area.