EN
"Local development is a process of positive qualitative and quantitative changes occurring in a given system, taking into account the appropriate needs, preferences and values". This definition, proposed by L. Wojtasiewicz (1997), allows to fully capture the phenomenon of obliterating the boundaries between the sphere of economy and that of culture, which many authors think to be characteristic of the contemporary times. Interest in this form of tourism is reflected, among others, in the growing number of various programmes and initiatives fostering the development and creation of new tourist products. This can be observed at all levels, from the local to the supra national level. This issue has a well-established presence in the regional policies of the European Union, which ever since the beginning of the PHARE programme has had a considerable influence on the strategy of tourism development in Poland. In the EU, this branch of the economy is regarded as an important tool of stimulating regional development. As a result of the awareness of the current trends, growing competition of non-European countries and the expanding European market (owing to the ageing of the society), more and more activities are undertaken in the sphere of broadly understood cultural tourism. However, creating a quality product in this sphere requires a very thorough understanding of both the resources and the needs, and an assessment of the threats to the cultural heritage which, according to the contemporary definition, comprises not only lasting material elements, but also much more sensitive non-material aspects, such as language or tradition. In every instance, the creation of a cultural tourism product should be preceded by a thorough assessment of the resources and market needs. Frequently, the successors themselves are not aware of the wealth of their cultural heritage. The idea to address promotion to tourists and to the local communities seems well founded (Kneafsey, 2000). At the same time, it should be borne in mind that ignorance might not only preclude the use of a given resource, but also lead to its destruction in connection with another activity.