Shopping tourism as a factor in the development of peripheral areas : the case of the Polish-German borderland

Abstract

Purpose: The article presents selected results of research on the impact of shopping tourism on the development of peripheral areas illustrated by the case of the Polish-German borderland. The purpose of research was to determine whether shopping tourism can be a factor in the development of peripheral areas. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was based on data from publicly available statistics and the analysis of available literature on the subject. It covered 8 powiats (counties) located along the Polish-German border. Findings: The heavier border traffic and the increasing expenses of foreigners in the border area point to the potential development of various forms of economic activity in the area of the Polish-German border. Practical Implications: The research has demonstrated that the development of shopping tourism requires an integrated tourist product. Shopping tourism is a significant factor in the development of regional enterprise. Originality/Value: The suggested solutions are to contribute to higher quality of services offered to shopping tourists crossing the Polish-German border.