Measurements for Tourist Space Development
Purpose. Disseminating knowledge on tourist space as a subject of study (ontological aspect) and methods for researching (describing and measuring) it, including paradigms and applied research approaches (epistemological aspect). Research hypothesis: the measure of tourism (tourist space) development is the achievement, within a given area, a state of long-term sustainability, defined as the situation in which the (widely understood) benefits outweigh (widely understood) costs of tourism development incurred by all (direct and indirect) groups of stakeholders. Method. The first part of the paper provides an overview. On the basis of the existing definitions and ways of understanding or delimiting tourist space, different measures (including measures of tourist space development) were distinguished and classified. In the second part of the paper, the results of a pilot research project investigating the state of sustainability of tourist space (tourism) in the town of Jastarnia were presented (case study). The research project was carried out using an innovative research method based on a model of sustainable tourism. This was a qualitative project and the obtained results have been quantified. Findings. The current state of tourism (tourist space) in Jastarnia was found to meet the criteria of sustainability, although certain sub-groups of respondents reported lack of sustainability in the component of costs. Research and conclusion limitations. The results of the empirical research reflect the current state (2015). The research project was carried out on a determined sample (it is not representative). Practical implications. The proposed method can be used for assessing the state of tourism at any destination. The obtained results can serve as a guide in the decision making process regarding the directions of tourism development. Originality. An innovative empirical research method has been applied. Type of paper. The first part of the paper provides an overview. The second part contains results of an empirical research project.