Geographical tourism research and education at the Jagiellonian University School of Tourism in Poland (1936–1939)

• Main Authors: A. Jackowski, I. Sołjan, E. Bilska-Wodecka, J. Liro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Copernicus Publications 2016-11-01
• Series: History of Geo- and Space Sciences
• Online Access: http://www.hist-geo-space-sci.net/7/91/2016/hgss-7-91-2016.pdf

The beginning of the twentieth century was a time of intensive development of geographical research on tourism, as well as the establishment of tourism research centers in many European countries. The Jagiellonian University School of Tourism played an important role in the development of tourism geography and education, spatial and regional planning, and personnel training for tourism developing in the 1930s in Poland. Tourism education in the school was characterized by a modern curriculum and forms of teaching, including fieldwork, focusing on developing practical skills, and linking research topics with the teaching process. The school conducted extensive research, publishing and documentary activities. The achievements of the Jagiellonian University School of Tourism helped raise awareness in society of the importance of tourism in the socio-economic development of regions and cities. This article presents the history of the Jagiellonian University School of Tourism and highlights its role in the development of tourism research and education in Europe. The school is mentioned among the pioneering centers of tourism, i.e., Robert Glucksmann's Tourism Research Institute at the Berlin School of Commerce, Walter Hunziker's and Kurt Krapf's tourism seminar in St. Gallen, and Raoul Blanchard's Institute of Alpine Geography in Grenoble.