Sustainable Tourism in Cities—Nature Reserves as a ‘New’ City Space for Nature-Based Tourism

Nature reserves within cities, particularly those prioritizing environmental protection, are emerging as prime locations for sustainable tourism. A study evaluating 16 nature reserves across five major Polish cities—Gdańsk, Łódź, Poznań, Toruń, and Warsaw—revealed their potential to support eco-friendly activities such as hiking, cycling, educational tourism, and recreational outings. Researchers used field surveys and a valorisation index to assess the presence of tourism infrastructure (e.g., informational facilities) and the reserves' attractiveness for tourists. The findings suggest that these urban green spaces can serve as valuable ecotourism products, offering both environmental benefits and sustainable recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Gonia, A., & Jezierska-Thöle, A. (2022). Sustainable Tourism in Cities—Nature Reserves as a ‘New’ City Space for Nature-Based Tourism. Sustainability, 14(3), 1581. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031581