ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE COMMUNE

In the Krynica-Zdrój Commune, there is a development of the tourism sector aimed at disabled people, who are beginning to be perceived as a growing consumer market, who should be provided with appropriate conditions for tourism. The creation of conditions facilitating travel and the use of tourist infrastructure for disabled people is important from the economic and social point of view and constitutes the unused potential of the commune. Krynica-Zdrój has the potential to prepare an integrated therapeutic and recreational offer for people with disabilities and to create the image of a resort without barriers. Two groups of clients dominate in Krynica-Zdrój - on the one hand, seniors, expecting age-friendly services, and on the other, young, active people, who devote a lot of time to their work and expect a quick regeneration of strength. This forces changes in the approach to spa treatment, consisting in departing from typical sanatorium treatment in favor of wellness or SPA treatments.

Moreover, healing stays are shorter and the treatment is supported by active and cultural tourism. Weekend and several-day trips prevail, which should allow you to "recharge the batteries" in a short time. This means the need to modernize and expand the infrastructure, in particular in the field of:

• setting new tourist and nature trails - all-year-round, with the possibility of practicing various forms of activity (running, skiing, bicycles, walking, horse riding, swimming);
• expansion of sports and recreational infrastructure: sports fields, exercise rooms, open-air gym, as well as a more specialized offer, e.g. golf courses, tennis courts, climbing walls);
• consistent improvement of the quality of green areas, especially in the nature of spa parks;
• expansion of typical spa facilities, including, for example, health paths;
• organizing public spaces that are the showpiece of the health resort;
• strengthening and expanding new spaces for cultural and entertainment events;
• revitalization of historic villas for hotel, recreational and gastronomic purposes;
• further ordering, modernization and revalorization of historical spa infrastructure.

Taking into account the trends on the tourist market and the natural values of the health resort, Krynica-Zdrój has a strong competitive advantage because it has a recognizable brand, identity and image. The image of the resort as an enclave for sick seniors is slowly becoming a thing of the past, and spa towns are becoming modern treatment and recreation centers, focused not only on providing medical services, but also health prophylaxis and active recreation.

Currently, Krynica-Zdrój is faced with the need to undertake innovative, creative activities, at the same time deeply anchored in tradition and culture, so as to create a modern image of the town,   where one goes for health and exercise, well-being and joy, nature and culture, beauty and silhouette.

The health resort's development opportunity is the integration of services combining a modern SPA and wellness offer with the natural and cultural potential, as well as building the health resort's reputation as a leading center in the country in this regard. Another opportunity for the development of the health resort, and at the same time the untapped potential, is the broadly understood business tourism (business, congress and trade), which is one of the fastest growing types of tourism both in Poland and in the world. Business and spa tourism have many common features, such as: high dependence of participants on the principals and organizers of the stay, little influence on the place, date, duration and program of the stay, and the level of services provided. Both forms of tourism are subject to slight seasonal fluctuations - in this respect they complement each other. Business events last up to several days and take place during work, trips for health purposes from several to several days and in non-working time.

Business tourism is an opportunity to make fuller use of the tourist base in spas outside the holiday season and in the so-called working days when weekend tourists are working. For the further development of business tourism in Krynica-Zdrój, it is necessary to modernize the hotel base, as well as modernize the auditorium facilities, so that it meets the requirements for the organization of congresses, trainings or business meetings. Developing the infrastructure and offer of the meetings industry, the so-called MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) may become an important driving force of the Krynica economy.