Oferta turystyki kajakowej w województwie podkarpackim. Stan rozwoju oraz ocena odwiedzających

The aim of the article is to identify and assess the possibilities of the Podkarpackie Province in building a product offer for kayak tourism. The analyses presented in the article are based on data from several sources. Among others, the results of the Study on the Tourist Image of the Podkarpackie Province and the Study on Tourist Traffic in the Podkarpackie Province, which were conducted in 2021, were used. In addition, data from the Podkarpackie Regional Tourism Board was obtained. They concerned kayak events organized by this institution in 2021–2022. The estimation of potential relationships between the analyzed variables was carried out using the nonparametric chi-square test of independence (due to the size and distribution of results in the research sample). The analyses and interpretations carried out in the article allow us to state that in the scope of active tourism, water tourism, right after hiking and cycling, is the reason for coming to the Podkarpackie Province. Within the scope of water tourism, kayaking is an important position, especially for one-day visitors and above all in counties with lower tourist traffic intensity. It is a much more accessible form of water tourism than sailing or motorboat sports, both in terms of time, required permissions and qualifications, equipment, and finances. Water tourism, including kayaking, is in some places (e.g. Lake Solina) a significant source (direct and indirect) of income generated, among others, from tourists and organizers. It has a positive impact on socio-economic development and creates a positive image of the region “open to water” on the national and international arena.