INTEGRAL ASSESSMENT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ŁÓDŹ AND ŁÓDŹ VOIVODESHIP IN 2004–2021

The main aim of the article is to present an assessment of the dynamics and determine the trends in the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship in 2004-2021, as well as to compare them. Comparison of the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship was carried out on the calculation and analysis of integral indicators. The integral indicator was calculated based on 14 indicators grouped into three groups: 1) tourist accommodation establishments (9 indicators); 2) museums, including branches (3 indicators); 3) organization of mass events (2 indicators). Data collection by groups of indicators was carried out by the statistical observation method. As an information base, it is advisable to use official sources of information, namely data from the official website of Central Statistical Office of Poland and Regional Statistical Office in Łódź. To bring a significant number of different-quality and different-sized analytical indicators of tourism development, which were used to calculate the integral indicator, into a comparable form, they were normalized. Determination of weighting coefficients was carried out by an expert method (ranking method). The analysis allows come to conclusion about presence of common upward trend in the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship with elements of fluctuation in the period of 2004-2019 as well as general dramatic decline in 2020. However, compound annual growth rate of the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship for the analyzed period differs and equals 9,04% and 7,18% respectively. With continued investment in infrastructure, cultural and tourist projects, the region is likely to continue to grow as a popular tourist destination in the coming years. The development of tourism in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship has been driven by a combination of the following factors: converting a rich history and cultural heritage into cultural and entertainment centers both for tourists and for the locals; significant investment in tourism infrastructure; investing in marketing, advertising and destination management; development of the entertainment industry, etc.