Post-Mining Sites as Drivers of Geoheritage and Sustainable Tourism: A Study of Visitor Dynamics in Polish Underground Tourist Mines (2019–2024)

Purpose: This study examines the development and tourism performance of mines adapted for public access in Poland, focusing on visitor statistics and site characteristics between 2019 and 2024.Design/Methodology/Approach: By analyzing data from 12 underground sites, including UNESCO-listed salt mines and lesser-known regional attractions, the paper assesses how mining heritage contributes to geotourism and local development.Findings: The findings highlight significant growth trends, especially in the Kodawa Salt Mine, which experienced a record increase in tourist numbers exceeding 1,600%.The study also emphasizes the educational and cultural potential of these sites, which serve not only as tourist destinations but also as platforms for geological outreach, heritage preservation, and regional revitalization.Practical implications: Furthermore, the paper discusses infrastructural investments and marketing strategies that have supported the expansion of underground tourism in Poland, and contextualizes these trends within European examples.Originality: The future of mining tourism lies in diversification, innovation, and heritagebased storytelling, with sites increasingly blending traditional exhibits with multimedia, thematic events, and immersive experiences to attract a wider audience.