%0 Journal Article %T The Relationship between National Parks and Local Governments in the Area of Tourism Development in Poland: Collaboration, Opportunities and Challenges %A Kapera, Izabela %J Zarządzanie Publiczne %V 2017 %R 10.4467/20843968ZP.16.012.7227 %N Numer 2 (38) %P 131-146 %K protected areas, local governments, tourism management, Poland %@ 1896-0200 %D 2017 %U https://ejournals.eu/czasopismo/zarzadzanie-publiczne/artykul/the-relationship-between-national-parks-and-local-governments-in-the-area-of-tourism-development-in-poland-collaboration-opportunities-and-challenges %X The purpose of the paper is to discuss the scope and quality of collaborative efforts between national parks and local governments in the area of tourism development. The research procedure is based on the questionnaires received from all 23 national parks in Poland, which welcome a total of about 11 million tourists per year. The largest number of park and local government decisions made concern promotional efforts and the development of tourist infrastructure –  mostly walking trails. Most national parks (61%) do suggest that tourism development conflicts with the mission of national parks. The research results may help better understand the relationship between national parks and local governments and may help evaluate what is expected of government officials.