The organizers are guided by the idea of bringing neighboring regions together. The best way to get to know one another is to develop tourism, interest residents in what is happening literally just across the border, and encourage them to visit. This is particularly important in times of globalization, when distance is no longer a problem. It is enough to show that there are good reasons to visit the areas around Bolesławiec and Bautzen, with beautiful historic monuments, a rich culture, recreational sites and delicious cuisine.
“The aim of our project is to build neighborly relations between the residents of both counties,” says Sabine Rötschke, head of the office of the Bautzen district governor. “We have plenty to be proud of; we only need to interest tourists so that they want to see these places, take part in events and learn about the traditions of both countries.”
The project began in 2017. Among other things, a printed trilingual tourist guide, a website and the www.b-tourist.eu app were created; the app can easily be downloaded to smartphones. “In the second part, we will focus on expanding the attractions in terms of quality,” announces Sabine Rötschke. “For example, Bautzen will present seven recurring events that are open to everyone. What matters is having a great time and building friendly relationships.”
The “Bautzen and Bolesławiec – two tourist counties!” project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union through the INTERREG Poland–Saxony Small Projects Fund.
“More and more Poles are visiting Bautzen County,” says Tomasz Gabrysiak, governor of Bolesławiec County. “Adults, families with children and, increasingly, school and preschool groups are making the trip. The same applies to Germans interested in Polish culture and historic monuments. This has a significant impact on economic revitalization. The more visitors there are, the better hotel owners, restaurateurs and agritourism operators are doing.”
And we have plenty to be proud of. Poland’s tourist infrastructure and the quality of its cultural and sporting events have reached a European standard. All it takes is a visit to Bolesławiec: there are six municipalities, each different and unique, each with its own distinctive character. This is something for the residents of Bolesławiec County to consider—it is worth planning the time and route and setting out in search of adventure even a few or a dozen kilometers from home. We are waiting for visitors from Bautzen. They will certainly return home full of impressions, want to come again and promote the Bolesławiec area.
