This book discusses how tourism between neighboring countries like Poland and Germany is hindered despite the Schengen Treaty. Taking protected areas in north-eastern Germany and north-western Poland as exemplary cases, it analyses the phenomenon of socio-economic and cultural barriers for cross-border tourism. It also presents the results of a representative online survey in both countries, and discusses socio-economic and geographical research on border areas, nature tourism in protected areas, national stereotypes and prejudices. As one of the very few source market studies on protected area tourism, it is relevant for scholars and practitioners (protected area managers, tourism professionals) alike providing them with insights into the implications for future research and tourism practice.

Protected areas along the Polish-German border: underused potential for a cross-border destination?.- Cross-border tourism and protected areas: Theoretical and conceptual insights.- Cross-border policies and development in the European Union with relation to tourism.- International tourism between Poland and Germany.- Tourism in the National Parks Lower Oder Valley and Ujscie Warty.- Cross-border tourism to protected areas in Germany and Poland: Methods.- Perception of the German-Polish border and mutual attitudes and perceptions of the neighboring country: Results of a representative online survey (Part One).- Cross-border tourism and recreational behavior in the German-Polish border region: Results of a representative online survey (Part Two).- Image and visitation of protected areas along the Polish-German border with a special focus on the National Parks Unteres Odertal, Germany and Ujscie Warty, Poland: Results of a representative online survey (Part Three).- Barriers for cross-border tourism to protected areas in Germany and Poland: Results of a representative online survey (Part Four).- Cross-border tourism in protected areas along the polish-german border: Synthesis.