Bitwa łódzka 1914 – za i przeciw nowym projektom turystycznym w województwie łódzkim

Abstract

Although tourists’ interest in battlefields and memorials is nothing new, it has been increasing recently and becoming part of the so-called historical-military tourism. New tourist products, such as structures, trails, events (e.g. battle reconstructions) are created, using the tourist potential of a particular historical event. The article depicts the Battle of Łódź in 1914 which is considered to be the largest military-logistic operation of World War I and its material heritage, such as cemeteries, military burial plots, standalone graves, ramparts or trenches. Unfortunately, these structures differ in their level of preservation, appearance or accessibility. In case of the described event, attempts are made at creating a complex tourist product called Museum in Space – Battle of Łódź 1914, promoted by local authorities of the Łódź East County. When analysing the project, the authors indicate its strengths (e.g. involvement of local enthusiasts, organisation of meetings popularising the battle, material mementos), weaknesses (e.g. low level of knowledge about the event and the project among local residents, too high expectations related to the project effects, lack of proper task schedule and task consolidation), potential opportunities (e.g. approaching 100th anniversary of the battle, increasing interest in military tourism, knowledge and experience of other regions of Poland and Europe in organising similar projects) and potential threats (e.g. similar projects conducted in other parts of the country, emergence of competitive projects, low engagement of local authorities). The article aims at attracting attention of institutions and entities concerned. It calls for reflection, verification and intensification of actions related to the project, which should perhaps become not only a tourist product, but also a regional symbol being a part of united Europe.