Tourism as One of Factors of Regional Development of the Department of Vaucluse in South-Eastern France

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present tourism as the main factor influencing development of the region of the small department of Vaucluse in the southeast of France. The success of development of this realm is influenced mainly by tourism competitiveness of this region in comparison to other regions, which in this part of France unusually full of attractions (the region of Provence, the Alps, the French Riviera) is a difficult challenge for small communes. However, communes being part of the Vaucluse department such as Orange, Awinion, Gordes, or Vaison-la-Romaine skillfully use their economic potential thanks to recreational, entertainment, or even sport tourism (Malaucene at the foot of Mont Ventoux). Preparing statistical data included in annual summary statements, literature review and author’s individual observations allowed to present modern approach to the use of tourism in economic development of the area. In the analysis of Vaucluse tourism industry capability among others hotel infrastructure, recreational attractiveness and average duration of stay were analysed. The article presents also the most important aspects influencing tourist attractiveness of Vaucluse, as well as indicates main destinations of tourists from Europe but also beyond.