Tourist activities and the impact on local and regional development

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to assess the impact of the National Festival of Dance Music (OFMT) on the recognition and tourist attraction of Ostróda. The focus is on understanding the festival's influence on the local community and the region's overall recognition and tourist attractiveness. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research utilized a survey and an interview. The survey, conducted during the first day of the festival in 2018, targeted 100 OFMT participants and included questions about tourist attractions, motives for attendance, accommodation, and perceptions of the festival's impact. An in-depth interview with Robert Klatt, the organizer, was also conducted in 2018. Findings: The OFMT significantly influences Ostróda's recognition and tourist attractiveness. Participants, mainly from Warmińsko-Mazurskie and neighbouring regions, associated Ostróda with relaxation, the OFMT, and the Ostróda-Elbląg Canal. Surveyed attendees positively evaluated the festival's promotion, choice of artists, information services, security, cleanliness, location, and food outlets. The festival attracted diverse age groups, with most attendees in the 26-35 age range, and the majority were employed. Social media, particularly Facebook, was the most effective form of promotion. Practical Implications: The OFMT positively impacts the integration of residents with tourists. Respondents indicated that the festival creates a modern image of Ostróda, influences its recognition, and contributes to the region's tourist development. The festival's positive influence on the Ostróda Municipality extends to various aspects, including accommodation, food and beverage facilities, transportation accessibility, and cultural/ recreational/ entertainment facilities. Originality/Value: The study provides insights into the specific impact of a dance music festival on a local community's recognition and tourist appeal. It highlights the festival's role in shaping the modern image of Ostróda and fostering community integration.