Questing in urban tourism - between innovation and wasted potential

The present study is an attempt to fill the large gap in a narrow group of publications with an assessment of the degree of understanding and actual use of this theoretically innovative form of making natural and cultural heritage accessible. The aim of the work was to confront opinions about questing in the scientific literature with the actual picture of its implementation in Poland. An attempt was made to answer the question: why, after twenty years of functioning of questing in Poland, with a long list of advantages and positive assessments of this method in the literature, questing is still poorly recognized in tourism, including urban tourism? In order to critically evaluate the image of questing in publications, desk research methods were used. Secondary source materials were analysed – scientific articles in the field of tourism and recreation from the period covering 2008 – 2023. A verification of the content of quest leaflets was carried out in field conditions and covering all towns in the Małopolskie [Lesser Poland] voivodeship. Barriers to the development of questing in Poland were documented, including, among others, a high percentage of quests outdated, impossible to implement year-round or devoid of a "treasure". It was proven that the innovative aspect was emphasised, yet at the same time the definition as much as design principles, the notion of maintenance-free and the competition aspect - remain vague, contradictory or misunderstood.