Environmental Management Systems in Tourist Communities Since the beginning of the 90's of the past century, the idea of Environmental Management Systems has become widespread all over the world. Being voluntary the systems are the tools for the realization of the rudimentary tasks of institutions, organizations as well as economic enterprises including the balanced development. In a few years' time only the communes that possess the Certificate of Environmental Management will be highly appreciated on the international tourist market but those which will not be able to keep up with the eco trends are likely to suffer from the lack of tourists in the foreseeable future. The EMAS is a tool for the realization of the ecological policy of the European Union. The requirements of EMAS and those specified in ISO 14 001 converge. The EMAS meets one of the postulates of the ecological policy of the EU. It is the principle of providing the citizens with the large quantity of information concerning the undertakings connected with the environmental protection. The introduction of Environmental Management Systems to a local administration of a commune council is bound to bring about manifold effects. So far any of the communes fulfilling tourist function in Poland has not initiated Environmental Management System, although in some of them such activities have been carried on.