Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Poland’s travel and tourism sector is heading toward a record-breaking year in 2025, as new data reveals significant growth in both domestic visitor spending and economic contributions. The latest figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) suggest that the sector is on track to exceed pre-pandemic levels of growth, with projections showing a milestone year ahead.
In 2025, Travel & Tourism in Poland is expected to contribute PLN 165.5 billion to the national economy, which will represent 4.4% of Poland’s GDP. This growth will surpass the previous peak of 2019 by 5.9%, setting a new benchmark for the sector. The boost in GDP is expected to come alongside a rise in employment within the industry, with 901,100 jobs projected to be supported – a significant increase over 2019 figures.
One of the standout achievements for the sector in 2025 is the expected rise in domestic visitor spending. Domestic travel demand is forecast to climb to PLN 44.9 billion, reflecting an impressive 10.8% increase from 2019 levels. This signals a strong appetite for local tourism and underscores the resilience of Polish citizens in driving the nation’s tourism economy forward.
While the domestic market shows exceptional growth, international visitor spending is expected to lag slightly behind 2019, with a forecast of PLN 76.9 billion. This represents a 2.8% decrease when compared to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the ongoing need for strategies to accelerate the recovery of international tourism. Attracting more international visitors will be crucial for Poland to fully capitalize on the sector’s potential in the coming years.
In 2024, the Travel & Tourism sector made a valuable contribution of PLN 144.5 billion to Poland’s GDP, equal to 4% of the economy. While this figure remains 7.5% below the 2019 peak, it marks a continued recovery as the industry gradually regains its strength. Employment figures from the same year also showed positive trends, with 884,400 jobs supported by the sector, which is 2.7% higher than 2019 levels.
Domestic visitor spending reached PLN 42.8 billion in 2024, which represented a 5.6% increase compared to 2019. Meanwhile, international spending, though showing signs of recovery, remained 20.1% below 2019 figures, totaling PLN 63.1 billion. These numbers reflect the broader global challenges in recovering international tourism, but they also point to a gradual improvement that could spur future growth.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson highlighted the promising outlook for Poland’s tourism sector. “Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is showing great potential for long-term growth,” said Simpson. “With economic contributions and domestic travel both set to break records this year, the foundations are clearly in place for further expansion.”
Simpson went on to emphasize the importance of continued investment in areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, and destination marketing. To fully unlock Poland’s tourism potential, a collaborative effort from both public and private sectors will be essential. Enhancing Poland’s competitiveness in the international tourism market will play a key role in driving inbound tourism growth and sustaining the sector’s long-term prosperity.
Looking ahead to the future, the WTTC’s forecasts for 2035 paint an even more optimistic picture. By that time, the Travel & Tourism sector is projected to contribute PLN 221.8 billion to Poland’s GDP, accounting for 4.8% of the national economy. Employment in the sector is expected to rise to 987,300 jobs, with more than 86,000 new roles created over the next decade. This growth is expected to be fueled by the continued rise in both domestic and international spending.
Domestic visitor spending is forecast to grow to PLN 57.7 billion by 2035, while international spending could reach PLN 107.9 billion, narrowing the gap with historic peaks. This growth will unlock new economic opportunities for the tourism sector and provide significant benefits to other industries connected to travel and hospitality.
Poland’s strong position within the European Union (EU) tourism market is also noteworthy. In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8 trillion to the region’s GDP, representing over 10% of the EU economy. Employment in the sector grew by 4.7% year-on-year, supporting 24.6 million jobs across the EU. By the end of 2025, the EU Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to reach nearly €1.9 trillion, accounting for 10.5% of the regional economy.
As Poland continues its upward trajectory, both domestically and internationally, the nation is poised to remain a key player in the global tourism market. Its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and historical landmarks offer an abundance of opportunities for travelers. With the foundations of the sector strengthening, the future looks bright for Poland’s tourism economy.
