Travel & Tourism in Poland Set to Surpass Economic Records: A Milestone Year for the Industry

Thursday, June 26, 2025

The Travel & Tourism sector in Poland is poised to achieve a groundbreaking year, with the 2025 projections indicating a remarkable return to pre-pandemic economic strength. According to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Poland’s Travel & Tourism industry is expected to significantly contribute to the nation’s GDP, surpassing previous milestones. This new data reflects Poland’s dedication to revitalizing its tourism sector, which is now becoming one of the leading contributors to the economy.

Economic Impact of Poland’s Travel & Tourism Sector

For 2025, Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to contribute PLN 165.5 billion to the country’s economy, representing 4.4% of the national GDP. This would surpass the 2019 peak by 5.9%, setting a new record for the sector’s economic impact. The strong growth in domestic visitor spending is one of the key driving forces, reflecting the increasing popularity of local tourism, as well as improved global accessibility.

In addition, the industry is projected to support 901,100 jobs, exceeding the 2019 employment levels. This reflects the sector’s continuous recovery, despite the challenges of recent years. Domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach PLN 44.9 billion, marking a 10.8% increase from 2019, showing the strong demand for domestic travel and tourism.

However, international visitor spending is expected to remain 2.8% below 2019 levels, reaching PLN 76.9 billion. This highlights the need for continued efforts to boost Poland’s competitiveness in attracting international travelers.

A Look Back at 2024’s Performance

In 2024, the Travel & Tourism sector in Poland contributed PLN 144.5 billion to the economy, equaling 4% of the GDP. This was still 7.5% below the 2019 peak. Despite this, the sector saw a positive recovery, supporting 884,400 jobs, which was a 2.7% increase compared to 2019. Domestic visitor spending reached PLN 42.8 billion, a 5.6% increase compared to 2019, indicating a promising growth trend for local tourism. On the other hand, international spending was still 20.1% below 2019 levels, but year-on-year improvements were evident.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, commented, “Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is showing significant signs of long-term growth. With domestic tourism and economic contributions set to break records this year, the foundations for continued success are clearly in place. To fully unlock the sector’s potential, continued investments in connectivity, infrastructure, and destination marketing will be critical in driving inbound growth.”

Looking Ahead to 2035: Strong Growth Projections

Looking further into the future, the WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector could contribute PLN 221.8 billion to the national GDP, accounting for 4.8% of the economy. The industry is expected to support 987,300 jobs, adding over 86,000 new roles in the next decade. This growth will be driven by the rising demand for domestic tourism, the global recovery of travel, and Poland’s ability to attract international visitors.

Domestic visitor spending is projected to increase to PLN 57.7 billion, while international spending could rise to PLN 107.9 billion, narrowing the gap with historical peaks and unlocking significant economic value for the country.

A Glimpse Into the Broader European Context

Poland’s growth is not occurring in isolation. In 2024, the European Union (EU) Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly €1.8 trillion to the EU’s GDP, representing more than 10% of the total economy. This growth was 6% above the 2019 levels. The EU’s Travel & Tourism employment also grew by 4.7%, supporting 24.6 million jobs, or one in nine jobs across the region.

By the end of 2025, the WTTC predicts the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach €1.9 trillion, representing 10.5% of the EU economy, with employment linked to the sector reaching 25.7 million people, or about 12% of the EU workforce. This shows a robust recovery across Europe, and Poland is well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from this broader regional growth.

Poland’s Strategic Focus for Future Growth

To maintain this momentum and achieve the ambitious projections for 2035, Poland needs to prioritize several key strategies. These include:

Investing in Infrastructure: Continued improvements in transportation networks, including airports, railways, and ports, will be crucial in ensuring better access to both domestic and international markets.Strengthening Destination Marketing: Poland’s tourism authorities must invest in marketing campaigns that highlight the country’s diverse offerings, from its rich historical landmarks to its emerging cultural tourism scene.Enhancing Connectivity: Facilitating easier access to Poland for international tourists will require improved international flight routes, better connectivity to European hubs, and the development of eco-friendly tourism initiatives.Promoting Sustainable Tourism: As the global demand for eco-conscious travel continues to grow, Poland must integrate sustainable practices into its tourism sector to appeal to environmentally aware travelers.Key Factors Driving Poland’s Travel & Tourism Growth

Several key factors are contributing to the strong growth of Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector:

Rich Cultural Heritage: Poland is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval towns, castles, and vibrant cities like Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk. These destinations continue to attract millions of visitors annually, who come to explore the nation’s deep cultural roots.Emerging Adventure Tourism: Poland’s diverse landscapes, from the Tatra Mountains to the Białowieża Forest, are attracting adventure enthusiasts looking for hiking, skiing, and wildlife experiences. The country is becoming a top destination for outdoor lovers and those seeking adventure tourism.Historical Significance: Poland’s rich history, particularly in the context of World War II, remains a significant draw for tourists. Sites like Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and the Warsaw Uprising Museum provide powerful insights into Poland’s past, offering a mix of educational tourism and historical exploration.Dynamic Urban Development: Poland’s major cities, including Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, are becoming increasingly modern, offering cutting-edge infrastructure, vibrant cultural scenes, and world-class amenities. These cities are now known for their tech-savvy environments and are emerging as major business and leisure hubs.Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Travel: Poland is also seeing a surge in eco-tourism, with the government and local communities emphasizing sustainable tourism practices. This includes green travel initiatives, low-carbon accommodations, and responsible travel experiences in natural reserves.The Future of Travel in Poland: Challenges and Opportunities

While Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector shows promising growth, there are challenges ahead. The ongoing need to boost international visitor spending remains a key issue. Attracting foreign tourists, particularly from regions like Asia and North America, requires strategic efforts in destination marketing, improving visa processes, and developing more tailored travel experiences.

However, the opportunities are vast. Poland has the potential to become one of Europe’s most diverse and attractive travel destinations, thanks to its mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure. By continuing to invest in tourism and embracing sustainable growth practices, Poland can set a global example for how tourism can contribute to economic resilience and cultural exchange.

Conclusion: Poland’s Travel & Tourism Sector on the Path to Global Leadership

Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is on track to surpass economic records in 2025, with significant contributions to the national economy and job creation. As the country continues to recover from the challenges of the pandemic, its tourism industry is poised for long-term growth. With the right investments in infrastructure, marketing, and sustainability, Poland has the potential to become a global leader in travel and tourism by 2035. With diverse offerings that span from rich history to adventure tourism, there has never been a better time to explore what Poland has to offer.

For more details on traveling to Poland and the latest tourism trends, be sure to visit official tourism websites and explore the many cultural, historical, and adventure tourism experiences waiting to be discovered.