Published on
December 20, 2025
Poland beats Germany, Austria, Greece, Belgium, and more countries in Europe by posting unprecedented tourism growth in 2025, with a remarkable 7.2% increase in tourist arrivals, outpacing regional competitors due to its affordability, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural landscapes. This surge in both domestic and international visitors has solidified Poland’s position as a leading European destination, surpassing its neighbors in terms of overnight stays and foreign arrivals. The country’s ability to attract high-spending tourists and the growing appeal of its cities and resorts have been key drivers of this impressive growth. Poland’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth in 2025, with the country continuing to attract millions of visitors despite regional challenges. With a 7.2% increase in arrivals, Poland is not only outperforming key European nations but is also setting new standards in Europe’s tourism landscape. From its affordable travel options to its rich history and stunning natural beauty, Poland offers something for every type of traveler. The rise in tourism is especially evident in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk, as well as its thriving resorts and cultural landmarks. With strong domestic and international interest, Poland is solidifying its place as one of Europe’s most exciting and accessible destinations.
Poland is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most promising tourism hotspots, significantly outpacing other leading European nations in 2025. This impressive surge in tourism comes on the heels of a remarkable increase in overnight stays, foreign visitor numbers, and overall economic impact. In this article, we delve into the details of Poland’s tourism growth, compare it to other European countries, and analyze the factors contributing to its success in attracting millions of travelers from around the globe.
Poland’s Tourism Surge: Key Stats
Poland has set a new standard in tourism growth within Europe, recording a notable increase in both domestic and international visitors. According to data from Statistics Poland (GUS), the country registered 40.8 million tourists in 2024, marking a substantial 7.2% increase from the previous year. Not only was this an impressive post-pandemic recovery, but it also underscored Poland’s growing appeal as a top destination for foreign travelers.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Poland recorded 18.9 million tourists, an 11.6% increase from the same period in 2024. With such momentum, the nation is set to surpass 43 million tourists by the end of 2025 if the second half continues at this pace.
Comparing Poland’s Growth to Other European Nations
While many European countries saw moderate increases in tourism, Poland’s growth rate has left its neighbors behind. In 2025, Poland posted an 8.5% increase in overnight stays in the first half of the year, a stark contrast to the growth figures recorded by countries like Germany, Austria, Greece, and Belgium. To put it into perspective, here’s a table comparing the overnight stays growth of Poland against other key European nations:CountryGrowth Metric (vs 2024)PeriodPoland+8.5% overnight staysH1 2025Germany+0.2% overnight staysH1 2025Austria+1% overnight staysQ1-Q3 2025Czechia+1.0-1.4% overnight staysQ3 2025Greece+0.7-0.9% overnight staysSept 2025EU Average+2.3% overnight staysH1 2025
Key Drivers of Poland’s Tourism Growth
Several factors have contributed to Poland’s stellar tourism performance in 2025. These include the country’s affordable travel options, natural beauty, and its rich cultural heritage, which attract a diverse range of travelers. Additionally, Poland’s proximity to major European markets, such as Germany and Ukraine, has played a crucial role in its tourism surge.
Affordability and Accessibility: Poland’s Competitive Advantage
One of the primary reasons behind Poland’s tourism success in 2025 is its affordability compared to other European destinations. As European travelers face rising costs in popular spots like Italy and France, Poland has become an increasingly attractive alternative. For example, Czechs are now choosing Polish seaside resorts over destinations like Croatia, thanks to lower accommodation costs and attractive pricing for activities.
This affordability also extends to the culinary scene, with Poland offering world-class dining at more accessible prices than in other European countries. High-spending visitors from the Middle East have flocked to Zakopane, the popular mountain resort, where Arabic-language menus and halal food options cater to this growing demographic.
Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage: A Draw for Global Visitors
Poland’s extensive cultural offerings, combined with its diverse natural landscapes, make it an ideal destination for a variety of travelers. From the historic sites in Kraków and Warsaw to the Białowieża Forest in the east, which is Europe’s oldest remaining primeval forest, there is no shortage of attractions. The Auschwitz Museum in Małopolska continues to be a major draw, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. These historically significant sites, combined with the natural beauty of regions like Lower Silesia, Pomerania, and the Tatra Mountains, provide a diverse experience for tourists from all over the world.
The Appeal of Poland’s Cities and Resorts
Poland’s major cities, such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Gdańsk, continue to attract a significant number of visitors, many of whom stay in the country’s well-developed hotel and resort infrastructure. For instance, Masovia, home to Warsaw, accounted for over half of all foreign tourists in 2024. Similarly, the city of Kraków, located in Małopolska, remains a top destination for cultural tourists, drawing millions every year to its UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Rise of Foreign Tourists to Poland
Poland’s appeal isn’t just limited to domestic tourists. In fact, foreign visitors accounted for 20.3% of all tourism in 2024, with countries like Germany, Ukraine, and the UK being the leading sources of international arrivals. This increasing influx of foreign tourists is a clear reflection of Poland’s growing international profile as a destination.
Foreign Visitors: Where They’re Coming From
Here is a breakdown of the countries contributing to Poland’s tourism success in 2024:Country of OriginTourist Arrivals (Millions)Percentage of Total VisitorsGermany2.126.6%Ukraine1.215.2%United Kingdom0.911.4%United States0.67.6%Czech Republic0.56.3%
This influx of foreign visitors has made Poland a key player in Europe’s tourism landscape, especially in the context of growing geopolitical tensions that have impacted travel to neighboring regions.
Regional Disparities: Eastern Poland vs. Western Poland
While western Poland enjoys the lion’s share of foreign visitors, the eastern regions have faced challenges in attracting tourists. Masovia, Małopolska, and Lower Silesia continue to see robust growth, thanks to their historical significance and proximity to Europe’s major tourist markets. However, eastern Poland has struggled, mainly due to security concerns over the war in Ukraine and the migration crisis at the Belarusian border.
Regions like Podlaskie, home to Białowieża, have seen some recovery, primarily driven by domestic tourism. Government initiatives, such as the tourism voucher program, have helped boost visitor numbers in these less-explored areas. Nevertheless, it’s clear that western Poland remains the dominant force in the nation’s tourism economy.
Poland’s Competitive Edge in European Tourism
In 2025, Poland’s tourism sector has outpaced several European countries in growth. While nations like Germany, Austria, and Greece posted more modest increases in arrivals, Poland’s tourism sector saw substantial growth across key metrics.
Germany, for example, recorded a meager 0.2% growth in overnight stays through H1 2025, far behind Poland’s 8.5% increase.Greece and Austria also lagged behind, with growth rates of only 0.7-0.9% and 1%, respectively.
This performance has positioned Poland as an emerging leader in European tourism, attracting more visitors and generating greater economic impact than many other European countries.
Projected Future Growth for Poland’s Tourism Industry
Given the strong momentum in early 2025, Poland is on track to surpass 43 million tourists by the end of the year, surpassing its 2024 numbers. Factors such as low costs, affordable travel options, and increasing flight connectivity will continue to drive Poland’s tourism boom in the coming years.
The country’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and tourism-friendly policies are expected to further enhance its appeal, making it a top choice for travelers looking to explore Europe’s rich history and diverse landscapes without the high price tag associated with other destinations.
In 2025, Poland has positioned itself as a leading tourism destination in Europe, outpacing its counterparts in both growth and appeal. The country’s competitive pricing, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural attractions have made it an increasingly attractive choice for international tourists. As Poland continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure and expand its global profile, it is set to remain a key player in Europe’s tourism landscape for years to come.
Poland beats Germany, Austria, Greece, Belgium, and more countries in Europe by posting an impressive 7.2% increase in tourism growth in 2025, driven by its affordable travel options, rich cultural offerings, and diverse natural attractions. This surge has helped Poland surpass its regional competitors and establish itself as a leading European destination.
Poland’s impressive tourism growth is not just a sign of recovery post-pandemic but a signal of its bright future as a leading European destination. Whether it’s the allure of its historic cities, natural wonders, or affordability, Poland is proving that it’s not just a hidden gem—it’s one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.
