Domestic Travel Fuels Poland’s Tourism Boom and Economic Recovery in 2025#

Tourism Sector Growth in 2025#

• GDP Contribution: The tourism sector is projected to contribute 165.5 billion PLN (approximately €38.5 billion) to Poland’s economy in 2025, accounting for 4.4% of national GDP. This marks a 5.9% increase from 2019’s peak, signaling a robust recovery.
• Employment Growth: The sector is expected to support 901,100 jobs by the end of 2025, surpassing 2019 levels and reflecting a strong labor market recovery. This growth aligns with Poland’s low unemployment rate of 3.2% in 2024.
• Domestic Travel Surge: Domestic visitor spending is forecasted to reach 44.9 billion PLN in 2025, a 10.8% increase from 2019, driven by a growing preference for local travel among Poles. In Q1 2025, 8 million overnight stays were recorded in tourist establishments, up 12.9% from 2024, with domestic tourists increasing by 13.9%.
• International Spending Lag: International visitor spending is projected at 76.9 billion PLN, 2.8% below 2019 levels, indicating slower recovery in this segment despite a 9% rise in foreign tourists in Q1 2025.

2024 Performance and Context#

• 2024 Overview: In 2024, tourism contributed 144.5 billion PLN to Poland’s GDP (4% of the economy), down 7.5% from 2019. Domestic spending reached 42.8 billion PLN, up 5.6% from 2019, while international spending was 63.1 billion PLN, 20.1% below 2019 levels.
• Economic Resilience: Poland’s economy has shown consistent growth since 1992, except for 2020, with GDP growth estimated at 2.8% in 2024 and projected at 3.5% in 2025, supported by EU funds and public investment. Tourism, alongside finance (+25.3% in June 2025 outlook), has been a key driver, though manufacturing (-7.7%) and construction (-4.7%) lagged.
• Domestic Tourism Drivers: The surge in domestic travel reflects a post-COVID trend toward local exploration, fueled by safety concerns, rising disposable incomes, and government incentives like the Polish Tourist Voucher. Popular destinations include Cracovie, Varsovie, Wrocław, and the Mazurie lakes region, known for their cultural, historical, and natural attractions.

Challenges and Opportunities#

• International Tourism Recovery: The lag in international spending is attributed to geopolitical uncertainties, including the war in Ukraine and border tensions with Belarus, which have led to a 78.29 km exclusion zone along the Belarusian border since June 2025. Reduced air connectivity and visa restrictions for eastern neighbors like Ukraine and Belarus have also impacted arrivals.
• Strategic Initiatives: Poland is focusing on promoting active tourism (e.g., cycling, winter sports), health tourism (spas, medical tourism), and cultural tourism to attract foreign visitors. The 2025 launch of a new LOT Polish Airlines route between Cracovie and Paris-Orly aims to boost French tourism. Events like the Frédéric Chopin International Piano Competition and EXPO 2021 are also leveraged for promotion.
• Infrastructure Investment: EU funds from the 2021–2027 budget and NextGenerationEU, totaling 4–5% of Poland’s 2024 GDP, are driving public and local investment in tourism infrastructure, enhancing competitiveness.

Long-Term Projections (2035)#

• Economic Impact: By 2035, the WTTC forecasts tourism’s contribution to reach 221.8 billion PLN (4.8% of GDP), with domestic spending at 57.7 billion PLN and international spending at 107.9 billion PLN.
• Employment: The sector is expected to create 86,000 new jobs, reaching 987,300 total jobs, reinforcing its role as a major employer.
• Sustainable Growth: Poland aims to balance domestic and international tourism growth through sustainable practices, addressing overtourism concerns and promoting eco-friendly destinations like the Mazurie region.

Poland’s Position in Europe#

• EU Comparison: The EU’s tourism sector contributed €1.8 trillion to its economy in 2024 (over 10% of GDP), with 24.6 million jobs. Poland’s 4.4% GDP contribution in 2025 is below the EU average but reflects its strong recovery trajectory.
• Competitive Edge: Poland’s affordability, rich cultural heritage, and natural attractions position it well against competitors like the Czech Republic and Hungary. However, enhancing air connectivity and marketing to key markets like France and Germany is critical.

Sentiment and Broader Context#

• X Sentiment: Posts on X highlight optimism about Poland’s tourism recovery, with @GUS_STAT and @StatPoland noting a 12.9% increase in overnight stays in Q1 2025, driven by domestic demand. @BenEsmael1 emphasized tourism’s 17.3% growth in June 2025 projections, underscoring its economic role.
• Safety Concerns: Travel advisories warn of pickpocketing in tourist areas and scams in nightlife venues, but Poland remains a relatively safe destination, with a high road mortality rate (79 per million) being a notable concern.
• Cultural Appeal: Cities like Cracovie (12.9 million visitors in 2017) and Varsovie, alongside UNESCO sites like Tarnowskie Góry, continue to attract visitors, with domestic tourism boosting less urban areas like the Baltic coast and Mazurie.

Conclusion#

Poland’s tourism sector is poised for a record-breaking 2025, with domestic travel driving a projected 165.5 billion PLN contribution to GDP and over 900,000 jobs, surpassing 2019 levels. The 10.8% increase in domestic spending to 44.9 billion PLN reflects strong local demand, while international spending remains 2.8% below pre-pandemic levels at 76.9 billion PLN. Strategic investments in infrastructure, promotion of cultural and active tourism, and leveraging EU funds will be key to sustaining growth and closing the international tourism gap. By 2035, tourism’s role is expected to expand further, cementing Poland’s position as a leading European destination. Continued focus on sustainability and global marketing will ensure long-term economic benefits from this booming sector.