Economic Recovery in Poland Fueled by Domestic Tourism Growth

Overview of Poland’s Tourism Sector

Poland’s Travel & Tourism industry is on track to recover and surpass pre-pandemic economic levels by 2025, largely driven by an upsurge in domestic travel.

Contribution to the Economy

The latest estimates from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicate that Poland’s tourism sector is poised to significantly boost the national economy. In 2023, the sector is projected to contribute approximately PLN 165.5 billion, making up about 4.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This represents a 5.9% increase compared to the previous peak in 2019, marking a new high for the economic contribution of tourism.

Rising Domestic Visitor Spending

As domestic travel heats up, visitor spending is expected to rise, with projections estimating that domestic tourists will spend around PLN 44.9 billion this year—an impressive 10.8% increase over 2019 figures. This surge emphasizes the robust demand for local travel options.

International Visitor Spending Challenges

While domestic tourism shows promising growth, international visitor spending is expected to lag, remaining 2.8% below 2019 levels at approximately PLN 76.9 billion. Addressing this discrepancy will be vital for enhancing Poland’s global tourism competitiveness and attracting more international travelers.

Performance Review for 2024

Reflecting on 2024, the Polish Travel & Tourism sector contributed PLN 144.5 billion to the GDP, accounting for about 4% of the economy—although this was still 7.5% below the pre-pandemic high. Employment in this sector saw a recovery with about 884,400 jobs, which is a 2.7% increase from 2019 levels.

Domestic vs. International Visitor Spending in 2024

Domestic spending in 2024 reached PLN 42.8 billion—up by 5.6% from 2019. In contrast, international spending fell to PLN 63.1 billion, lagging 20.1% behind pre-pandemic levels. These figures highlight a pressing need to develop strategies targeting international tourism recovery.

Looking Ahead: Projections for 2035

The WTTC foresees a brighter future for Poland’s tourism sector. By 2035, contributions could swell to around PLN 221.8 billion, which would represent 4.8% of GDP. This would also translate to the creation of more than 86,000 new jobs, pushing employment figures beyond 987,300 roles within the sector.

Projected Growth in Visitor Spending

By 2035, domestic visitor spending is set to reach PLN 57.7 billion, while international spending may increase to PLN 107.9 billion. This forecasted growth suggests a narrowing gap towards previous economic peaks, unlocking additional economic potential.

European Union Context

In 2024, the EU travel and tourism sector contributed nearly €1.8 trillion to the regional economy, reflecting over 10% of the Bloc’s GDP, and saw an uptick of about 6% compared to 2019. The EU’s tourism workforce also expanded by 4.7% year on year, totaling about 24.6 million jobs across the region.

Future Projections for the EU

By the end of 2025, the EU Travel & Tourism sector is expected to escalate to approximately €1.9 trillion, representing 10.5% of the EU economy, with employment linked to this sector reaching around 25.7 million people or 12% of the total workforce in the region.

The Road to Recovery and Investment Needs

Poland’s tourism recovery showcases signs of growth, primarily supported by the boom in domestic travel. To capture fully the potential of this growth, continuous investments in infrastructure and strategic marketing remain crucial.

Key Highlights

• Domestic tourism spending is pivotal for economic recovery.
• International visitor spending still requires strategic reinvigoration.
• Long-term projections for the tourism sector appear promising.
• Investment in tourism infrastructure is vital for future growth.

In conclusion, Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is on an encouraging path towards recovery, buoyed by domestic travel incentives and a growing economy. As the landscape evolves, platforms like LocalsRide offer unique advantages by allowing users to select specific vehicles, access detailed information on makes, models, and ratings before booking, and enjoying unparalleled transparency compared to traditional booking methods. On LocalsRide, users can hire a car with a driver from verified providers at reasonable prices—providing a stress-free solution that aligns with your travel needs. Book your Ride on LocalsRide.com.