Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Poland’s tourism industry is on the rise, and domestic travel is leading the way in the country’s economic recovery. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Poland’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth by 2025. With a robust contribution to GDP, rising employment, and stronger domestic spending, Poland’s tourism sector is heading toward new economic milestones.
Growth in Poland’s Tourism Sector
Poland’s tourism sector is expected to contribute a staggering PLN 165.5 billion to the national economy in 2025, representing 4.4% of the country’s GDP. This would surpass the previous peak recorded in 2019, marking a 5.9% increase over that year. The growth of domestic travel is a crucial driver of this economic recovery, as it fuels both spending and job creation within the sector.
- GDP Contribution: PLN 165.5 billion in 2025, up 5.9% from 2019.
- Sector Share of GDP: Expected to represent 4.4% of the national economy.
This rise in tourism spending and contribution to the national economy is being supported by increased local travel demand, which plays a central role in Poland’s overall recovery. Local tourism is also helping to create more jobs, with the sector projected to support 901,100 jobs by the end of 2025, surpassing employment levels from 2019.
Domestic Visitor Spending
One of the most notable aspects of this recovery is the surge in domestic visitor spending. In 2025, Poland expects domestic tourists to spend PLN 44.9 billion, a 10.8% increase compared to 2019 levels. This tourism growth signals that domestic travel is thriving and suggests that more Polish citizens are opting to spend their vacations within the country, rather than traveling abroad.
This increase in spending not only boosts the tourism sector but also strengthens the overall economy by encouraging local businesses, infrastructure, and services to cater to the growing demand. As more people travel locally, the financial impact ripples across various industries, creating additional opportunities for economic expansion.
- Domestic Spending Forecast: PLN 44.9 billion in 2025, up by 10.8% from 2019.
Challenges in International Visitor Spending
While domestic travel continues to perform strongly, Poland tourism faces challenges. Visitor spending from international tourists is expected to remain 2.8% lower than in 2019, amounting to PLN 76.9 billion. This suggests that while Poland is recovering, there is still room for improvement in attracting overseas visitors.
Given the strong performance of domestic travel, Poland should look into strategies to boost its international appeal. By increasing its competitiveness and promoting Poland as a desirable destination, the country can work towards narrowing the gap between domestic and international tourism spending.
- International Spending Forecast: PLN 76.9 billion, 2.8% lower than 2019.
Reflecting on 2024 Performance
In 2024, Poland’s tourism sector saw a GDP contribution of PLN 144.5 billion, representing 4% of the country’s economy. This marked a 7.5% decline from the 2019 peak but still highlighted recovery signs. Domestic tourism remained strong, with spending reaching PLN 42.8 billion, a 5.6% increase compared to 2019.
However, international visitor spending in 2024 continued to lag behind, falling by 20.1% compared to 2019, amounting to PLN 63.1 billion. This indicates that while domestic travel is thriving, the tourism sector must focus on strategies to attract more international tourists to sustain long-term growth.
- 2024 Performance:
- GDP Contribution: PLN 144.5 billion (4% of the economy).
- Domestic Spending: PLN 42.8 billion, up by 5.6% from 2019.
- International Spending: PLN 63.1 billion, down by 20.1% from 2019.
Projections for 2035
Looking ahead, the outlook for Poland’s tourism sector remains optimistic. The WTTC projects that by 2035, Poland’s tourism sector could contribute PLN 221.8 billion to the GDP, accounting for 4.8% of the national economy. This tourism growth will also create more than 86,000 new jobs, bringing the total number of people employed in the sector to over 987,300.
Domestic tourism will continue to play a vital role in this growth, with spending expected to rise to PLN 57.7 billion by 2035. Meanwhile, international tourism is anticipated to recover and grow, reaching PLN 107.9 billion in visitor spending. As both segments grow, Poland tourism industry is expected to become a major contributor to the national economy, offering substantial benefits in terms of employment and economic activity.
- 2035 Projections:
- GDP Contribution: PLN 221.8 billion, 4.8% of the economy.
- Domestic Spending: PLN 57.7 billion.
- International Spending: PLN 107.9 billion.
Poland’s Position in the European Market
When comparing Poland to the broader European Union, the EU’s tourism sector also showed impressive growth in 2024, contributing nearly €1.8 trillion to the economy, representing more than 10% of the region’s GDP. Poland’s tourism sector is positioned well for growth, but continued investment and strategies are needed to stay competitive within the EU market.
- EU Overview:
- GDP Contribution: €1.8 trillion in 2024, over 10% of the economy.
- Employment Growth: 4.7% increase year-on-year, reaching 24.6 million jobs.
Parting Thoughts
Poland’s domestic travel sector is undeniably a driving force behind the country’s recovery in tourism. As the sector continues to grow, it plays an essential role in the nation’s economic resurgence by boosting GDP, increasing employment, and supporting local businesses. While international tourism remains an area for improvement, Poland’s focus on strengthening domestic travel provides a solid foundation for future growth. With the right investment in infrastructure and marketing strategies, Poland can continue to thrive as a top destination in Europe, benefitting from both domestic and international visitor spending.
