Thursday, June 26, 2025
Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector heads for a record high in 2025, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts, with the sector’s economic contribution hitting a new high above the pre-pandemic level. The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) statistics reveal the sector’s economic contribution reaching PLN 165.5 billion for Poland, or 4.4% national GDP. It’s up 5.9% on the previous high year of 2019, demonstrating a return to vibrant growth.
The forecast for 2025 shows promising results across key metrics. Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to support 901,100 jobs, surpassing 2019 employment levels, and demonstrating the sector’s role as a crucial driver of economic recovery. Meanwhile, domestic visitor spending is expected to hit PLN 44.9 billion, a 10.8% increase from 2019, suggesting strong demand for local tourism.
However, international visitor spending remains a challenge, with a forecast of PLN 76.9 billion, still 2.8% below the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Despite this, the ongoing recovery in domestic tourism signals that Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years, particularly with the right investments in infrastructure and marketing.
A Closer Look at 2024’s Performance and Year-on-Year Improvements
In 2024, Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed PLN 144.5 billion to the national GDP, or 4% of the economy, still 7.5% below the 2019 peak. However, it showed signs of recovery, with the sector supporting 884,400 jobs, an increase of 2.7% compared to 2019. Domestic visitor spending saw a 5.6% increase over 2019, reaching PLN 42.8 billion, while international visitor spending totaled PLN 63.1 billion, remaining 20.1% below 2019 levels, despite an overall positive trend in year-on-year growth.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson noted, “Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is showing promising signs of long-term growth. With economic contribution and domestic travel both set to break records this year, the foundations are clearly in place.” She emphasized that investment in connectivity, infrastructure, and destination marketing will be key to further boosting inbound tourism and accelerating Poland’s recovery on the global stage.
Long-Term Forecast: A Strong Future for Poland’s Tourism
WTTC’s forecasts indicate that by 2035, Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector could contribute PLN 221.8 billion to the national GDP, accounting for 4.8% of Poland’s economy. Employment in the sector is expected to surpass 987,300 jobs, reflecting the creation of more than 86,000 new roles over the next decade. Domestic visitor spending is projected to grow to PLN 57.7 billion, while international spending is expected to reach PLN 107.9 billion, narrowing the gap with historic peaks and unlocking significant economic value.
This forecast highlights the growing importance of the sector and its potential to serve as a cornerstone for Poland’s economic growth, especially in the context of tourism recovery following the pandemic.
A Glimpse into the Broader European Context
While Poland’s tourism sector shows signs of recovery, it is also part of a larger European trend. The European Union’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed nearly €1.8 trillion to the region’s GDP in 2024, representing over 10% of the EU’s economy. This was an increase of almost 6% compared to 2019, with the sector supporting 24.6 million jobs across the continent, accounting for 1 in 9 jobs in the region.
By the end of 2025, the EU Travel & Tourism sector is expected to reach nearly €1.9 trillion, representing 10.5% of the EU economy, with 25.7 million jobs linked to the sector. This growth mirrors the increasing demand for travel and tourism services, and the industry’s vital role in Europe’s broader economic recovery.
Overcoming Challenges and Accelerating Recovery
Despite the impressive figures, Poland, along with other European countries, still faces challenges in attracting international visitors back to pre-pandemic levels. The gap between domestic and international spending remains a point of concern. In order to fully unlock the sector’s potential, continued focus on destination marketing, improving connectivity, and enhancing the tourism experience will be essential.
Poland’s focus on improving tourism infrastructure and ensuring the country remains a competitive destination on the global map will be pivotal in accelerating inbound tourism. The strong performance in domestic tourism serves as a solid foundation, while the push for improved international tourism competitiveness could drive significant growth over the coming years.
Conclusion: Building on Poland’s Tourism Potential
Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is set to experience a record-breaking year in 2025, driven by strong domestic demand and a growing number of jobs in the industry. The sector’s economic contribution and job creation highlight the resilience of tourism, with the country’s recovery poised to surpass pre-pandemic levels. Continued investment in infrastructure, marketing, and connectivity will be key to unlocking the full potential of this vital sector.
In order for Poland to continue gaining strength as a tourism destination on the international circuit, the remaining impediments hindering visitor expenditure and competitiveness need to be addressed. With proper measures put into place, the future holds continued growth for the country for the benefit of the economy and local populations.
(Sources: WTTC, Ministry of Tourism, Government of Poland)
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