Poland’s Tourism Industry Set for Record-Breaking 2025 as Domestic Travel Surges and Economic Contribution Hits All-Time High
Warsaw, Poland – June 26, 2025
Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is on track for a landmark year in 2025, with economic forecasts revealing an extraordinary rebound that surpasses pre-pandemic benchmarks. According to the latest data released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector is projected to contribute PLN 165.5 billion to the national economy—marking a 5.9% increase over the previous peak in 2019. The momentum is driven primarily by a booming domestic tourism market and an expanding workforce, reinforcing the sector’s central role in Poland’s economic growth.
Tourism Rebound Strengthens Polish Economy
In 2025, the travel and tourism sector will account for 4.4% of Poland’s GDP, underscoring its strategic importance. The industry’s revival represents not just a return to form but a leap forward, showcasing Poland’s growing status as both a domestic and international destination of choice. This renewed vigor places the country firmly on the map as one of Europe’s standout post-pandemic recovery stories.
Tourism employment has also rebounded with remarkable strength. The WTTC projects that the sector will support 901,100 jobs in 2025—surpassing the number of tourism-related positions held in 2019. This job resurgence provides essential economic support, especially for youth employment, SMEs, and regional economies that depend heavily on seasonal travel.
Local Travelers Power Domestic Tourism Boom
One of the defining features of Poland’s tourism resurgence in 2025 is the explosive growth in domestic tourism. Forecasts indicate that local spending will reach PLN 44.9 billion, reflecting a 10.8% increase compared to 2019. With more Polish citizens opting for staycations and weekend getaways, destinations such as Zakopane, Mazury, and the Baltic coast are witnessing significant upticks in travel demand.
This surge reflects a shift in traveler behavior toward regional exploration, nature-based experiences, and cultural tourism. From castle tours in Malbork to hiking the Tatra Mountains, domestic tourism is not only reviving local economies but also fostering deeper national pride and awareness.
International Tourism Recovery Remains Work-in-Progress
Despite the impressive gains in domestic travel, international visitor spending is still lagging behind 2019 levels. In 2025, foreign tourist expenditures are projected to reach PLN 76.9 billion, about 2.8% below pre-pandemic levels. While global travel sentiment has improved, Poland continues to face stiff competition from neighboring destinations like Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, which offer similar historical and cultural attractions.
This gap highlights the need for enhanced destination marketing, aviation connectivity, and streamlined visa processes to lure back long-haul visitors, especially from the U.S., UK, and Asia. Poland’s tourism strategy will need to focus more sharply on positioning itself as a vibrant European gateway offering a mix of heritage, nature, and affordable luxury.
WTTC Calls for Strategic Investment in Infrastructure
Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the WTTC, emphasized the need for continued investment:
“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. To fully unlock the sector’s potential, continued investment in connectivity, infrastructure, and destination marketing will be key to driving inbound growth and maximising tourism’s economic impact.”
Poland’s Tourism Future: 2035 Outlook
The WTTC’s long-term forecast points to an even more dynamic future for Poland. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute PLN 221.8 billion to the national economy, or 4.8% of GDP. Employment in the sector is set to grow by 86,000 new jobs, bringing total travel-related employment to 987,300.
Domestic travel will remain the cornerstone, with spending projected to hit PLN 57.7 billion, while international visitor spending is expected to reach PLN 107.9 billion—signaling a full recovery and renewed international interest in Polish destinations.
These trends suggest that Poland is not only on the road to recovery but is evolving into a sustainable, year-round travel destination with diversified offerings across culture, heritage, and eco-tourism.
Poland in the European Context
The growth in Poland’s tourism sector mirrors a broader recovery across the European Union, where Travel & Tourism is expected to generate nearly €1.9 trillion by the end of 2025—accounting for 10.5% of the EU’s GDP. With 25.7 million jobs anticipated in the sector EU-wide, Poland’s resurgence reflects wider confidence in Europe’s post-pandemic travel rebound.
From Warsaw’s historical Old Town to the serene Białowieża Forest, Poland offers a compelling mix of experiences. The country’s potential to attract both local and international travelers hinges on its ability to modernize infrastructure, expand transport networks, and amplify its voice on the global stage.
Conclusion
With 2025 shaping up to be a landmark year for Polish tourism, the country stands at the cusp of a golden era for its Travel & Tourism sector. The strength of the domestic market, coupled with optimistic long-term projections, provides a solid foundation for future growth. As global travel normalizes, Poland must now seize the opportunity to reinvent its brand, enhance visitor experiences, and reestablish itself as a top-tier European destination. If current trends continue, Poland’s tourism sector will not only recover—it will thrive.
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