Home » Poland Travel News » Poland boosts tourism with visa-free policy for 93 countries including India, UK, US and Schengen countries
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
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Poland, officially known as the Republic of Poland, is located in Central Europe. Stretching from the Baltic Sea in the north to the Sudetes and Carpathian Mountains in the south, Poland is in a transitional warm climate. As of 2024, travelers from 93 countries visit Poland, including Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, and Belgium.
The country’s longest river, the Vistula, flows through a diverse landscape. Poland’s tourism is known for its world-famous cuisine, vibrant cities, beautiful natural landscapes, fascinating historical sites and cultural artifacts. The country is home to 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect its rich history, culture and traditions.
Tourism Statistics:
From January to November 2023, Poland welcomed 6,526,000 foreign tourists, a significant increase from the 5,329,000 in the same period in 2022. According to forecasts, international tourist arrivals are expected to continue to grow in the coming years, with an expected increase of 9.8 million between 2024 and 2029.
Economic impact of tourism:
Poland’s tourism sector plays an important role in the national economy and has seen steady growth, especially after Poland’s accession to the European Union. In 2021, Poland welcomed 9.7 million international tourists, a figure 54% below pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism recovered more quickly, with 46.3 million domestic tourists in 2021, only 7.4% below 2019 levels. In 2022, international tourists spent around PLN 26.4 billion in Poland.
Visa-free countries for Poland:
Poland offers visa-free travel to 93 countries, including:
Albania Andorra Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Barbados Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Canada Chile Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic East Timor El Salvador Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Grenada Guatemala Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kiribati Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau North Macedonia Malaysia Malta Marshall Islands MozambiqueMexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Palau Panama Paraguay Peru Portugal Romania Saint Kitts and Nevis Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Serbia Seychelles Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Korea Spain Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tuvalu Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Vanuatu Vatican (Holy See) Venezuela
Hospitality Industry Growth:
Poland’s hospitality sector has experienced significant growth over the past decade. In 2023, the sector is expected to generate revenues of €3.7 billion, making it the largest in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The number of hotels and rooms has grown significantly, with four-star hotels having the highest number of rooms. The sector is a major driver of employment, with cities such as Warsaw, Krakow and Gdańsk leading the way in job creation.
Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Poland:
Raffles Europejski Warsaw – Located on Warsaw’s Kings’ Road, this historic hotel offers elegant, luxurious rooms with views of the Presidential Palace and is close to the Polish National Opera. The Bonerowski Palace, Krakow – Located in a renovated medieval building in the heart of Krakow, this elegant boutique hotel features classical décor, a swimming pool, fitness center, casino, and a variety of sports facilities. Sheraton Grand Krakow – Located on the banks of the Vistula River near Wawel Castle, this hotel offers modern rooms designed by Alex Krabec, a heated indoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center. Hotel Bristol Warsaw – Known for hosting royalty and celebrities, this Art Nouveau hotel features a luxurious spa, pool, Viennese café, and 206 rooms with antique furniture and modern amenities. Radisson Blu Krakow – This 5-star hotel is perfect for business and leisure travelers. It offers spacious rooms, meeting facilities and several restaurants, all within walking distance of Krakow’s main attractions.
Overview of the Polish aviation sector:
In 2021, LOT Polish Airlines dominated the Polish aviation market with a 25.2% share, followed by Ryanair with 25.1%, Wizz Air with 16.1% and Enter Air with 11.0%. By 2023, Ryanair had risen to the forefront, capturing 34% of the market, followed by Wizz Air and LOT Polish Airlines. Europe is the largest market for passenger flows to and from Poland, followed by the Asia-Pacific and North America regions. Notably, Gdańsk Airport facilitated the travel of 4.2 million international air passengers in 2022. In 2023, regional airports accounted for 65% of passenger traffic in Poland. Going forward, Poland’s passenger air traffic revenue is forecast to reach 2.7 billion euros in 2024, placing it 17th in Europe. Moreover, Poland boasts a rich history of aviation dating back more than 100 years and aircraft manufacturing for 80 years, with a strong aircraft manufacturing sector recognized as one of the best in the world.
Top 5 Polish Airlines:
LOT Polish Airlines – In 2023, LOT Polish Airlines will carry around 8.9 million passengers and dominate both the domestic and international travel segments. Ryanair Wizz Air Lufthansa Enter Air
Top 5 airports in Poland in 2024:
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – the busiest airport with 4,302,898 passengers. Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK)Gdańsk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN)Katowice Airport (KTW)Wrocław Copernicus Airport (WRO)
Polish railway sector:
Poland’s railway sector consists of approximately 18,510 kilometers (11,500 miles) of track, of which 11,998 kilometers (7,455 miles) are electrified. The country’s electrified system operates on 3 kV DC. The leading railway company, PKP SA, manages more than 2,500 railway stations, of which approximately 600 are used for passenger traffic. The largest railway station in Poland is Kraków Główně, located in the city center.
Economic Overview:
Poland’s GDP in 2024 is projected to be $845 billion (nominal) and $1,801 billion (PPP), ranking 21st and 20th in the world, respectively. GDP growth is projected to be +3.1% in 2024 and +3.5% in 2025. GDP per capita is expected to be $23,014 (nominal) and $49,060 (PPP).
Major cities in Poland:
Krakow – One of Poland’s oldest and most beautiful cities, known for its well-preserved medieval center and Jewish quarter. The city is home to the stunning Wawel Castle, a historic market square, and numerous museums and galleries, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Gdańsk – A major port city on the Baltic Sea coast, known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It played a key role in the country’s maritime history and is famous for its reconstructed Old Town, full of colorful buildings and historic monuments. Warsaw – Poland’s capital, a bustling metropolis that blends modernity with historic charm. Landmarks include the Royal Castle, the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and the Palace of Culture and Science. Warsaw is Poland’s main economic and cultural center. Olsztyn – The capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in northeastern Poland, known for its beautiful lakes and forests. Olsztyn is the perfect place for a tranquil getaway, with its medieval castle, vibrant Old Town, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding nature. Wroclaw – A city on the Oder River in western Poland, known for its picturesque market square, Gothic architecture and numerous islands and bridges. Wroclaw has a vibrant cultural scene, hosting many theatres, music venues and festivals throughout the year.
Polish specialities
Poland is a country rich in history, culture and unique traditions. Here are some of the most notable things to enjoy in Poland.
Amber: Poland is famous for its amber, especially coastal cities like Gdańsk. Ancient Poles treasured amber jewelry, and this tradition continues to this day. You can find beautiful amber souvenirs and products all over Poland. Bolesławiec Pottery: Known for its unique handmade pottery, Bolesławiec in Lower Silesia has been a center of traditional pottery for centuries. Bolesławiec pottery, featuring abstract patterns and innovative craftsmanship, can be purchased at markets in Poland’s major cities. Skiing: Poland offers great skiing opportunities. Popular ski resorts such as Czarna Gora, Szczyrk, Zieleniec Sports Arena, Zakopane, and Białka Tatrzanska offer perfect conditions for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Milk Bars: Poland’s milk bars are iconic. These cafeteria-style restaurants serve delicious traditional Polish food at affordable prices. They are especially common in urban areas and are popular with locals for their simplicity and quality.
Polish specialities
Poland is home to a wealth of delicious and unique dishes. Here are some must-try dishes.
Pierogi: A staple of Polish cuisine, pierogi are dumplings stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including potatoes, cheese, meat, and fruit. They are a popular dish found in restaurants across Poland. Kielbasa: Made from beef, pork, and venison, this flavorful sausage can be smoked, grilled, or boiled. Kielbasa is a popular snack and a must-try when visiting Poland. Oszypek Cheese: Made from salted sheep’s milk and smoked, Oszypek cheese is native to the Tatra Mountains region. Known for its strong flavor and chewy texture, it is often eaten as a snack or raw. Bigos: Bigos is a hearty stew made with pork, beef, venison, sauerkraut, onions, mushrooms, and red wine. This traditional winter dish is slow-cooked to enhance the flavor and is usually served with bread or mashed potatoes. Zapiekanka : Zapiekanka is a popular Polish street food made by cutting a baguette in half, stuffing it with mushrooms, cheese and a variety of toppings, and grilling or toasting it until crispy. Vodka : Made from wheat, barley or rye, Polish vodka is known for its clean flavor. Distilled multiple times, it is one of the most beloved vodkas around the world.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland:
Historic Center of KrakowBiałowieza Forest Wooden Churches in Southern MałopolskaHistoric Center of WarsawMedieval city of TurnBelgium Castle of the Teutonic Knights in MalborkChurches of Peace in Kalwaria Zebrzydowskajawor and ŚwidnicaWooden buildings in the Polish and Ukrainian CarpathiansCerkvamskauer Park / Mużakowski ParkHistoric mining settlement of Tarnowskie GoryCentenary Museum in WrocławRoyal Salt Mines of Wieliczka and BochniaAuschwitz-Birkenau – Nazi German concentration and extermination campOld Town of Zamoscświętokrzyski National Park
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