Travel and tourism in Poland - statistics & facts

Overview
Statistics

Published by Statista Research Department, May 31, 2021

Poland is attracting more and more tourists each year, with a particular increase occurring after accessing the European Union. The most visited regions include the Baltic Sea coast, Masurian Lake District, Białowieża Forest, and mountain areas located in the country's south. In 2019, Poland welcomed the most tourists from Europe. In terms of tourist attractions and recreation, foreign tourists associated Poland with city breaks, national parks, lakes, museums, and historic or UNESCO sites. International tourists spent more than 15.7 billion U.S. dollars in Poland.

Travel behavior

In 2020, about 60 percent of Poles planned a vacation of seven days or longer despite the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. However, nearly one in four planned only a so-called weekend trip. The majority of Poles who were going on vacation in 2019 decided to rest at a high standard, choosing at least 4-star hotels. As for travel destinations, Europe remains the most preferred destination, especially since many people prefer to travel by car instead of by plane. In 2020, Poles were most likely to travel by car to Bulgaria, the Balkans, and southern Europe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revised the holiday plans of Poles. Therefore, the year 2021 will be marked by trips across Poland organized independently rather than by a travel agency. The majority of the population, tired of restrictions and lockdown, have also changed their attitude towards leisure. Poles are planning to relax away from the crowds and in smaller groups than usual.

COVID-19 impact on tourism

When the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak occurred in Europe, Poland and other European countries closed their borders to foreign tourists. In March 2020, the number of tourists accommodated in tourist facilities in Poland decreased by 61 percent compared to the same period last year. With the gradual lifting of restrictions in the hotel industry, the progressive vaccination campaign, almost half of Poles are planning a vacation in 2021. At the same time last year, only one in three respondents did so. After the coronavirus pandemic, more than 70 percent of Poles plan to spend up to three thousand zloty on holidays. According to Statista forecast, international tourism is expected to recover and return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.