Poland’s Travel & Tourism Sector Poised to Break Economic Records in 2025

Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is on track to surpass pre-pandemic economic levels in GDP contribution and domestic travel in 2025, according to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

This year, the sector is projected to contribute PLN 165.5 billion to Poland’s economy—4.4% of national GDP—exceeding the 2019 record by 5.9%. Employment supported by the sector is forecast to reach 901,100 jobs, also surpassing 2019 levels.

Domestic travel continues to drive the rebound, with spending expected to hit PLN 44.9 billion, up 10.8% from pre-pandemic figures. However, international visitor spending remains slightly behind, forecast at PLN 76.9 billion, still 2.8% below 2019 numbers, signaling a need to accelerate inbound tourism recovery.

In 2024, the sector contributed PLN 144.5 billion to GDP—4% of the economy—and supported 884,400 jobs, marking a 2.7% increase over 2019 employment levels. While domestic visitor spending rose to PLN 42.8 billion, international spending lagged at PLN 63.1 billion, 20.1% below its pre-pandemic peak.

“Poland’s Travel & Tourism sector is showing promising signs of long-term growth,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. “To fully unlock its potential, continued investment in connectivity, infrastructure, and destination marketing will be key.”

Looking ahead to 2035, WTTC forecasts the sector could contribute PLN 221.8 billion to GDP (4.8% of the economy), support over 987,000 jobs, and see domestic spending rise to PLN 57.7 billion, with international spending reaching PLN 107.9 billion.

Across the European Union, Travel & Tourism generated almost €1.8 trillion in GDP in 2024—over 10% of the region’s economy—employing 24.6 million people. By the end of 2025, the sector is expected to grow further, contributing €1.9 trillion and supporting 25.7 million jobs, or 12% of EU employment.