Poland hotel industry sees decade of growth amid record tourism

The Polish hotel market has experienced significant expansion between 2016 and 2026, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Europe. As of early 2026, there are 2,629 categorized hotels in the country, including 532 under international brands. Investment has focused heavily on premium 4-star and 5-star properties, particularly in major urban centers such as Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and the Tricity area, where historic buildings and office spaces are being converted into hotel accommodations.

Krakow has emerged as a major tourism hub, reaching a record 16.25 million visitors in 2025, a growth of over 10 percent from the previous year. Of these visitors, 9.65 million stayed overnight. The city attracts a high volume of international travelers, with British tourists accounting for 26.2 percent of foreign visitors. While this surge benefits the tourism industry and local tax revenues, the high density of crowds has led to increasing concerns among local residents regarding the impact on city life.