Poland's tourism boom drives foreign arrivals and senior travel subsidies

A Bank Pekao report shows that foreign visitors spent a record 41.3 billion zł in Poland in 2025, outpacing Italy, Spain, Germany and France and cementing the country’s rapid rise on Europe’s tourism map. The growth is attributed to rising household wealth, expanded infrastructure and Poland’s perception as a safe, affordable destination.

The Ministry of Sport and Tourism has allocated 6 million zł for a new “Tourist Check” scheme, offering seniors (60+) and holders of the Large Family Card vouchers worth 300–600 zł for autumn stays (September‑November) in less‑touristed eastern regions such as Warmia‑Mazury, Podlasie, Lublin and Subcarpathia. The aim is to stimulate off‑season travel, support local hotels and promote lesser‑known natural areas like the Roztocze‑Tanew corridor.

Travel habits are shifting toward short city‑breaks and “coolcations”, with Poles favoring affordable urban trips to Rome, Milan, Barcelona or Scandinavia, while emerging domestic spots such as Ustka, Grzybowo and Polanica‑Zdrój see visitor numbers rise by about 30 % year‑on‑year.