Czech tourists flock to Poland. This summer could break records

– Exact figures will be available in the autumn, but already Poland – alongside Albania – is seeing the strongest increase in demand, said Jan Papež.

Infrastructure and new connections drive growth

In 2024, approximately 410,000 Czech tourists visited Poland, according to the Polish Tourist Organization. This year’s numbers are expected to surpass that, thanks to improved accessibility: the launch of a direct train connection between Prague and the Tri-City, additional bus routes, and more frequent flights.

Experts point out that the trend began during the Covid-19 pandemic.

– Poland opened its borders faster than Slovakia or Hungary. This encouraged Czechs, who might not otherwise have chosen Poland, to give it a try – and many of them decided to return, explained Jan Papež.

Changing tourist preferences

A generational shift is also fueling growth. Families with children are now seeking more active holidays, not just seaside stays.

– Cycling is becoming increasingly important, and Poland offers strong infrastructure in this area. In the Giant Mountains and beyond, cycling routes are often better promoted than hiking trails, noted Jan Papež.

Poland’s diversity is another advantage – combining seaside experiences with mountain trips, city breaks, and cultural attractions.

Areas for improvement

Despite the strong momentum, Czech experts also highlight areas for improvement. According to Jan Papež, Polish hoteliers too often focus only on their own facilities, without offering guests information about nearby attractions.

– In nine out of ten cases, hotels do not provide suggestions on what to do in the immediate area. This could help extend the length of stay, he stressed.

Another challenge is the lack of coordinated cooperation between service providers.

– Hotels, travel agencies, bike rentals and other operators should work together to provide tourists with complete packages. Visitors should not have to search for what, where, and how – everything should be readily available, said Jan Papež.

Information and professional staff

Access to information in Czech, especially in border regions, is also key. – A simple leaflet or map in Czech makes a difference and is easy to produce, pointed out Jan Papež.

He also underlined that, across Europe, the tourism industry is struggling with a shortage of qualified staff – a challenge for both the Czech Republic and Poland.

The growing flow of Czech visitors represents an opportunity not only for Poland’s hotel sector, but also for transportation, gastronomy, and local attractions. With linguistic and geographic proximity on their side, Poland and the Czech Republic are well positioned to strengthen their tourism cooperation in the years ahead.