"I choose the Baltic" - voices from the seaside against the wave of negative narratives
Recently, a heartfelt appeal has been circulating among Poland’s coastal tourism community, including hotel owners, restaurateurs, fish smokers, and local entrepreneurs. This emotional yet grounded letter calls for a shift in media coverage of the Baltic Sea region and urges support for an industry that has been the backbone of countless Polish families’ summer traditions for decades.
In brief
The owners of the Biały Domek Dźwirzyno guesthouse published an appeal calling for a change in the tone of media coverage of the Baltic Sea and for support for seaside tourism businesses. The authors of the appeal object to reports about horror receipts, weather armageddon and fraudsters in fried-fish bars, inviting journalists to the coast to show a Baltic Sea that is beautiful but also capricious and unpredictable. The editorial teams of Gazeta Morska and Daily Mare joined the #WybieramBałtyk campaign, declaring support for Polish seaside entrepreneurs.
“The Baltic Sea is a pure national treasure of Poland. Who among us does not recall at least one romantic moment bathed in the glow of a Baltic sunset? Who has not found comfort in the soothing sound of the Baltic waves during tough times?” the appeal begins.
The authors emphasize the beauty and uniqueness of the Polish coast while drawing attention to what they see as an unfair surge of negative media reports.
“We do not accept the overwhelming negative coverage this year — horror receipts, weather disasters on the Baltic, dishonest vendors in fish shacks…” they write. “We are just waiting now for Baltic crocodiles to prey on the poor Polish tourist.”
The letter ends with a clear invitation to journalists: “Come with your camera, your notebook, or your pen. We will show you our Baltic — as it truly is: beautiful, breathtaking, but also capricious and unpredictable.”
Industry united – #ichoosethebaltic
As the editorial team of Daily Mare and Gazeta Morska, we wholeheartedly stand with the #ichoosethebaltic campaign. We support Polish coastal businesses in every form and at every level. We believe that nurturing a positive image of the Polish seaside is not just economic patriotism but a vital step toward the sustainable resilience of the entire tourism sector.
The Baltic Sea is more than just a holiday destination — it is the source of livelihood, tradition, and identity for hundreds of towns and thousands of families. It deserves care, honest promotion, and a collective effort to strengthen its position — both domestically and internationally.
As the authors of the appeal put it, “Love is not conditional… it’s love despite everything.” #ichoosethebaltic #wybierambałtyk
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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