Czech tourists are increasingly turning to Poland as their new preferred vacation spot, following the price hikes in Croatia after its adoption of the euro. The appeal of Poland lies in its charming Baltic Sea, which offers cooler temperatures compared to southern European destinations, as well as a wide range of services, well-maintained roads, and uncrowded sandy beaches. The Czech version of Forbes magazine even referred to Poland as the “new Croatia for the Czechs,” highlighting the unexpected shift in preferences. The Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza (GW) reported on this trend.
Eva, a Czech tourist visiting the Baltic Sea with her family and friend, cautiously stated her preference for Poland, aware of potential misinterpretation. The popularity of Poland among Czechs has surged this year, with a 50 percent increase in sales of stays in Poland compared to the previous year, according to Ladislav Veselý, the director of the discount portal Slevomat. Veselý predicts that the interest in Poland as a holiday destination will continue to grow.
Poland offers a rich array of attractions, including stunning religious monuments, historic cities, untouched natural landscapes, as well as sea, mountains, and lakes. Jiřina Ekrt Jirušková, a spokesperson for the INVIA travel agency, described the Baltic Sea as the most sought-after destination among Czech tourists. The appeal lies in the beauty of Polish beaches, known for their cleanliness, sandy shores, and notably, less overcrowding compared to other popular destinations.
When asked why they chose the Baltic Sea over the Adriatic, Zuzana, a Czech tourist, shared that she and her friends wanted a change from their annual trips to Croatia. They were intrigued by the positive reviews from friends who had visited Poland in previous years. Exploring Polish culture and nature were also high on their agenda. Another Czech visitor, whom the Polish newspaper encountered at the Baltic Sea, explained that they had already visited countries such as Croatia, Italy, and Austria, making Poland an exciting new experience.
Matouš and Eliška, accompanied by their parents, expressed their delight in the abundance of attractions that Poland offers, surpassing their previous experiences in Italy and Bulgaria. Eva, while carefully choosing her words, referred to the Polish seaside towns as “nice places.” She particularly appreciated the Baltic’s moderate temperatures, unlike the scorching heat of southern European destinations.
According to Vojtech, a Prague resident, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of Poland beyond its southern borders. He frequently encounters Czechs who have visited Poland and returned with positive experiences. Social media platforms are filled with photos from Warsaw, Wrocław, Krakow, and the Baltic Sea, illustrating a newfound enthusiasm for Poland. Vojtech also noted that Czech travelers acknowledge Poland’s progress in infrastructure development and service quality, dispelling outdated stereotypes of the country as backward. Increasingly expensive Croatia, which was previously a popular summer destination for Czechs, has now been overshadowed by Poland’s attractiveness.
Bartlomiej Barský, the head of the Sopot Tourist Board, is not surprised by the Baltic Sea’s popularity among Czech tourists. Last year, Czech visitors were among the top three frequent visitors to tourist information centers in Sopot. The region’s excellent motorway connections, enabling quick access to Poland, play a significant role. Furthermore, the launch of Ryanair flights between Gdansk and Prague since March has facilitated easier travel.
Lukasz Magrian, the director of the Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organisation (PROT), highlighted the seasonal train connections from the Czech border to the tri-cities and seaside towns as another factor supporting the influx of Czech visitors. The establishment of the foreign branch of the Polish Tourist Office in Prague this year has intensified marketing and promotional activities, enabling a broader reach to potential visitors.
Magrian pointed out that the pandemic has altered travel patterns, with neighboring countries becoming more appealing due to increased flexibility and self-transportation options. Families with children, especially those who have previously visited the Adriatic, are now seeking new destinations such as Poland.
Barský expressed satisfaction with the successful efforts to promote Poland as an attractive holiday destination for Czech tourists. The region warmly welcomes any new market interested in exploring Poland, not limiting itself to German or Scandinavian visitors.
