Tourism

Tourism has become one of the largest branches of the global economy. Today, every 12th job is in tourism or sectors related to it tourism and travel. It has an enormous impact in budget revenues - about 10% of revenues come from tourism. Poland, as a country on the crossroads of key European transport routes, has many attributes thanks to which it can actively take part in the development of this sector of the economy.

One of the most important is the country's huge cultural potential. This is made up both of its many centuries of heritage as well as contemporary culture, which is widely respected across the world. Important cultural events - often if international acclaim - are hosted in cultural centres, such as Cracow, Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań).

Poland's rich and relatively well-preserved natural environment is an attraction for many tourists. As a relatively un-industrialised country, Poland has many areas of attractive nature, some of an exceptional character not found in other European countries. A valuable asset is also the openness if Polish society. Poles are a hospitable people and tend to be well-disposed and friendly towards foreigners.

The country's good network of air and rail connections internally and international has also helped push tourism in Poland. Tourism represents a special place in the Polish economy, with almost 8% of GDP and the third largest incomes in the whole economy. Foreign tourists spend more than $6-$5 million a year in Poland. In 2001, about 18 million foreigners visited. In May 2001, the government accepted the 'Tourism Development Strategy,' whose main goal was to financially support and promote small and medium sized tourism companies. This is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Polish tourism. EU funds are also used to develop the strategy, including Phare, SAPARD and ISPA.

The terrorist attacks on the U.S. have caused a large fall in foreign tourism, not only in Poland but all over the world. The main effect has been on air travel. Paradoxically, this offers Polish tourism an opportunity. European tourists can get to Poland easily on land. An additional asset is that Poland is relatively safe. Interpol data shows that Poland is safer, for example, than Switzerland. Foreign tourist offices confirm that this is the case, pointing to Poland’s many offers also at very reasonable prices. Business tourism also creates many opportunities.