Pavel Trojan, director of the Foreign Centre of the Polish Organization in Prague, highlighted this unprecedented influx, noting that it surpassed even the most optimistic predictions.
In an interview with Polish Radio 24, Trojan pointed out that the growing trend of Czechs vacationing in Poland has been consistent over the years, with the Baltic coast and sightseeing tours being the most popular choices.
But he said he was astonished with the numbers, considering that typically 700,000 to 900,000 Czechs vacation in Croatia each year. The significant interest in Poland suggests that it could soon rival Croatia as a top destination for Czech tourists.
Poland is like pizza
When asked why Poland has become so appealing to Czech visitors, Trojan likened the country's attractions to pizza, where each "slice" offers something unique. He cited the 2012 UEFA European Championship in Wrocław as a pivotal moment, when many Czechs first visited Poland and discovered that the country defied their preconceptions.
However, he emphasized that the rapid development of infrastructure in Poland has played a crucial role in drawing more tourists from the Czech Republic.
Trojan also acknowledged that Poles are enthusiastic about visiting the Czech Republic. He noted that many Poles have visited Prague multiple times and are also frequent visitors to other Czech destinations, such as the Lipno Reservoir near the Austrian border. Over the past two decades, Poles have consistently ranked second or third among foreign tourists in the Czech Republic.
In 2023, approximately 360,000 Czechs stayed in Polish accommodation facilities for at least one night, representing a 60 percent increase from the previous year.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24