As travelers search for new, less crowded, and more affordable European destinations, Poland has emerged as a top choice. Once overshadowed by its more popular Western European neighbors, Poland is now attracting the attention of travelers during the shoulder season, a time traditionally considered less busy for tourism. This shift is driven by the growing desire for offbeat destinations that offer rich cultural experiences without the overwhelming crowds found in more famous spots.
Off-Beat Destinations Ignite Wanderlust
Poland is increasingly seen as an alternate destination for European travelers eager to explore new horizons. With a diverse landscape, vibrant cities, and a deep cultural heritage, it’s becoming a go-to option for those looking to avoid the more saturated tourist spots. The trend isn’t limited to Poland; other offbeat destinations in the Balkans and Baltic regions are also gaining traction, attracting visitors with their more affordable prices and the promise of less over-tourism.
The Most Popular Destination in Europe This Shoulder Season? Poland!
Poland’s surge in popularity is reflected in its remarkable growth in tourism from major source markets. The country is experiencing a significant year-on-year increase in bookings, particularly during the shoulder season. Travel intent data from World on Holiday provides the changes in bookings compared year-over-year between 2023 and 2024.
Growth in hotel bookings from major source markets
— Source: World on Holiday
Poland is quickly becoming a favored destination for travelers from key origin cities, with significant year-on-year growth in bookings. Cities like London, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and New York are leading the charge, reflecting a growing trend among urban dwellers seeking to explore this vibrant and culturally rich European nation.
Growth in hotel bookings from top 5 origin cities
— Source: World on Holiday
Where are travelers headed?
Poland is experiencing a tourism boom, with several destinations showing remarkable growth in bookings. Warsaw leads with a 180% increase, offering a blend of historical and modern attractions. Krakow follows with a 95% rise, renowned for its medieval charm and cultural depth. Gdansk, with a 171% growth, impresses with its Hanseatic architecture and maritime heritage. Wroclaw’s bookings have surged by 215%, highlighting its Gothic and Baroque beauty. Most notably, Sopot has seen an extraordinary 669% increase, attracting visitors with its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
— Source: World on Holiday
Explore the travel trends of the shoulder season with our Europe Shoulder Season Travel Trends.
About World on Holiday
World on Holiday is a real-time travel insights hub, powered by Adara, sharing important worldwide travel trends, as well as real-time booking and search data. This hub is powered by hundreds of first-party data sources, and are based on observed consumer activity. For regular updates on the how, who and why of global travel, subscribe to the “World on Holiday’.
About Adara
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