Foreign visitors spend more in Poland than Poles going abroad, says think-tank
In 2024, foreigners visiting Poland spent over 5 percent more, year-on-year, surpassing the amount spent by Poles who went abroad during that time, the Polish Economic Institute (PIE) has reported.
According to the Polish statistical office GUS, as cited by PIE's recent report, although the country received 0.6 percent fewer foreign visitors in 2024, year-on-year, their spending increased.
The researcher wrote that in 2024, 7.9 million of foreigners paid for lodging in Poland, making up over 20 percent of all clients of the country's accommodation facilities that year.
In total, during that time, foreigners spent PLN 46.6 billion (EUR 10.9 bln) in Poland, while Poles going abroad spent PLN 31.1 billion (EUR 7.3 bln).
On an individual level, the average spending per a foreign visitor to Poland stood at PLN 585 (EUR 137), while a Polish traveller abroad spent less - PLN 494 (EUR 115.5).
"Poland gained PLN 15.5 (EUR 3.6 bln) on the tourist balance, mainly as a result of shopping for goods and services by our closest neighbours, particularly from Germany and Ukraine," as Poland remains an attractive shopping destination for foreign customers living within 50 kilometres from the Polish border, PIE wrote.
The surplus may also mean that foreigners stay in Poland for longer periods, and their spending on food and accomodation also increases, the authors concluded.
PIE is a public economic think tank, providing analyses and recommendations on key areas of the economy and social life in Poland. (PAP)
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