Poland’s Economic Rise Is Becoming a Travel Story Worth Watching
Certares founder Greg O'Hara names Poland the top investment superstar outside Western Europe, fueled by rising disposable income and strong tourism growth.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Greg O'Hara hails Poland as the ultimate investment superstar outside Western Europe.
- Share of Poles unable to afford a holiday dropped to 24.5% in 2025, beating the EU average.
- Outbound travel spending reached €12 billion in 2025, surging 42.6% from 2019.
- Airlines and financial institutions are rapidly expanding capacity to meet demand.
Poland's remarkable economic trajectory is turning heads across the global travel industry, with robust consumer purchasing power drawing heavy investments from airlines, hotel owners, and financial lenders looking to capitalize on the Eastern European market.
Speaking at Skift’s Transatlantic Summit in Dublin on October 15, Certares founder and veteran travel investor Greg O’Hara was asked where he would direct investments outside Western Europe. Without hesitation, he pointed straight to Poland.
O’Hara highlighted multiple driving forces behind the country's appeal, pointing to a strong workforce, top-tier professional training, and the distinct advantage of maintaining its own currency to independently manage monetary and interest rate policies, alongside massive infrastructure investments in rail and aviation.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"You look at every number in Poland; they've got the workforce, they've got the age, they have the ability because they have their own currency to control monetary policy... Look at where everyone invests; it's Poland."
Greg O'Hara
Hard data backs up his bullish stance. Poland surpassed $1 trillion in nominal output in 2025 with a real GDP growth rate of 3.8%. Meanwhile, the percentage of residents unable to afford a one-week annual holiday dropped from 33.2% in 2019 to 24.5% in 2025, falling below the European Union average of 27.5%, while real disposable income per person climbed 6.7% in 2025.
A stable zloty exchange rate against the euro has successfully preserved these financial gains for international trips. Outbound travel expenditures by Polish residents hit approximately €12 billion ($13.5 billion) in 2025, marking a 42.6% increase from 2019 levels and establishing the country as a vital source market.
Industry suppliers are rapidly committing resources to match this rising demand. Ryanair has scheduled eight aircraft based at Warsaw Modlin for the winter 2026 season, while Santander Bank Polska and Pekao financed PURO's new 192-room hotel in Warsaw's Old Town. Additionally, a banking consortium agreed to provide up to PLN 3.3 billion ($907 million) to support Polish Airports.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Despite the stellar growth, analysts note several headwinds, including fierce price competition that squeezed Rainbow Tours' standalone operating profit down 11% in 2025 despite an 8% revenue rise, an aging population with the 65-plus demographic growing from 13% in 2005 to 21% in 2025, recent airspace disruptions from Russian drones, and a credit rating downgrade by Moody's in September 2026.
Source: Skift
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