The latest data from the tourism industry reveals a stark contrast between the condition of domestic accommodation facilities and the foreign travel market. Despite favorable, snowy winter conditions, Polish hotels recorded significant occupancy declines in January 2026. Simultaneously, travel agencies and airports, including Poznań's Ławica, report a record number of passengers choosing exotic destinations, such as Morocco, which has more than doubled in popularity.
Crisis in Hotel Occupancy
Nearly one-third of Polish accommodation facilities recorded very low occupancy in January, not exceeding 30%, despite the ongoing winter season.
Boom in Exotic Destinations
Interest in foreign trips to warm countries increased by 20%, with Morocco leading the growth with 120% more bookings.
Records at Poznań Airport
Poznań-Ławica Airport served over 217,000 people in January, representing an 8% higher result than in the same period last year.
The beginning of 2026 brought unexpected challenges for the Polish hotel industry. The latest survey by the Polish Hotel Industry Chamber of Commerce shows that as many as 29% of hotels recorded occupancy below 30% in January. This situation mainly affected the leisure sector, where 44% of establishments reported worsening results. Even the start of the winter break and good skiing conditions failed to reverse the negative trend. Hoteliers indicate that occupancy fell both month-on-month and year-on-year. The Polish hotel sector has been struggling with high seasonality for years, but the current demand slump during the peak winter season is unusual, considering the country's stable economic situation. Completely different sentiments prevail among tour operators handling foreign trips. The number of bookings to warm countries increased by 20% compared to the last season. The biggest surprise was Morocco, where interest jumped by a staggering 120%. Poles are increasingly opting for 4- and 5-star standards, seeking guaranteed weather outside the country's borders. This trend is confirmed by statistics from Poznań airport, which served over 217,000 passengers in January, recording an 8% year-on-year increase. 120% — increase in trips to Morocco Market experts suggest that the change in preferences may stem from rising costs of domestic vacations alongside the price attractiveness of foreign offers. While business hotels are faring slightly better – 31% of them exceeded half occupancy – the domestic tourism segment must find new ways to attract guests. Analyses are currently underway to see if February will bring any improvement, though initial data does not inspire optimism among guesthouse owners in the Polish mountains. Hotel occupancy in January 2026: Below 30% occupancy: 29, Above 50% occupancy: 28, Between 30 and 50%: 43
Changes in tourist traffic January 2025 vs 2026: Traffic at Poznań-Ławica Airport: 201,000 passengers → 217,000 passengers; Interest in trips to Morocco: Baseline level → Increase of 120%