Poland is the sixth-largest economy in the European Union (EU) and one of the strongest Eastern European markets to emerge from Communist rule in the late 1980s. The country has gradually transformed into a democratic free-market economy, cultivating private enterprise and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Over the past two decades, Polish consumers have seen job opportunities expand and average incomes rise, in turn boosting its gross domestic product (GDP).

Outbound tourism is a developing market that is yet to reach maturity in comparison to the outbound markets of other major EU economies. The opportunity to travel abroad has been seized upon by Polish citizens as its economy has become more advanced. Poland’s membership to the EU, which began in May 2004, provided a major lift to outbound travel, as foreign airlines and travel companies gained access to the Polish market. The birth of the Polish low-cost carrier (LCC) market in 2004 brought forth a new line of aviation brands, offering Poles air travel at prices not seen before. Regional airports have been pivotal, making air travel more accessible to Poland’s population. Meanwhile, the development of package holidays, offering cheap deals to foreign countries, has enticed more Poles abroad.