The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to change our habits. We’re working and studying remotely, living differently, shopping differently, and we’ve had to rearrange our vacation plans. Many Poles have given up on vacationing abroad and decided to stay in the country. They have access to numerous hotels and guesthouses in the mountains, in Masuria, or by the sea. For years, vacations in the countryside, at agritourism farms, have been enjoying growing interest among tourists, especially those from large cities. How has the Polish tourism industry prepared to welcome entire families heading on vacation to beautiful corners of Poland?
Agritourism is gaining in popularity
Instead of traveling abroad to admire centuries-old monuments, drink coffee at the Acropolis, or savor champagne in Paris, many of us prefer the peace and quiet and the characteristic slower pace of life away from crowded cities. It is precisely for them that agritourism—a sector that is constantly evolving—is designed. The term “agritourism” refers to the combination of agriculture and tourism. Agritourism farms are located in rural areas, far from the city, and tourists’ vacations involve disconnecting from the big-city lifestyle, enjoying peace and fresh air, and at the same time getting close to nature, which remains within easy reach on these farms.
Parents with children often choose to visit such farms to show their kids what life in the countryside is like. Hotels and guesthouses in the mountains or by the sea, seeking to expand their offerings and stand out from the competition, also organize mini-zoos or agricultural workshops in their surroundings.
Poles are vacationing in Poland
A June 2020 CBOS survey shows that 80% of respondents planning a summer trip involving at least one overnight stay were considering vacationing exclusively in Poland. Polish guesthouses, hotels, apartments, private villas, and agritourism farms are competing with one another by offering packages tailored to different customer groups. There is a noticeable growth in family tourism, to which travel companies are adapting or have already adapted. Hotels are building swimming pools, spa and wellness centers, as well as play areas for children and even movie theaters for the youngest guests. In many cases, hotels offer special packages for families with children, which can save money if you book at least a few nights. These facilities provide childcare in the form of kids’ clubs or even preschools, which are also available during the summer season. In the vicinity, and even within the hotel’s facilities, there are spas, water parks, pizzerias, and other dining options. In the case of agritourism, farming and livestock operations are being developed. Heated greenhouses are useful for offering tourists vegetables sourced exclusively from organic farms year-round.
Support for the tourism and agritourism sectors
New amenities for tourists mean that owners of hotels, guesthouses, and agritourism farms now have new responsibilities. A significant amount of time must be devoted to the maintenance of new equipment and the creation of attractions for hotel guests. However, it is possible to streamline operations in other areas. For example, instead of continuing to heat guest rooms and common areas with solid-fuel stoves, you can switch to gas stoves and use the LPG supplied by AGP to power them. AGP also provides gas tanks and leases them to customers. This requires no additional work from the accommodation owner, and the gas will power the water heating system, the kitchen, or provide heating for greenhouses growing organic vegetables. The booking system should also be streamlined—it’s worth investing in automated booking, such as through a website. Internet access in guesthouses, or even at agritourism farms, should be available to tourists, especially in the era of COVID-19, when many of us work remotely, which doesn’t require being in an office building. You can even work from a hotel room located somewhere near Śnieżka, on the Baltic Sea, or amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of Kashubia and Masuria.
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