Business tourism, also known as corporate travel, is becoming increasingly popular, with jet-setting across the globe to attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, training sessions, and other work-related events now considered the norm.
Despite the fact that we’re living in the digital age and that many of these scenarios could more easily be conducted via online video conferencing, business owners and entrepreneurs have found a renewed appreciation for the value of face-to-face interactions. Because when it comes to knowledge sharing and sealing big-money deals, nothing compares.
So, where exactly are the masses heading this year for corporate travel? Well, the Polish city of Krakow has emerged as quite the hotspot for business tourism.
A rich history and heritage
Krakow is home to a thriving business community and has become one of the best business destinations for several reasons. Steeped in rich history and cultural heritage, it offers a unique backdrop for business events and conferences, with the city’s well-preserved medieval architecture providing a picturesque setting.
As the former capital of Poland, Krakow is home to a myriad of historic wonders, including the Wawel Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica, and the Old Town, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The charm of Krakow’s Old Town, with its medieval market square (Rynek Główny), cobbled streets, and historical buildings, adds a distinctive appeal to the city, and corporate events held here often incorporate city tours, allowing visitors to explore this Polish gem in all its glory and blend business with leisure for an enriching overall experience.
A strategic location
Krakow’s strategic location in Central Europe also plays a role, and makes it easily accessible for international travellers from around the world, while its modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art conference facilities cater expertly to their needs.
The John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice, located just 11 kilometers from the city center, offers direct flights to numerous major cities across Europe and beyond.
And there’s a well-developed transport infrastructure on the ground in Krakow, too, with efficient public transportation networks and easy-to-use taxi and ride-sharing services, so for those here on a flying visit, getting around the city and to and from business events couldn’t be simpler.
A respected business environment
Krakow is a thriving academic and business centre, and has gained international recognition for being home to some of Poland’s most prestigious universities and research institutions, including Jagiellonian University and the AGH University of Science and Technology.
There’s a mix of multinational corporations, innovative startups, and local enterprises spanning sectors such as technology, finance, and creative industries in the city, so as well as setting the scene for business innovation and collaboration with a dynamic and inspiring environment, it also serves as a fertile ground for business events of all kinds.
Modern infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities
Over recent years, a host of modern facilities have sprung up across Krakow to support business tourism, and these have most certainly contributed to the destination’s growing appeal for international corporate events and gatherings.
Its state-of-the-art infrastructure has helped to cement its status as a business tourism hub, with modern conference and exhibition centers, such as the ICE Krakow Congress Centre and the EXPO Krakow equipped with cutting-edge technology and able to accommodate large-scale international events.
Pro-active promotion and support
The local government’s proactive approach to promoting Krakow as a business tourism destination has been instrumental in propelling it to its current position as a sought-after business hub. Initiatives by the Krakow Convention Bureau and other local agencies have focussed on marketing the city’s unique offerings to international audiences through tactics including familiarisation trips for event planners and global trade shows.
The bureau also provides comprehensive support for event organisers, and offers a range of services to help plan and execute to bring your vision to life. Its team have extensive knowledge of the area and can provide valuable insights and recommendations to make sure any event is a success, from assistance with business event venue selection and transportation logistics to promotional support and networking opportunities.
A bright future ahead
Krakow’s status as a thriving business hub is stronger than ever in 2024, and over the coming years, we can expect to see it build upon this even further with continued investment in infrastructure and an ongoing commitment to sustainable development.
The future certainly looks bright, and as the city adapts seamlessly to changing trends in the business tourism sector, the best for Krakow may well be yet to come.