Polish-News.com: – Jerzy Mosoń, Head of the Economy and World Affairs section at the Agencja Informacyjna news agency, granted an in-depth interview to the portal wAkcji24.pl, in which he analyzed the economic significance of pilgrimage tourism in Poland. Mosoń underscored both the untapped potential of the sector and the systemic challenges it faces.
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A Sector Hit by Multiple Crises
In the interview, Jerzy Mosoń emphasized that pilgrimage tourism remains „a unique and still underutilized component of Poland’s tourism sector.” He draws attention to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and the war in Ukraine—all of which have impacted foreign tourist numbers and, consequently, the sector’s overall performance.
“In 2024, the tourism sector contributed PLN 144.5 billion to the Polish economy. Domestic tourist spending reached PLN 42.8 billion, a 5.6% increase compared to 2019.”
“Foreign tourists spent 20.1% less in Poland than they did five years earlier – only PLN 63.1 billion.”
(wAkcji24.pl)
Despite a moderate increase in domestic spending, the sharp drop in foreign tourist expenditure continues to pose a challenge.
“The combined impact of the pandemic, inflation, and war has proved devastating for the tourism industry – and pilgrimage tourism in particular.”
Pilgrimage Tourism: A Strategic Opportunity
Jerzy Mosoń explains that while Poland’s pilgrimage tourism has solid foundations—domestic pilgrimages and outbound pilgrimages—it struggles to attract international pilgrims. This, he argues, needs to change.
“The movement is built on two strong pillars: domestic tourism and trips abroad, but it’s weaker when it comes to drawing in foreign pilgrims. Sooner or later, the sector will have to pivot toward that group.”
He stresses that the main barrier isn’t weather or infrastructure but a lack of global visibility:
“The main issue behind low interest from foreign pilgrims isn’t poor weather or lack of attractions—it’s a lack of information. If people don’t know what they can experience in Poland, they won’t consider visiting.”
Citing his personal experience, Jerzy Mosoń mentions lesser-known but architecturally stunning sites such as the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus in Świdnica, which remain under the international radar.
Promotion Tools: Low-Cost, High-Impact
According to Jerzy Mosoń, the pilgrimage sector has limited resources for promotion but can leverage existing tools efficiently.
“We have social media and word-of-mouth marketing. Traditional promotion is still highly effective and shouldn’t be dismissed.”
“There are also national and EU cultural heritage funds. We should redirect existing institutions, like the Polish Tourism Organization, to support pilgrimage tourism.”
He also identifies the global brand recognition of Pope John Paul II as a valuable asset:
“That name alone is a brand.”
Conclusions and Recommendations
Jerzy Mosoń argues that Poland has a real opportunity to position itself as a key pilgrimage destination in Europe, but this requires coordinated action. Education, marketing, and the strategic use of existing institutional tools must become priorities.
He also highlights the importance of building local „spiritual brands” around lesser-known churches and sanctuaries through partnerships and thematic tourism clusters. Jerzy Mosoń sees potential in developing religious-themed parks that combine spirituality, culture, and leisure.
In his view, the Catholic Church in Poland should recognize the opportunity presented by religious tourism. However, he cautions against allowing economic objectives to overshadow the spiritual essence of pilgrimages. Sustained promotional efforts could help both revitalize local economies and reaffirm Poland’s spiritual heritage on the international stage.
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Polish News, Economy, source Agencja Informacyjna / Print Screen: Catholic Socio-Economic Portal wAkcji24.pl
