Data showed a more than 12-percent year-on-year increase in tourist traffic, confirming Mazowieckie as Poland's most popular destination for short city breaks, according to the Mazovia Regional Tourism Organization.
More than 7.7 million tourists used accommodation in the region last year, while the total number of overnight stays exceeded 12.5 million.
Regional authorities said the record figures reflect the growing appeal of Mazowieckie on both the domestic and international tourism markets.
Warsaw played a key role in the increase, strengthening its position as a leading city-break destination, they said.
"Those 12.5 million overnight stays is a very clear signal that Mazowieckie is consistently strengthening its position as one of the most important tourist destinations in Poland," said Izabela Stelmańska, head of the Mazovia Regional Tourism Organization.
“Warsaw is increasingly chosen for short, intensive trips, attracting visitors with its diversity, accessibility and wide range of experiences," she added.
Mazowieckie was the most frequently visited region in Poland in 2025, outpacing regions such as Małopolskie in the south and Dolnośląskie in the southwest.
International tourism showed particularly strong growth, with the number of foreign visitors rising by more than 17 percent to 2.18 million. Domestic tourism accounted for 5.54 million visitors.
Transport accessibility has also contributed to the region’s growth.
Warsaw's Chopin Airport handled 24.1 million passengers in 2025, a more than 13-percent increase year on year, maintaining its position as Poland’s busiest airport.
"Record results at Chopin Airport show that Mazowieckie is becoming one of the key transport hubs in this part of Europe," said Jarosław Jóźwiak, deputy head of the regional tourism organization.
"Improved connectivity directly influences travel decisions and supports the increase in tourism we are seeing across the region," he added.
Mazowieckie attracts visitors with a wide range of offerings, from culture and history to entertainment and nature.
While Warsaw remains the main draw, tourist interest in destinations outside the capital is also growing.
“Tourists increasingly combine different forms of travel, from urban attractions to active leisure and weekend getaways," said Dorota Zbińkowska, director of the regional tourism organization’s office.
Short but intensive trips are becoming more popular, a trend reflected in online searches for activities such as kayaking trips, rental cottages and themed routes, officials said.
Warsaw, Poland’s most visited city, attracted about 5.5 million tourists in 2025, ahead of Kraków with around 3.25 million and Wrocław with about 1.54 million.
At the same time, more visitors are extending their stays beyond the capital, taking short trips to surrounding areas.
Officials said the 2025 figures confirm Mazowieckie’s growing position on Poland’s tourism map, supported by rising overnight stays, increasing international interest and improved transport infrastructure.
(gs)
Source: mrot.pl