Recent floods in southern Poland have altered the autumn travel landscape, particularly in popular mountain destinations like Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba. While mass cancellations were largely avoided thanks to good weather and industry appeals, many tourists are now opting for less-affected areas such as Zakopane and Kraków, as well as coastal locations like Kołobrzeg.
Two weeks ago, images of flooded towns led to a surge in booking cancellations across mountain resorts. However, a prompt response from the tourism sector helped reverse the trend. Despite this, data from Nocowanie.pl shows that Karpacz, typically a top destination this time of year, is lagging far behind Zakopane in bookings for late September.
Flood-Hit Regions Repurpose Hotels for Displaced Residents as Poland’s Tourism Sector Hopes for Recovery
There is some optimism for affected areas, as hotels not damaged by the floods are being repurposed to house displaced residents. Additionally, many tourist spots in the Karkonosze and Beskid mountains remain open and accessible, with road infrastructure intact and prices significantly lower than during peak summer months.
The impact of flooding on tourism extends beyond Poland, with similar cancellations occurring in Hungary following the Danube flood surge. This mirrors a broader trend highlighted by the European Travel Commission, which notes an increase in the frequency and scale of crises affecting tourism across Europe. Despite the challenges, Poland’s tourism industry remains hopeful for a recovery as autumn progresses.