The Podlaskie Voivodeship is embarking on a new initiative to boost its local tourism sector by launching the Podlaskie Tourist Voucher program. This unique scheme aims to provide tourists from outside the region with significant accommodation subsidies, with the program set to officially kick off on April 20, 2025.
With an allocated budget of 2 million PLN for the year, the program is designed to address the downturn in tourism caused by the ongoing migration crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border, which has deterred visitors. Regional authorities hope this initiative will foster a renewed interest in travel to this picturesque part of Poland, encouraging tourists to explore its beautiful landscapes, culture, and hospitality.
Under this program, travelers are eligible to receive a one-time subsidy that ranges from 200 to 400 PLN, depending on the standard of accommodation they choose. To qualify, tourists must book a minimum of two nights at participating facilities, which can include anything from agritourism farms and hostels to high-end hotels. Specifically, the financial assistance will include 200 PLN for stays in agritourism sites, 300 PLN for one- and two-star hotels, and a notable 400 PLN for three to five-star accommodations.
The process for the Podlaskie Tourist Voucher not only supports tourism but also aims to revitalize local businesses that have struggled over the last few years. From March 24, 2025, until April 11, 2025, accommodation providers within the region will have the opportunity to register as part of the program. The Podlaskie Regional Organization of Tourism (PROT) will oversee this initiative, verifying facilities to ensure they meet the program's requirements. All participating properties will be published on a dedicated website, where tourists can find current details about the available accommodations and generate their vouchers.
"As Podlasians, we know our region is peaceful and friendly. We want to encourage people from other parts of Poland to choose Podlaskie as a place for rest and discovering new areas of the country," said Łukasz Prokorym, the Podlaskie Marshal, in an interview. His statement underscores the goal of not only attracting tourists but also reshaping misconceptions about the region's safety, which have arisen due to the border crisis. Prokorym emphasized, "We aim to show that in our voivodeship, it is very safe. We want to encourage residents from other regions of Poland to choose our voivodeship as a place for rest and exploration."
The implementation of the voucher consists of two phases: the first phase allows vouchers for stays booked between April 20 and May 31, 2025, while the second phase will cover bookings from June 1 through December 31, 2025. Only adults residing outside the Podlaskie Voivodeship can avail themselves of this subsidy, which will need to be claimed electronically via a unique code sent to their phone. This digital voucher will prompt a reduction in accommodation expenses, directly benefiting families and individuals seeking to explore the charm of Podlaskie.
The initiative comes at a crucial time for the region, where many in the tourism sector have expressed concerns over declining visitor numbers due to heightened tensions arising from the border situation. Local entrepreneurs are eager to welcome back travelers and are hopeful that the voucher will provide the necessary impetus to invigorate the tourism landscape. Authorities have taken steps to ensure the program garners significant interest, with plans for robust promotions and outreach to both tourists and local businesses.
In conversations with various local business owners, many have highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the lack of tourism inflow over recent years. One business owner expressed, "For four years now, we have been dealing with decreasing tourist numbers, tied to the issues at the Polish-Belarusian border. However, we hope this subsidy will attract visitors back to our beautiful region."
As the start date of the program approaches, anticipation among local stakeholders is high. The hope is that the Podlaskie Tourist Voucher program not only provides financial relief for businesses but also revives local tourism sustained by visitors eager to discover the enchantment that Podlaskie has to offer. With the first vouchers set to be available just in time for the Easter holiday, many are optimistic that this initiative may lead to a fruitful tourism season ahead, bringing with it both economic benefits and an opportunity to showcase the warmth of Podlaskie’s hospitality.
In conclusion, the launch of the Podlaskie Tourist Voucher presents a promising prospect for revitalizing the local tourism industry in Podlaskie. By encouraging visits to this unique region and providing much-needed support to local businesses, the program aims to transform challenges into opportunities, marking a new chapter in Podlaskie’s relationship with tourists from across the country.
