Warsaw has been awarded the title of “Best European Capital of MICE & Leisure 2026” by European Best Destinations, confirming its leading position in combining business and leisure tourism. This is great news for Mazovia, which has been cooperating with the capital for years in promoting the region and is increasingly exploiting the tourist potential of the Mazovia Province to make Warsaw’s offer more attractive.
During the Cityscape Global fair in Riyadh in November, European Best Destinations (EBD) announced Warsaw as the European city that best combines business tourism (MICE) with leisure tourism. The Polish capital surpassed Vienna, Madrid, and Geneva in the ranking.
“The award confirms Warsaw’s strong position on the international arena and its competitiveness in organizing business events. It creates opportunities to attract more conferences, which will translate into further measurable economic benefits – from increased hotel occupancy, through the creation of new jobs, to the development of services for guests. The award confirms the brand of the Polish capital, where you can work effectively, create new ideas, and spend your free time in an attractive way, taking advantage of the rich cultural and gastronomic offer,” said Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw.
Below are the main conclusions from an interview conducted by the editors of WaszaTurystyka.pl with Paweł Moras, director of the Capital City Tourism Office and chairman of the Program Council of the Warsaw Tourist Organization, and Mateusz Czerwiński, president of the Warsaw Tourist Organization.
Why did Warsaw receive this prestigious award?
After its record victory in European Best Destinations 2023, Warsaw has been recognized as a city that sets new trends. EBD highlights its dynamic development, growing skyline, investments by global brands, and exceptionally favorable value for money. The capital also stands out for its safety, modern infrastructure, and the growing importance of tourism in the city’s GDP.
The importance of the award for the city’s development
The award strengthens Warsaw’s international position as a business- and tourism-friendly destination. It makes it easier to attract conferences and events, increases hotel occupancy and the development of services, and supports the inflow of investments in accommodation and congress infrastructure. It also highlights the effectiveness of the cooperation between the local government and the Warsaw Tourist Organization in building the city’s brand.
Factors attracting foreign tourists
Warsaw is valued for its high standard of services, attractive prices, and dynamic gastronomic scene, reinforced by Michelin awards, among other things. Visitors praise the city’s safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transport. The capital delights with its combination of history and modernity: from the restored Old Town to the modern boulevards along the Vistula River and extensive green areas.
A city friendly to active recreation
Warsaw’s assets include the bustling Vistula boulevards, beaches and bicycle routes on the right bank, and protected natural areas. In the summer season, the city resounds with outdoor events, and as much as 25% of its area is covered by green spaces, thanks to which the capital is deservedly considered a “green metropolis.”
The impact of business tourism on the economy
Business visitors spend significantly more than leisure tourists, making the meetings industry one of the city’s most important tourism sectors. In 2023:
- tourist spending reached PLN 12.2 billion,
- budget revenues amounted to PLN 497 million (267% more than in 2019),
- tourism’s contribution to the city’s GDP was PLN 34 billion, or approx. 7.3%.
Over 92,000 people work in tourism-related industries. Thanks to this, Warsaw is strengthening its position not only as an administrative and political center, but also as a key center of the knowledge-based economy.
Source: WaszaTurystyka.pl / Photos: European Best Destinations
