La Pologne renforce sa présence au Canada. Succès de la visite d'inspection du POT à Montréal, Ottawa et Toronto

On June 24–26 this year. The Foreign Center of the Polish Tourist Organization (ZOPOT) in Chicago, responsible for promoting Poland on North American markets, conducted a series of strategic meetings in key Canadian metropolises: Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. The aim of the mission was to strengthen relations with Polish diplomatic missions and verify reception conditions in terms of organizing future B2B presentations and business meetings with the Canadian tourism industry, including key partners associated with ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors).

The visit to Canada is a direct response to the dynamically growing potential of this market. The number of tourist arrivals from Canada to Poland systematically increases from year to year by 11 percent (2025 vs. 2024). Although the main entry gates and the most frequently chosen destinations remain Warsaw and Kraków, detailed analyzes of the profile of a modern traveler from Canada (MMGY’s 2025 Portrait of American and Canadian International TravelersTM) they open up completely new promotional opportunities for the Polish tourism sector.

Nature, authenticity and “slow travel” – a profile of a Canadian tourist

Interviews conducted with representatives of the Canadian industry – Suzanne Acton-Gervais, president of ACTA (meeting in Ottawa) et Marco Pozzobon, Vice-President of ACTA (Toronto meeting) and previously obtained analyzes of the Canadian market allowed for a precise characterization of the motivations of local travelers.

Unlike tourists from the United States, who largely focus on sentimental tourism and classic sightseeing of urban monuments, Canadian citizens show different and very specific preferences. Canadians are primarily passionate about nature, ecology and outdoor activities. When traveling abroad, they look for authentic, niche experiences and deep contact with the local culture and community.

The most important trends shaping this market include:

1. Sustainability and ecotourism: As a nation strongly associated with environmental protection, Canadians place great importance on the ecological aspects of travel. They willingly choose certified “green” accommodation facilities and regions that care for the preservation of the local biosphere.
2. Active recreation in the “slow” version: Hiking in the Polish mountains (Tatra Mountains, Pieniny), cycling, trekking and kayaking in Masuria and the Suwałki region are tourist products with the highest growth potential on the Canadian market. Canadians are eager to escape mass tourism in favor of direct contact with nature.
3. Culinary tourism based on local products: An important element of travel for them is learning about regional flavors, handcrafted products, traditional recipes and local winemaking and brewing.
4. Heritage and culture with a modern twist: Beyond history, Canadians show great interest in Poland’s dynamic art scene, music festivals and unique local design.

New prospects for Polish business

Tourists from Canada are characterized by a longer average stay in Europe and a much higher spending budget on site, which makes them an extremely attractive target group for Polish entrepreneurs, boutique hotels and organizers of sustainable tourism.

“Confirmation of excellent reception conditions in Polish consular posts in Montreal and Toronto and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ottawa is the foundation for organizing workshops and business meetings planned this fall. The Polish advantage is numerous connections from Toronto to Warsaw and from there. We are also looking for good partners on the Canadian side, and that is why ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors) is an absolutely strategic partner for us to build lasting B2B relationships in Canada. It brings together agencies and travel advisors from all over the country and fits perfectly into the purpose of organizing future business meetings.” – she said Paula Fanderowska, Director of ZOPOT (North America) in Chicago

Thanks to coordinated actions Polish Tourist Organization in cooperation with Polish diplomacy and business and institutional partners from PolandPoland has a chance to effectively position itself in the minds of the Canadian industry as a leading, safe, green and culturally fascinating destination in Central Europe.