The action enables them to benchmark current performance, harness global collaboration and best practices to strengthen their strategies, and drive regeneration through a more resilient tourism and events industry.
Wrocław and Szczecin are not only advancing their sustainability efforts but also proving that responsible tourism can drive meaningful progress. Szczecin, renowned for its international sailing events made possible by its large, natural water bodies, recorded 822,400 overnight stays between January and September 2024. This marks a 9.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 793,300 overnight stays were registered.
Wrocław, often called the “Venice of the North” for its many bridges, footbridges and waterways, saw a nearly 7% increase in overnight tourists in 2023 compared to the previous year, bringing visitor numbers close to pre-pandemic levels in 2018. These figures highlight both cities’ ability to attract visitors while staying true to their sustainable values.
To further support this transition, the GDS-Movement led a dedicated workshop on 20 March, bringing together six Polish cities (Szczecin, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia). It included representatives from the Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organisation and the Poland Convention Bureau. Together, the organisations explored sustainable and regenerative tourism trends, shared best practices, and developed action plans for advancing regeneration in their destinations.
The workshop took place one day before The New Trends in Tourism Conference, where Guy Bigwood, Chief Changemaker at the GDS-Movement, deliverd a keynote on “The Regenerative Revolution: Developing and Managing Thriving Destinations That Are Future Fit.” His session highlighted the importance of regeneration in tourism and how destinations can move beyond sustainability to create a lasting positive impact.
“Joining the GDS-Index enables us to assess and enhance our efforts, recognising that true progress comes from collective action on a global scale.”
Guy Bigwood, Chief Changemaker and CEO of GDS-Movement, said: “The inclusion of Wrocław and Szczecin in the 2025 GDS-Index underscores Poland’s growing commitment to building a more regenerative and resilient tourism and events sector. As these cities join Krakow and Gdańsk in the ranking, they are not only elevating their own sustainability strategies, they are harnessing the power of collaboration to unlock collective intelligence. Together, they are setting a new standard for Poland’s visitor economy and inspiring a future where sustainability, innovation, and progress go hand in hand.”
Dawid Pańczyszyn, President of the Board at the Wrocław Convention Bureau, commented: “Wrocław has long embraced sustainability, but, like any ongoing process, there is always room for growth. Joining the GDS-Index enables us to assess and enhance our efforts, recognising that true progress comes from collective action on a global scale. Partnering with the GDS-Movement grants us access to valuable tools and a network of like-minded destinations striving for the same goal.”
Anna Rojek, Project Manager, Szczecin Convention Bureau, added: “Since 2008, Szczecin has been shaping its identity through the ‘Szczecin – Floating Garden 2050’ strategy, with greenery and water covering more than half of the city. These natural assets hold the greatest potential for creating a sustainable, thriving, and attractive city for residents and visitors. Joining the GDS-Index is a natural next step in advancing this strategy, strengthening the City of Szczecin Municipality’s international presence and development while aligning with global best practices.”
