Staged by Polish Tourism Organisation, a fam trip for journalists from United Arab Emirates was intended to promote Warsaw and the region of Warmia and Mazury (Masuria) as alternatives to well-established Kraków and Zakopane.

Held by Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna - POT) on 23-28 September, the trip involved representatives of trade media, lifestyle media and bloggers hailing from United Arab Emirates.

The agenda encompassed all the key tourist highlights of Warsaw, i.a. the Old Town, Łazienki Royal Park, Wilanów, Warsaw University Library gardens and boulevards by the Vistula. There was also no shortage of components focused on lifestyle and the food scene, such as a visit to Hala Koszyki, the E. Wedel chocolate drinking lounge, Gosia Baczyńska’s atelier, Mokotowska and Mysia streets, as well as the luxury Vitkac shopping mall.

In the case of Warmia and Mazury, the trip participants took part in a cruise down the Ostróda-Elbląg Canal, explored the offer of family-friendly stays (Stara Szkoła guest house and Palace Mortęgi), played golf and tried out the offer of stays focused on relaxation (Dr Irena Eris SPA Hotel Wzgórza Dylewskie, Hotel Tiffi in Iława).

The event marked the first time that its participants visited the discussed venues. UAE guest were virtually taken aback by the diverse tourist offer on display, the sheer diversity of places (a combination of tradition and modernity plus unique historical monuments), the rich and varied offer of cuisine, as well as the nature.

Everyone emphasized that Poland is highly attractive for tourists from United Arab Emirates, with affordable prices (much lower than in Persian Gulf countries) and an extensive shopping offer among its additional considerable advantages.