The Phenomenon of Guests from Arab Countries in Zakopane

Zakopane is visited annually by approximately 70,000 tourists from Arab countries, primarily Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. This number is growing year by year, and by 2025, it could exceed 80,000, given the growing air connections with Krakow and the region’s popularity with tourists from the Middle East. Zakopane has become as fashionable as a stay in the Alps or Switzerland.

What influences the popularity of Zakopane and what are the reasons for the arrival of guests from Arab countries?

· Cool climate and nature
Tourists from the Middle East often seek out places where they can escape the extreme heat in their home countries. The Tatra Mountains and Zakopane offer fresh air, mountains, forests, and lakes—a stark contrast to desert landscapes.

· Proximity to Krakow
Most flights from Arab countries land in Krakow, and Zakopane is just 100 km away. This makes it easy to combine sightseeing in Krakow with a mountain getaway.

· Luxury and family-friendly options
Zakopane is developing a growing number of high-standard hotels and apartments, often with private spas and swimming pools. This meets the expectations of tourists from Arab countries, who typically travel with their families.

· Culture and Hospitality
Poles are perceived as hospitable and open. In Zakopane, more and more restaurants and hotels are adapting to the needs of Arab guests (e.g., halal cuisine, family spaces, privacy).

· Fashion and Prestige
Zakopane has become popular on social media in the Gulf countries. A visit to the Tatra Mountains is considered a prestigious element of a trip to Europe, similar to a stay in the Alps or Switzerland.

Which countries do guests from the Middle East fly from?

· United Arab Emirates (Dubai – DXB, Abu Dhabi – AUH)
Airlines: flydubai, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Emirates (seasonal).
Number of rotations: several times a week, even daily in the summer season.

· Qatar(Doha – DOH)
Airlines: Qatar Airways.
Number of flights: Usually daily.

· Saudi Arabia (Riyadh– RUH, Jeddah – JED)
Airlines: Wizz Air, Saudia (seasonal).
Number of rotations: several times a week, especially during the holiday season.

· Egipt (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Marsa Alam)
Airlines: charter (e.g. Enter Air, Smartwings, LOT Charters).
Number of flights: several per week in the winter and summer seasons

In total, this translates to approximately 40–60 flights per week from Arab countries to Krakow, which could translate to over 2,000–3,000 rotations (arrivals) per year. It’s worth noting that the route network is constantly expanding.

Tourists from Arab countries visit Zakopane because it offers something they are increasingly struggling with in their own countries – greenery, nature and wonderfully fresh air.

Additionally, the proximity of Krakow, the development of luxurious infrastructure and the growing popularity on social media make Zakopane one of the most important points of their trip to Poland.