“Eastern Poland is a very diverse area geographically, culturally and in terms of tourism – from the Great Mazurian Lakes in the north to the Bieszczady Mountains in the south. There is great potential for the development of sustainable tourism”, said Deputy Minister of Funds and Regional Policy, Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, at a meeting with tourism entrepreneurs in Polańczyk.

“Tourist attractions, unique nature, landscape and cultural diversity and original architecture are the assets of Eastern Poland, which, if used properly, can become one of the driving forces of sustainable development of the region. To develop tourist activity, capital is needed. That is why we direct special support from European Funds to this sector”, said Deputy Minister Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak.

In the EU perspective for 2021-2027, funding for the tourism sector is present in national and regional programmes and Interreg. In total, this amounts to more than EUR 2 billion (over PLN 9 billion) to be used by local government units and entrepreneurs.

As the deputy minister explained, a new factor in the implementation of investments supported by the Cohesion Policy is to meet climate challenges. This stems from the European Green Deal objectives adopted by the EU. Therefore, tourism projects will be integrated, i.e. they will affect the economy and social life with respect for the environment.

“We have met the needs of the market mobilising national funds for investment in the area of tourism. Entrepreneurs from this region have received a loan instrument “Entrepreneurial Eastern Poland – Tourism”, emphasised Jarosińska-Jedynak.

This is national money, which is managed by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy in cooperation with the Bank BGK.

Thanks to the loans, many companies have invested in the development of hotels and guest houses, restaurants, amusement parks, tourist equipment rentals, tourist transport and many other ventures that are part of the tourism industry.

Adrian Andrzejewski