News from Kraków

For years, Novotel Kraków City West has been one of the largest and most recognizable business and conference hotels in Kraków. Thanks to its convenient location, extensive conference facilities, and experience in organizing events, the property plays an important role on the city’s hotel and event industry map. By combining the international standards of the Novotel brand with a modern management approach, the hotel continuously develops its offer, responding to the needs of both business and individual guests.

On June 10–11, 2026, the Euroheat & Power Congress 2026 took place at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre. It was one of the most important European events dedicated to the energy transition and the future of district heating systems. The congress brought together industry leaders, representatives of public institutions, scientists, and experts from across Europe, becoming a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience in the face of challenges related to decarbonization and energy security.

On May 27, Kraków became the culinary capital of Poland as it hosted the first-ever national selection of the Michelin Guide for the country. During the official MICHELIN Guide gala, held at the ICE Kraków Congress Centre, the list of restaurants awarded prestigious Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand distinctions, and inspector recommendations for venues across Poland was announced.

On May 20, a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union regarding the collection and sharing of data related to short-term rental services for residential properties came into force.

On May 21, 2026, the Tourism Forum took place at the Krzysztofory Palace on Kraków’s Main Market Square. The event was dedicated to the future of tourism in Kraków, the city’s sustainable development, and cooperation among stakeholders from tourism, culture, sports, and business. During the Forum, the current tourism offer of Kraków was presented, along with key development directions and new projects strengthening the attractiveness and competitiveness of the capital of Małopolska. Participants included representatives of local government, municipal institutions, tourism organizations, academia, and the meetings and events industry.

This year’s edition of IMEX Frankfurt once again confirmed Poland’s strong position on the international meetings and business events market. The Polish Tourism Organisation, through the Poland Convention Bureau POT, together with partners from across the country, promoted Poland as a modern, safe, and sustainable MICE destination, offering high-quality services and authentic experiences for participants of congresses, conferences, and incentive travel.

The area of the former University Hospital, purchased by the city in 2019, covers nearly 9 hectares in the very center of Kraków. Today, Wesoła is being transformed into a creative district. There are already 25 resident entities operating there—from cultural institutions to social organizations—and the number of events reaches hundreds each year. It is an area in transformation, which anyone can observe up close and actively participate in. An important part of this process includes initiatives supporting sustainable tourism.

The international meetings and congress industry, an important component of the knowledge-based economy, has been undergoing dynamic changes in recent years. Post-pandemic recovery, increasing competition between destinations, and evolving expectations of event organizers mean that the positions of cities and countries in ICCA rankings have become an important measure of their attractiveness and development potential. In this context, an analysis of Poland’s and Kraków’s performance in the latest ICCA GlobeWatch 2025 report provides a clearer understanding of their current standing and future development directions.

The city is preparing for the summer tourist season. How does Kraków plan to ensure the safety and comfort of its residents? Jacek Jordan, the Night Mayor, talks about the work of city services, the anti-noise resolution, and the future of the city’s nightlife.

The steadily increasing number of tourists around the Main Market Square, Kazimierz, and the Vistula Boulevards shows that the 2026 tourist season is now in full swing. It is a time when the city comes alive—but also a period of increased challenges for services responsible for safety and public order. Mayor Aleksander Miszalski emphasizes that thanks to effective cooperation between the city, municipal guards, the police, and the State Fire Service, both residents and visitors can feel safe in Kraków.

The latest image report prepared by the Institute for Internet and Social Media Research shows that Kraków is the most eagerly visited city in Poland and maintains its position as the most well-liked among Poles. At the same time, the study indicates that, alongside culture, history, tourism, and its unique atmosphere, the city should now more broadly communicate its opportunities, development, new technologies, innovation, smart city projects, and growing business potential.

Kraków became the first city in Poland to join the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) in 2022—an international benchmarking initiative run by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, which evaluates tourist destinations in terms of sustainable development. In subsequent years, other Polish cities joined the program, including Gdańsk and, in 2025, Wrocław and Szczecin.