The 100 most influential people in Polish Tourism 2025 - leaders who are shaping the future of the industry

he list includes representatives from various segments of tourism — from business, through local government, to the public sector — and among those recognized were 28 women, reflecting the growing role of female leaders in the industry.

The Wasza Turystyka ranking is not just a popularity list — it is a barometer of influence: the individuals featured are leaders whose actions have a real impact on tourism development, business strategy, public policy, the promotion of Poland as a destination, and innovations in the sector.

The panel of experts preparing the list analyzed nearly 300 nominations from across the industry, taking into account the impact of decisions, long-term initiatives, scale of operations, innovation, and engagement in tourism development.

The top ten most influential people in Polish tourism 2025

Here are the leaders whose actions in 2025 particularly shaped the landscape of Polish tourism:

1. Michał Fijoł — CEO of Polskie Linie Lotnicze LOT
Michał Fijoł heads the national airline and has long been shaping the aviation market in Poland. In 2025, LOT continued modernizing its fleet and expanding its route network, improving the country’s and regions’ accessibility for tourists.

2. Piotr Henicz — Vice President, Itaka Holdings
One of the key leaders in the Polish tour operator sector, for whom 2025 meant further expansion and strategic stability. Under his leadership, Itaka strengthened its position as one of the most important players in the holiday market.

3. Izabela Stelmańska — Marshal’s Office of Mazowieckie Voivodeship
As Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Promotion, and Tourism, Izabela Stelmańska has been building a strong tourism brand for Mazovia for years. The region is seeing record statistics, and infrastructure development and promotion make it an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.

4. Jan Mazurczak — CEO of Poznań Local Tourist Organization
An expert in urban tourism, consistently developing Poznań as a year-round destination. His actions integrate local business, the MICE sector, and cultural promotion, contributing to a dynamic increase in regional tourist traffic.

5. Dariusz Górzny — CEO of Wakacje.pl, Travelplanet.pl, and Invia
CEO of one of the largest tourism groups in the CEE region, combining modern technology with tourism services across multiple markets. His focus on innovation and team development translates into higher service quality and operational scale.

6. Maciej Szczechura — CEO of Rainbow
Leader of one of the largest tourism companies in Poland, able to anticipate market changes and create new development directions. His strategic decisions strengthen Rainbow’s position in the Polish and regional tourism markets.

7. Małgorzata Wilk‑Grzywna — Vice President, Polish Tourism Organization
A representative of a key institution promoting Poland as a tourist destination. Her work supports Poland’s international presence and the development of promotional campaigns attracting tourists from around the world.

8. Paweł Niewiadomski — President, Polish Chamber of Tourism
As a representative of one of the most important industry organizations, Paweł Niewiadomski works to professionalize the market, integrate the tourism community, and build standards for cooperation among entrepreneurs.

9. Michael O’Leary — CEO, Ryanair
Michael O’Leary sets the pace for the development of low-cost aviation in Europe, and his decisions significantly impact the accessibility of travel to and from Poland. The expansion of the route network supports city tourism, weekend trips, and seasonal travel.

10. Ireneusz Raś — Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism
A key representative of public administration, influencing the country’s tourism policy. His involvement in strategic projects and regulations translates into favorable conditions for the entire sector.

The list of 100 most influential people in Polish tourism is not just a mark of prestige — it shows the directions of change across the sector, from operational decisions to public strategies and technological innovations. The people on the list are not only media-recognized but, most importantly, have a real influence on how tourism in Poland will develop in the coming years.

The Wasza Turystyka ranking is also a signal to the entire industry about the importance of collaboration, leadership, social responsibility, and innovation in a sector that continues to grow and increasingly compete on the international stage.

The full list of the 100 most influential people in Polish tourism 2025 is available on the official Wasza Turystyka website: https://www.waszaturystyka.pl/100-najbardziej-wplywowych-osob-w-polskiej-turystyce-2025/. The awards gala was held on January 9, 2026, at the Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel, bringing together industry representatives, sector leaders, and the honored individuals whose vision and actions shape the development of tourism in Poland.