| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/11/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 22 |
| Copyright: Other |
Marketing drive
Polish tourist office seeks funds to bolster UKprofile
Report by PAUL NORRIS
POLAND must find£1 million to fund crucial UK marketing next year, according to Polish National Tourist Office UKand Ireland director Jerzy Szegidewicz.
He plans to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds on training, educational trips and promotions, but is counting on a big boost to the tourist office budget. The Polish governmentprovided £600,000 for 2001 and Szegidewicz estimateshe needs to almost doublehis budget to meet plans for next year.
He also recognises that Poland can take advantage of people not wanting to fly long-haul because of the September 11 terrorist attacks by promoting itself strongly to key markets such as the UK.
“The government mustprovide at least £1 million for promotion in the UK,” Szegidewicz said. “If we spend more now, the government will benefit in two to three years. We must push it and it will pay dividends.”
Overall, the PNTO spends £6 million on overseas marketing, with the UK a major focus. Money will be spent in the UK on training 3,000 agents and operators about Poland. There will also be educational trips.
Pulling power:the PNTO is planning a big UKmarketing drive next year