warsaw
Why MICE in
warsaw?
Is there a city located in the centre of Europe, within the EU and Schengen zone, with convenient flight connections to all major European cities from an airport located just 11 km from the city centre? And is there such a city that also offers great tourist infrastructure and many new 4- and 5-star hotels? Yes, there is. It is Warsaw, the capital of Poland.
I
n 2011 Poland will hold the EU Presidency, and in 2013 may well become part of the Euro Zone. The capital is the largest academic and research centre, and though Warsaw has over 600 years of history it has a young and dynamic feel. Completely destroyed during the World War II, Warsaw rose up to become the financial hub of central and eastern Europe, offering visitors great quality hotels and infrastructure with professional staff and dozens of other attractions. The city has a population of nearly 2 million, and an investment boom is visible all around. Warsaw is known for its unique atmosphere which results from a combination of the city’s interesting past, dynamic present and its bright future. The city combines tradition and modernity, and this is visible all around Warsaw. The contrast of old and new can be seen most clearly in its architecture. The variety of styles visible reflect the different phases that Poland went through during the 20th century. The city centre is filled with modern skyscrapers and
glass office buildings. Nearby are the Palace of Culture and the MDM district: blatant reminders of Poland’s 45 years of communist domination. While walking along the Royal Route visitors will enjoy the beautiful, and newly renovated, pedestrianized area of Krakowskie Przedmieście street, which guides them towards the Old Town. The latter was rebuilt in the 1950s from scratch from the ruins of World War II, and is now listed as a UNESCO heritage site. On the other side of the Vistula river is the Praga district – which some call the Polish Montmartre. Buildings in Praga still display holes dating from before the war. Today Warsaw welcomes a large number of visitors both as an important business centre and a tourist destination. It is becoming a modern metropolis, bustling with energy and life. Music festivals, international cultural exhibitions and artistic events frequently take place. Its many restaurants also offer international standards of cuisine with influences from around the globe. As well as its exciting urban life, Warsaw’s inhabitants and tourists can also enjoy the numerous parks themicereport | 141
Warsaw Destination Editorial V2.indd 1
31/10/09 18:36:18