Europe’s best keps secrets in Sydney!

Last week, amidst Central European finger food, Polish vodkas, Czech beers  and Hungarian wines, travel and tourism industry professionals gathered at the Polish Consulate in Sydney for an information evening focused on “Europe’s Best Kept Secrets: Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary”. 

The winner of the LOT Polish Airlines prize during the evening was Ms. Carmela Titze of  Phil Travel, pictured with Mitch Ihnatowicz and Dr Sarkowicz.

The event was organised jointly by the Consuls General of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, with the support of LOT Polish Airlines.  The three countries have come together to promote Central Europe as a region in order to highlight the key message of the evening:

“We need more Aussies!”

With so many well travelled Australians around the planet, it was intriguing to find out that in terms of foreign visitors to Central Europe, Australians comprise the smallest group! 

No doubt there are many contributing factors to explain why this is the case, but it does underline that a long forgotten part of the world is now waiting to be discovered.

Bad press does take a country a while to recover, however, get your timing right and you could be in for a wild ride! 

For example, from personal experience, Northern Ireland was a fabulous place to visit after the troubles were sorted out, as it seemed to be a window back to a time when Ireland was first ‘discovered’ by world tourism. 

The Mole had many pub lock-ins and other amazing experiences that may not happen as much today!

Having not been to Central Europe, it is now firmly on the radar and The Mole suspects that there are some great experiences awaiting those who venture to Central Europe, particularly at this current time. 

There is good supporting infrastructure in the region, with a developing and significant focus on tourism.

The Czech Republic has 200 unique historical structures, with the largest number of UNESCO heritage monuments per square metre in Europe and Prague is a mixture of the modern and old with the country focusing on both the MICE and leisure markets.

Hungary has 400,000 people (9%) employed in travel and tourism, which is significant to the economy and there is a high concentration of spa towns and villages in the country with Budapest is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube”.

Poland has many different attractions, and many different experiences awaiting the visitor, from historical cities and sites (including wartime monuments) to pristine scenic trails – in fact you can ride along or kayak down a river called the ‘Polish Amazon’!

City breaks account for a significant number of tourists in this geographically diverse region of common European history, culture, customs and traditions.

So – how to tempt an Aussie?

Aussies love food, wine and travel so all the ingredients are there for a great holiday:

** No Customs hassle – Visas are not required to visit any of the three countries, so you just arrive, collect a stamp in your passport and away you go.

** Lots of castles for the boys and lots of romantic settings for the girls!

** Hiking, biking and skiing along with other adventure sports are all on offer.

** Beer tradition goes back to the 10th Century and there are a number of winery and brewery routes to explore.

** Each country has its unique flavour from sea to lakes (Hungary has Europe’s largest salt water lake) and mountains.

** Thermal springs and spas abound (one scene in the presentation made everyone laugh – playing chess on a purpose built board in a spa!)

If you time it right, some of Europe’s largest festivals are held in the region and culture and heritage feature strongly throughout

Transformed from the state owned airline of pre-democracy times, LOT Polish Airlines has a modern fleet of planes servicing a growing number of destinations in Europe, the US and Canada. It is a member of the Star Alliance and in 2008 it will be among the first of the airlines in Europe to introduce the new Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul flights, with LOT building its position as the carrier for Central Europe, for Star Alliance Around The World fares.

Warsaw Airport is being promoted as a gateway to both the region (to the Czech Republic and Hungary) and to Eastern Europe. This means that people could take in some of Russia as part of their Central European trip, or take some time out in another major European city.

The airport has attracted much criticism in the past, but a new terminal will be opening later this year, specifically designed to meet the needs and expectations of today’s traveller, with state-of-the-art services and facilities, this development reflecting Poland’s commitment to continuing development of infrastructure.

The evening itself consisted of three presentations, with an introduction from Dr. Ryszard Sarkowicz, the Consul General of the Republic of Poland with indutry icon Mitch Ihnatowicz, representing LOT Polish Airlines keeping the event running smoothly and with great humour, organising a prize draw, as mentioned above, with lots of prizes ranging from wine, books and mementos up to flights and accommodation stays in Central Europe.

Unfortunately, The Mole’s card wasn’t drawn out, so the premium vodka and wine passed him by! 

So, if you are looking for something a little different, perhaps a little romantic and cultural, with a variety of options, it may be time to rediscover Poland, The Czech Republic and Hungary.

Report by The Mole – Nazdrowie!