From 16 to 19 May 2025, just ahead of IMEX Frankfurt, Kraków and Wieliczka welcomed a select group of incentive and conference planners from the United States as part of the KRAKÓW EDU MICE TRIP. This educational visit was designed to showcase the region’s exceptional infrastructure, cultural heritage, and dynamic offering for meetings and incentive travel.
The initiative aimed to position Kraków as a compelling and competitive MICE destination in Central Europe. Organised in partnership with Mazurkas DMC Poland and the Polish Tourism Organisation, the programme provided first-hand experiences of high-standard venues, tailored incentive activities, and the renowned hospitality for which Poland is gaining increasing recognition among international meeting professionals.
The study trip was jointly initiated by Mazurkas DMC Poland and euromic, the international association of leading Destination Management Companies. Together, they developed the concept, curated the agenda, and carefully selected the ten participating buyers – highly experienced planners representing various regions across the United States. For each of them, this was a first visit to Poland.
The three-day programme delivered a dynamic blend of immersive experiences, cultural highlights, and site inspections. Attendees engaged in inspirational meetings discovered exceptional venues, and enjoyed the warm hospitality for which Kraków and its surroundings are renowned. The itinerary was designed not only to inform but also to spark new ideas and foster meaningful business connections.
Mazurkas DMC Poland continues to demonstrate excellence in delivering high-quality services, having recently been awarded both the Recommended Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) and Recommended Incentive Travel Company (ITC) certifications for 2025–2026 by the Polish Tourism Organisation – recognitions the company has consistently earned in previous years.
Fam Trip Highlights in Kraków
The guests were warmly welcomed at Hotel Saski Kraków – Curio Collection by Hilton, which served as the official host venue, offering elegant accommodation and a refined setting throughout the stay. The programme officially commenced at the historic Collegium Maius, where participants enjoyed a private, after-hours cocktail reception followed by an exclusive guided tour. The group also visited the iconic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), one of Kraków’s most recognisable landmarks.
The itinerary included site visits and presentations at several of the city’s premier hotels, such as H15 Luxury Palace, Stradom House, Autograph Collection, and the Sheraton Grand Krakow. Guests were immersed in local culture through activities like shopping at the legendary Kleparz Market, learning to make traditional pierogi, and even dancing the regional krakowiak.
One of the programme’s highlights was a hands-on workshop focused on the art of traditional Polish stained glass, which drew much interest from the participants. Evenings offered rich sensory experiences, featuring Polish cuisine and vodka tasting at Morskie Oko, a gala dinner at the elegant Szara Gęś restaurant, and after-dinner drinks in the atmospheric Hedwig’s Bar.
This immersive and engaging weekend experience left a lasting impression on all attendees. The programme concluded with an unforgettable farewell dinner and private tour of the world-famous Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“For us, it was essential to connect directly with senior decision-makers and planners who truly influence destination choices, yet had never before considered Poland as an incentive destination. Our aim is to cultivate a network of MICE ambassadors for Poland in the U.S. – professionals who, after experiencing the destination first-hand, will advocate for it within their organisations and projects.
Poland is still too often overlooked in favour of more obvious choices like Spain, Portugal, Italy or even the Czech Republic, despite offering remarkable potential. What made this programme truly impactful was the support and dedication of local DMO partners and stakeholders, who helped us deliver the very best of Kraków and Małopolska – not as tourists, but through authentic, emotionally engaging experiences. This is what builds real understanding and lasting connection with a destination,” said Marta Kicler, Business Development Director at Mazurkas DMC Poland, the initiator and lead organiser of the project.
Mazurkas DMC Poland was fully responsible for the concept, planning and execution of the programme, as well as the recruitment of participants. Such a high-level initiative could only be successfully delivered thanks to the collaboration and strong commitment of strategic partners supporting the promotion of Poland, Kraków, and the Małopolska region as world-class MICE destinations.
Edu MICE Trip 2025: Strategic Partnerships at the Core
The success of the Edu MICE Trip 2025 was made possible through the close and effective collaboration of all participating partners. Their shared commitment and seamless coordination elevated the programme to an exceptional standard and significantly enhanced the overall prestige of the event.
Key partners included:
- Poland Convention Bureau – Polish Tourism Organisation
- Polish National Tourist Office North America
- Kraków Convention Bureau
- Kraków Tourism Alliance
- Małopolska Tourism Organisation
- Hotel Saski Kraków – Curio Collection by Hilton
- Wieliczka Salt Mine
This journey was more than a showcase – it was a deep, immersive experience of Kraków, designed to mirror how incentive travellers truly live and feel the destination. Participants were not passive spectators or recipients of promotional content. Instead, they actively engaged with the city through personalised, hands-on experiences that reflected the authentic value of Kraków as a MICE destination.
By walking in the shoes of future event participants, the planners left Poland with not only new ideas and contacts – but a genuine emotional connection to the destination.
What made this experience truly impactful was the opportunity for participants to fully immerse themselves in the emotions, atmosphere, and unique moments that define a successful incentive trip. Rather than observing from the sidelines in the role of planners, they stepped into the shoes of the actual delegates — living the journey as true participants. This authentic perspective allowed them to understand the genuine value and transformative power of Poland as an incentive destination.
Participant Testimonials
Monique, Head of Commercial Services and Operational Effectiveness at a global MedTech company; responsible for customer meetings, advisory councils, incentive programmes, and sales training.
“Poland wasn’t high on my radar before, but this visit opened my eyes in the best way. The charm of the city, the warmth of the local team, the food (SO underrated!), and the rich cultural layers truly impressed me. From beautifully restored hotels to immersive local experiences, Kraków has so much untapped potential—especially for meetings, incentives, and boutique travel. It’s walkable, welcoming, and full of heart. Definitely one to watch. Sometimes all it takes is 48 hours to shift your entire perspective. I’ll be keeping Kraków and Poland in mind for future programs, both professionally and personally.”
Josi, Senior Event Manager
“My first trip to Poland was an absolute dream. From savouring Polish cuisine and hand-making pierogis to wandering through storybook castles and feeling completely free in the magic of Kraków — every moment was filled with wonder. The team at Mazurkas and everyone involved brought such warmth, care, and infectious energy — turning every detail into a memory and every experience into joy. They made Poland come alive in a way I’ll never forget. Poland wasn’t just a destination — it was a feeling. One of connection, curiosity, and unexpected delight. I left inspired, uplifted, and already dreaming of my return.”
Kraków for American Event Planners
Edu MICE Trip 2025 – Featured Venues, Hotels & Experiences. During the Edu MICE Trip 2025, participants from the U.S. explored a carefully curated selection of Kraków’s top MICE venues, hospitality offerings, and cultural highlights:
- Hotel Saski Kraków – Curio Collection by Hilton – Official host hotel; accommodation and welcome reception
- H15 Luxury Palace – Site inspection and hotel presentation
- Stradom House, Autograph Collection -Site inspection and hotel presentation
- Sheraton Grand Krakow – Site inspection and hotel presentation
- Collegium Maius – Exclusive after-hours cocktail and guided tour
- Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) – Visit to one of Kraków’s most iconic landmarks
- Kleparz Market – Local shopping and tasting of Polish delicacies
- Morskie Oko Restaurant – Polish vodka tasting experience
- Szara Gęś Restaurant – Elegant gala dinner
- Hedwig’s Bar – Atmospheric after-dinner drinks
- Stained Glass Workshop – Hands-on session exploring the history of Polish stained glass
- Wieliczka Salt Mine – Farewell dinner and private tour; the grand finale of the programme
- Pierogi-Making Workshop – Interactive culinary experience
- Traditional Krakowiak Dance Lesson – Cultural immersion through Polish folk dance
POLAND. More than you expected!
Source: Mazurkas DMC Poland | Compiled by: Jaroslaw Marciuk
