Routes Europe announced June 10 it will return to Poland in April 2016 for the 11th annual Routes Europe that will take place in Kraków, the historic capital of the Malapolska Region.
Kraków Airport will host the largest regional Routes event along with its partners the Małopolska Region, the Municipality of Kraków and Małopolska Tourism Organisation.
Routes Europe is the essential annual gathering for all aviation-based companies wishing to conduct business to, from and within the European region. This will be the second time Routes Europe has taken place in Poland.
“Hosting the prestigious Routes Europe conference is beneficial for both the airport and the region,” said Jan Pamuła, president of the board, Kraków Airport. “We welcome the decision of UBM, because taking on the role of the host is a great honor for us and confirmation that we have adopted the correct strategy.
“It’s a proof of our strong position in the European market, an opportunity to present our potential to new airlines and strong marketing support, while for the Kraków and Małopolska Region, it is a chance for promotion among tourism industry opinion leaders.
The first Routes Europe welcomed almost 300 delegates when the event took place in Warsaw in 2006, and more than 1,200 delegates are expected to attend the event in 2016, including representatives from the region’s leading airlines, airports, tourism authorities and other industry stakeholders.
Kraków Airport is situated just over 11KM from the city center and has roughly 11 million inhabitants within a two hour drive. In 2013, the airport welcomed more than 3.5 million passengers and provided connection to almost 70 destinations such as Frankfurt, Moscow, London, Paris and Rome operated by 15 airlines.
“We are thrilled to be taking Routes Europe to Kraków and returning to Poland in 2016,” said Ged Brown, head of future events, Routes for UBM Live. “Kraków Airport’s route network has seen year on year growth with both direct and connecting routes, and in 2015, the airport will undergo a restructure which will increase capacity to eight million annual passengers.
The Małopolska Region has a population of 3.3 million and attracts nine million tourists each year and Kraków, the second largest city in Poland, offers more than 1,000 cultural institutions including museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres and music facilities.
Kraków Airport has been taking part in Routes Europe since 2006, and in both 2013 and 2014, the airport received high recommendations in their category at the Routes Europe Marketing Awards.
