Entrepreneurs associated with WOT exempt from contributions for 2021

2020 was undoubtedly the most difficult year in the history of Polish tourism, especially for entities operating in the area of so-called urban tourism and the MICE industry. However, several positive things also happened during this dramatic and turbulent period. One of them is the announcement by the City of Warsaw of the "Tourism Policy", which clearly outlines the long-term vision of the development of this industry and connects it closely with other areas of economic, cultural and social life. In this vision, the Warsaw Tourism Organization is indicated as an important entity responsible for creating a tourist product as part of a dialogue with local entrepreneurs.

The second piece of positive news is the fact that the Warsaw City Office, confirming the role of WOT in implementing the provisions of the "Tourism Policy", decided to support the entrepreneurs and released them from the obligation to pay membership fees for 2021.

A City press release on this matter was issued today:

City support for the Warsaw tourism industry

The tourism sector is one of the sectors of the economy that has been hit particularly hard by the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. That is why President Rafał Trzaskowski decided to allocate additional funds from this year's savings to Warsaw entrepreneurs associated with the Warsaw Tourism Organization (WOT).

- Tourism is struggling with the effects of the pandemic like few other industries. The restrictions introduced by the government are hitting companies operating in the catering, hotel and exhibition sectors particularly hard. Many owners are on the verge of bankruptcy, often saving their businesses by selling assets and taking out loans, unsure whether they will be able to repay them in the near future. – says Rafał Trzaskowski, Mayor of Warsaw. - Unfortunately, subsequent government shields only slightly translate into real financial assistance for entrepreneurs, especially omitting the incoming tourism sector. That is why local government assistance is so important, within its financial capabilities. – he adds.

Thanks to additional funds earmarked for a one-time increase in the city's membership fee in the Warsaw Tourism Organization for 2021, its board will be able to exempt entrepreneurs associated in the association from next year's membership fee. The Warsaw Tourism Organization, co-founded by the Capital City of Warsaw, is an association whose goal is to support the tourism sector in the capital by promoting the activities of its members. WOT runs many support programs, including the #TylkoRazem marketing campaign, but also provides assistance in applying for various types of grants and conducts training for those associated in the organization.

Thanks to the increase in the municipal contribution by PLN 300,000, WOT will continue to work intensively for its members, and on the other hand, it will relieve those among them who need it the most – says President Rafał Trzaskowski – We hope that this will not only allow us to maintain the current quality level and the organization's numbers, but will also encourage more tourism entrepreneurs to join its ranks. Especially in these difficult times, Warsaw needs a strong representation of the local tourism industry - he adds.

In March this year, the #WarszawaPomagaPrzedsiębiorcom (#WarszawaPomagaPrzedsiębiorcom) Program was introduced, thanks to which entrepreneurs in the capital city received an aid package, which, to the extent possible, is expanded to include further elements of support. For example, the program included support for tenants in the form of reduced rent in city premises.