A `tiger of tourism'

The logo for the Polish National Tourist Organisation is a clever representation of rivers, mountains and trees, which outlines some of this central European country's attractions. Showing the cities would be difficult in a logo but they rank among the most beautiful in Europe.

The Republic of Poland is located in the heart of Europe and stretches over 312,700 square kilometres from the Baltic Sea to the Tatra Mountains, surrounded by Germany, the Czech and Slovak republics, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. It is a parliamentary republic which has been transforming to the market economy at a rapid rate.

Temperatures in Poland are unpredictable, not unlike our own temperate climate with winter colder than Ireland but drier, and summer ranges slightly hotter. The situation of Poland also allows for a variety of experiences from the sandy beaches of the Baltic coast to some of the best and cheapest skiing in Europe. For a country that has had such a tragic history the welcome, enthusiasm and optimism of the Poles is a revelation. Everywhere there is evidence of a modern nation who will, in time, join us in the EU. It is also a country that has much to offer travellers and for now prices to make it very worthwhile.

The World Tourism Organisation has dubbed Poland a "tiger of tourism" with more than 87.8 million visitors last year, making it the eighth most visited country in the world. A key factor in this growth was the decision of the Polish government to establish a worldwide network of national tourist offices.

Czeslaw Jermanowski, PNTO director in London, was responsible for compiling the government's tourism development plan. He says as a result Poland is now "very much closer to public perception". In January PNTO will again have a stand at the Holiday World Experience show, to meet Irish visitors and tell them about Poland. Although Warsaw, the capital, was almost completely destroyed during the second World War, it has since been rebuilt according to the original plans. The Old Town in particular, has retained its charm and today visitors flock to its cafes, restaurants, museums, gothic churches, and to see the Renaissance and Baroque facades.

The market square is totally charming with multi-coloured, almost higgledy piggledy buildings enclosing the cobbled centre, where artists and craftsmen display their works. It would also remind one of the Grand Place in Brussels with its quaint grandeur. Not surprisingly UNESCO have listed the Old City in its Natural and Cultural Heritage.

Warsaw is also a modern city with a wide range of activities for all city-lovers: museums, restaurants, parks, shops, and some of the best music in Europe. The Lazienki Park in the centre with its miniature lakes and beautiful buildings hosts Chopin concerts in the summer. An extensive programme of opera and music takes place at the Grand Opera House, where tickets cost about £7.

Far from Warsaw is the town of Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Fryderyk Chopin. The town regularly hosts concerts to its famous son and is also home of the Chopin museum.

The second city of Poland is Krakow, designated as European City of Culture for 2000 and home town of one of the most famous Poles, Pope John Paul II. One of the few cities in Poland to escape the ravages of second World War, it is crammed with historic buildings and monuments. The market square dominated by the twin Gothic spires of Our Lady's Church, and is the largest medieval square in Poland and dates back to the 13th Century.

SHOPPING in Krakow is excellent, particularly for items such as crystal, tableware, chocolate and crafts. Krakow was capital of Poland for 500 years and no visit would be complete without seeing the Wawel - the castle from which the kings ruled Poland.

On the Baltic coast a trio of cities, Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot are a must in any itinerary. To westerners following the Solidarity movement in the late 1980s Gdansk has always appeared to be an industrial town, full of shipyards and cranes. The reality of that image is a beautiful 11th century Hanseatic city, which has been restored faithfully. Home of fabulous museums and cultural events Gdansk should be famous for its architectural magnificence. Sopot, a traditional seaside town and spa resort attracts international travellers with its casino, dining and nightlife. Gydnia, one of the largest and most modern ports on the Baltic is home of the Naval Museum and the Oceanographic Museum.

In the far south where the Tatra Mountains, the highest range in the Carpathians, mark the border between Poland and Slovenia, lies Zakopane. Known as Polands's winter capital, it is base camp for skiing and in summer for hiking. Zakopane is bidding for the Winter Olympics in 2006. Naturalists will be attracted to Poland for its many national parks, for fishing, bird-watching, hiking, camping and animal spotting. Lynx, bison, brown bears, wildcats, chamois and marmots can be seen.

A major benefit to travelling in Poland is the extensive rail network, which is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. Visitors will find trains punctual and very good value.