Poland's Vice Minister of Sports and Tourism, Raś, announced that the Tourist Assistance Fund (TPF) is now in operation, allowing travel agencies and clients to submit claims for up to 20 million PLN. Amidst the return of 12,000 tourists to Poland, there has been a relatively low volume of requests so far, with only 20 million PLN claimed from the available 440 million PLN in the fund. Raś emphasized the need for further financial support for travel agencies, especially since many tourists are seeking refunds for canceled trips.

Raś proposed a legislative change that would allow travel operators to settle accounts with customers using vouchers, similar to a system implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is intended to make it easier for tourists to receive refunds while helping travel agencies manage their cash flow effectively. The suggested vouchers would remain active for two years, granting greater flexibility for both tourists and tour operators as the travel industry continues to recover from recent disruptions.

The implementation of the Tourist Assistance Fund and the proposed voucher system highlights the Polish government's commitment to supporting its tourism sector as it faces challenges related to the ongoing adjustment to post-pandemic travel norms. With significant funds allocated and legislative changes on the table, the government aims to provide both immediate relief to travel agencies and a structured way for tourists to recover their lost investments in canceled holidays.