Speaker A
Good morning. Welcome to another episode of the "Talks about Politics" podcast. I am very pleased that Senator Monika Piątkowska is here with us today. Hi Monika, I'm glad you found a moment during these difficult, intense times.
Senator Monika Piątkowska discusses new local fee and regulations on short-term rentals to support Krakow's budget and manage tourism.
Key Takeaways
- A local tourist fee of up to 5 zlotys will be introduced in Krakow to fund infrastructure and city services.
- The fee is expected to generate significant revenue, approximately 50 million zlotys annually.
- Short-term rental regulations are necessary to manage the growing tourism sector and protect residents’ interests.
- Cross-party and local government cooperation is essential for effective tourism policy implementation.
- Tourism remains vital to Krakow’s economy but requires balanced management to avoid overburdening the city.
What the video covers
- Senator Monika Piątkowska explains the introduction of a local fee for tourists in Krakow, aimed at supporting the city budget and infrastructure.
- The proposed local fee is set at a maximum of 5 zlotys per tourist per night, expected to generate around 50 million zlotys annually.
- The fee applies to all tourists staying in apartments or hotels, excluding hospital stays, to fairly compensate for infrastructure use.
- Funds from the local fee will remain fully with the municipality, with optional cooperation with the Polish Tourism Organization for promotion.
- Short-term rentals are discussed as a growing sector needing regulation to balance tourism demand and residents' quality of life.
- Monika Piątkowska emphasizes cross-party cooperation and local government autonomy in managing tourism and related policies.
- The Civic Coalition supports these measures, with backing from Prime Minister Donald Tusk and local stakeholders.
- The local fee aims to address the wear and tear on public infrastructure caused by tourists, including sidewalks, roads, and public transport.
- There is recognition of the importance of tourism to Krakow’s economy, balanced with the need to manage excessive tourist traffic.
- The discussion includes political and social aspects of governance, highlighting the need for efficiency and fairness in tourism management.
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction and overview of local fee proposal
- 01:06Details of the local fee and its application
- 02:10Expected revenue and budget impact
- 03:54Political support and cooperation
- 06:10Importance of tourism and infrastructure challenges
- 08:09Short-term rental regulation and local government role
- 13:12Broader political context and governance
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
Speaker A
Hi. I warmly welcome you and everyone watching us. Today we will discuss issues that have been resonating in the club for many weeks. I remember how you convinced us all of two important solutions that could be adopted. The first is the
Speaker A
Hi. I warmly welcome you and everyone watching us. Today we will discuss issues that have been resonating in the club for many weeks. I remember how you convinced us all of two important solutions that could be adopted. The first is the
Speaker A
local fee as soon as possible. We know there were several draft bills. Well yes, but what is this local fee?
Speaker A
local fee, and the second is short-term rentals. Yes, that's true. These are two important topics on a national scale, of course, but extremely important for the city of Krakow. It was very important to me that we introduce the
Speaker A
Well, if the bill passes, then yes, when you go to Krakow, regardless of the purpose—tourism, conference, or health-related—as long as you are not in a hospital, but in an apartment or a hotel, then yes, I would like every
Speaker A
local fee as soon as possible. We know there were several draft bills. Well yes, but what is this local fee?
Speaker A
foreign and domestic tourists. I will tell you honestly that I wanted 10 zlotys. Aha. And I had success, well, 7 zlotys, I had half-success, and I am very happy that the government is processing it.
Speaker A
Because so we can explain what this local fee is, since I, for example, think, what? I'll go to Krakow for a week and I'll have to pay 35 zlotys.
Speaker A
we are taking this big step. Well, I remember how you spoke about how important it is for the residents of Krakow for the city budget to be fueled by these funds, but there wasn't such clear agreement. You convinced the
Speaker A
Well, if the bill passes, then yes, when you go to Krakow, regardless of the purpose—tourism, conference, or health-related—as long as you are not in a hospital, but in an apartment or a hotel, then yes, I would like every
Speaker A
But what kind of funds will those be? What will be the amount for the residents of Krakow? What will be the gain for the budget?
Speaker A
such tourist to pay a local fee. We will regulate this with a government bill so that it's done quickly and efficiently. For now, at a maximum level of 5 zlotys. That is the maximum limit. We must take into account both
Speaker A
It actually went very smoothly, that 100%of the funds should, however, remain in the municipality's budget. If there are municipalities that need support from the Polish Tourism Organization in promoting their municipality on the international stage , they can simply conclude such an
Speaker A
foreign and domestic tourists. I will tell you honestly that I wanted 10 zlotys. Aha. And I had success, well, 7 zlotys, I had half-success, and I am very happy that the government is processing it.
Speaker A
I’ll answer right away, about 16 million tourists visit us. We estimate it will be around 50 million zlotys.
Speaker A
It is to be discussed at the next Council of Ministers meeting and passed at the next Sejm session, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it happens at the 5-zloty level. I proposed 10, but I am very happy that
Speaker A
will provide a certain fairness and equivalence of services. Tourists wear down our infrastructure, sidewalks, streets, they use the trams, we provide high-level services. Yes. On one hand, tourists use this infrastructure, so there will be an inflow to the budget,
Speaker A
we are taking this big step. Well, I remember how you spoke about how important it is for the residents of Krakow for the city budget to be fueled by these funds, but there wasn't such clear agreement. You convinced the
Speaker A
That’s why this 5 zloty fee is accepted with some pain, but with understanding, because indeed most tourists are domestic. Absolutely yes.
Speaker A
Civic Coalition Club. We know that there is now agreement from the Prime Minister. It will be processed further.
Speaker A
residents. It is, above all, about managing this tourist traffic. You know, and since we are talking about politics, I remember that various political circles pushed for such a fee to be introduced. But it turns out that the truly effective actions you took in
Speaker A
But what kind of funds will those be? What will be the amount for the residents of Krakow? What will be the gain for the budget?
Speaker A
that. I think that conviction had been there for a long time, it was just necessary to tie certain topics and conditions together. I think a person was needed who would focus strongly on this topic, and that happened, and I am
Speaker A
Yes. One more sentence before that. Along the way, there was a proposal for a portion of these funds to go to the POT, and here I really managed to—the Polish Tourism Organization—I really managed to convince the Prime Minister.
Speaker A
we have. Mhm. So that’s how you also perceive local government, meaning cooperation. Absolutely. I am definitely running from a cross-party committee, although I am a member of the Civic Coalition and I will remain one, because I get such questions. Absolutely, I’m not
Speaker A
It actually went very smoothly, that 100% of the funds should, however, remain in the municipality's budget. If there are municipalities that need support from the Polish Tourism Organization in promoting their municipality on the international stage, they can simply conclude such an
Speaker A
Thank you very much. However, yes, I am running from a broader committee, because I believe that the mayor is above all a host. Above all, a host. I am happy to have the support of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. I am happy to
Speaker A
agreement. And now, looking at the number of tourists in Krakow, what will that amount be annually for the budget?
Speaker A
a broader committee, reaching beyond divisions. I have the support of non-political circles, business groups, artisans, social circles, and circles associated with the former president, Professor Jacek Majchrowski, who was apolitical for years; he wasn't when he won the election, and he governed
Speaker A
I’ll answer right away, about 16 million tourists visit us. We estimate it will be around 50 million zlotys.
Speaker A
various circles, because the city of Krakow will need support from many different sides. We may differ. I have my own political views and I have the right to them. I have the right to be a member of a Civic Coalition group.
Speaker A
We’ll see about the collection rate, but the Ministry of Finance has also proposed a change here to seal the system. That’s good. Of course, these funds won’t fix the entire budget of the city of Krakow, but I believe they
Speaker A
Absolutely, the residents of Krakow and Krakow must Okay. Let's go back, let's go back now to this local fee, so we already have a concrete plan, it will be introduced, and these funds will be earmarked for the development of Krakow, but also
Speaker A
will provide a certain fairness and equivalence of services. Tourists wear down our infrastructure, sidewalks, streets, they use the trams, we provide high-level services. Yes. On one hand, tourists use this infrastructure, so there will be an inflow to the budget,
Speaker A
I think that when it comes to Krakow, it will certainly be sidewalks, roads, and public transport.
Speaker A
but on the other hand, Krakow wants tourists. Definitely yes. And the majority of these tourists are domestic tourists.
Speaker A
Krakow. Sometimes when I go to Krakow myself, I look for the best spot and often those offers are more favorable than hotels. Why is it necessary to regulate the issue of short-term rentals? Because short-term rentals and the very dynamically developing tourist
Speaker A
That’s why this 5 zloty fee is accepted with some pain, but with understanding, because indeed most tourists are domestic. Absolutely yes.
Speaker A
very good because our hotel base, looking at the huge tourist traffic in Krakow, is simply insufficient. We also have many domestic tourists. A family with three children travels. It is simply more favorable for them to rent an apartment than a hotel. And we have
Speaker A
We want tourists. It is a very important branch of Krakow's economy. However, the city is already very tired of excessive tourist traffic, burdened by this movement. Let’s remember that it must also be a city that is beneficial and comfortable for the
Speaker A
short-term rentals. People have trouble getting enough sleep. They have kids, they go to work in the morning, sometimes dangerous situations happen, so we must definitely give municipalities the ability. Everything points to us providing opportunities, also for communities, to preserve
Speaker A
residents. It is, above all, about managing this tourist traffic. You know, and since we are talking about politics, I remember that various political circles pushed for such a fee to be introduced. But it turns out that the truly effective actions you took in
Speaker A
is also an extremely important place for Poles. They visit more readily, and not just Poles, right?
Speaker A
convincing the Civic Coalition club are happening now, because in politics, above all—that’s how I look at politics—effectiveness, determination, and hard work matter. And yes, I managed to convince the Civic Coalition, not just the government. I am very happy about
Speaker A
The devil is in the details. We will see how it starts functioning after a few years. However, yes, you are right.
Speaker A
that. I think that conviction had been there for a long time, it was just necessary to tie certain topics and conditions together. I think a person was needed who would focus strongly on this topic, and that happened, and I am
Speaker A
that tourist traffic under control. I have been saying for many years now that Krakow is a very hospitable and very open city. We invite many tourists to visit us. However, we would like tourists who respect the city, who
Speaker A
very happy about that. But I wanted to take this opportunity, listen, to thank Minister Domański, Deputy Minister Neneman, and the entire Ministry of Finance very warmly, because in fact, thanks to this cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, we have the result
Speaker A
all apartments that will be in the short-term rental database—this is an open database, certain conditions must be met—will be registered, so a database will be created, and if, for example, someone owns apartments and rents them out, they must sign up for
Speaker A
we have. Mhm. So that’s how you also perceive local government, meaning cooperation. Absolutely. I am definitely running from a cross-party committee, although I am a member of the Civic Coalition and I will remain one, because I get such questions. Absolutely, I’m not
Speaker A
the residents of Krakow, there are reports, there is an intervention, three such interventions in a year and your apartment is simply removed from the base of possibilities and you cannot rent it out anymore.
Speaker A
leaving. Looking at how you convince us in the club, I have to say that you don't lack effectiveness.
Speaker A
Krakow's economy. But above all, we must make this city friendly and comfortable for our inhabitants, that is, the residents of Krakow. Above all, we need to manage this tourist traffic in such a way that while developing the hotel base and growing tourism, we do
Speaker A
Thank you very much. However, yes, I am running from a broader committee, because I believe that the mayor is above all a host. Above all, a host. I am happy to have the support of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. I am happy to
Speaker A
convincing us as well that municipalities should decide on such exclusions, where short-term rental will not be possible. Do you think it will be a good solution if the municipality, and by that I mean the local government, so in the case of
Speaker A
have the support of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. However, the moment I win the election, if the residents so decide, my most important and, in fact, only boss when it comes to Krakow will be the residents of Krakow. That is why it is
Speaker A
that this is the right way. The municipality should have such a tool to limit or completely exclude a given area, estate, or district from short-term rental. Provided that in the act, and this is important, there is a clear statutory delegation stating
Speaker A
a broader committee, reaching beyond divisions. I have the support of non-political circles, business groups, artisans, social circles, and circles associated with the former president, Professor Jacek Majchrowski, who was apolitical for years; he wasn't when he won the election, and he governed
Speaker A
exclusions here. If we have districts that are naturally green neighborhoods, where primarily Krakow residents live, then such an area does not necessarily have to be taken over by tourists today . We also have that possibility in the act. Housing associations will receive
Speaker A
Krakow for 22 years. The moment he won the election, he resigned from his party membership. I want to take a slightly different path here. However, I have learned a lot from the professor, even just that broad cooperation with
Speaker A
solution. There are others, because as this market developed, right, for short-term rentals, some invested in such premises precisely to run such a business. And now it could turn out that this will not be possible.
Speaker A
various circles, because the city of Krakow will need support from many different sides. We may differ. I have my own political views and I have the right to them. I have the right to be a member of a Civic Coalition group.
Speaker A
excluded. It is more about, yes, the way I read it, such housing estates that are 99%inhabited by Krakow residents and someone for some reason moves out and decides to rent it out in an unregulated way, because today it is
Speaker A
However, in my professional work as city mayor, if the residents allow me, it is not even a job, but a certain lifestyle, a mission, and a function.
Speaker A
And secondly, we have different forms of ownership: cooperative, quickly put, or 100%mortgage ownership. And there are also some constitutional doubts here, so I am less convinced about this solution. When it comes to local government, provided that it is
Speaker A
Absolutely, the residents of Krakow and Krakow must Okay. Let's go back, let's go back now to this local fee, so we already have a concrete plan, it will be introduced, and these funds will be earmarked for the development of Krakow, but also
Speaker A
Roughly speaking, yes. Short-term rentals will mean more peace for the residents. Definitely. All right then. And let me ask this. I was on a program recently.
Speaker A
surely for improving infrastructure, yes, the tourist one. Yes, here the municipalities will decide, because we still need a resolution from the municipal council.
Speaker A
to answer. I’ll show you the recording in a moment and what would you tell the editor?
Speaker A
I think that when it comes to Krakow, it will certainly be sidewalks, roads, and public transport.
Speaker A
actually at the time it was the city strategy and development department, which is the department that set the main directions for the city's development. For many, many years I was the mayor's plenipotentiary, I also worked in the private sector, and I
Speaker A
Sure. Okay, so let's also talk about short-term rentals. We have seen how strongly this topic has also resonated in the public space, but here also in the Polish parliament. Why is it worth regulating short-term rentals? We know that there are many such places in
Speaker A
extremely important. I don’t have to learn this city from scratch. And furthermore, I have skills in working with various environments. A committee beyond divisions. My colleague hasn't really managed anything; he is a councilor, he was an MP, he is a
Speaker A
Krakow. Sometimes when I go to Krakow myself, I look for the best spot and often those offers are more favorable than hotels. Why is it necessary to regulate the issue of short-term rentals? Because short-term rentals and the very dynamically developing tourist
Speaker A
relationships, who has the support of the government and the city council. The Civic Coalition has a majority on the Krakow City Council today with the Left. Efficiency is needed at two levels here. Efficiency is needed at the government level and efficiency is
Speaker A
traffic in Krakow—though I think other cities have a similar problem—have also started to bother the residents. We have, of course, such places, such areas, such housing estates, such tenement
Speaker A
. I'm not going for a revolution, but for evolutionary change. I am going with a positive attitude to build and fix the city. What works well should continue to work. What needs to be changed must be changed. Krakow has
Speaker A
developed a professional staff of officials over the years. I’ll tell you, someone recently sent me a spot from the Logical Alternative, which is one of Łukasz Gibała's previous associations. He is running, trying, and striving for the position of city
Speaker A
mayor. In 16 years, he has lost three times. This is his fourth attempt. Determined, very much so. But listen, today this slogan of "cronyism" is gaining a lot of traction. Someone sent me a spot from over 10 years ago which ends with
Speaker A
the statement: "It's time to end cronyism in Krakow." Let’s recall Jacek Majchrowski. A different association, a slightly different face, but the same slogans for years.
Speaker A
Let's build, let's build, and not just go out there to destroy and tear things down. I think that also holds the answer to why it's been unsuccessful for 16 years. Okay, you’ve convinced me, because I think that in local
Speaker A
government, building a team and effectiveness is extremely important. I was a councilor in a small town and I know that such actions are simply necessary. I’m glad we could meet today, and all the best, good luck. I see you on the streets with the
Speaker A
residents of Krakow all the time, sharing what good can be done in Krakow . And I hope that what you proposed in the club, we will effectively process in the Sejm, and later with you in the Senate. All the best.
Speaker A
Thank you. Thanks for the conversation. All the best. Thank you very much. This is our next conversation about politics. Today with Monika Piątkowska, a senator from the Civic Coalition club. And we'll see you in the next episode.
Topics:local tourist feeKrakow tourismshort-term rentals regulationMonika PiątkowskaCivic CoalitionPolish Tourism Organizationtourism infrastructurecity budgettourism managementlocal government cooperation
