A meeting of Pomorskie Prestige project partners, organized by the Pomorskie Tourist Board as part of the Pomorskie Business Summit, was held on November 6, 2025 at the Solmarina Hotel.

The event was attended by representatives of the tourism industry, local producers, project partners and experts related to the development of culinary tourism.

Presentation of BASCIL project results

One of the key points of the program was a speech by Hubert Gonera, who presented a summary of the BASCIL – Innovative Solutions for the Rural Food Production Sector to Diversify into Sustainable Culinary Tourism Services project.

The presentation highlighted the project’s achievements, such as:

– development of interregional cooperation in the area of culinary tourism,

– strengthening Pomorskie’s image as a culinary destination,

– the creation and promotion of the Pomorskie Path of Flavors – an initiative linking local producers, restaurateurs and places where authentic flavors of the region can be experienced.

Inspiring speeches and local products

The meeting also featured presentations on culinary tourism and projects implemented in the region, which inspired further cooperation.

The event was accompanied by an exhibition space where local producers presented their unique products – created with passion, quality and respect for tradition.

Pomorskie – a region full of flavor

The Pomorskie Business Summit showed that the region has great culinary potential and is constantly developing its offer based on authenticity, local heritage and cooperation.

Such events strengthen the relationship between business, local government and the tourism industry, building a recognizable brand of Pomorskie as a place where tradition meets modernity.

On November 6, the Grano Solmarina Hotel hosted an exclusive meeting of Pomorskie Prestige Partners, which once again proved that the power of cooperation and networking in the tourism industry cannot be underestimated.

Pomorskie Business Summit is not just an event – it’s a platform for establishing relationships, exchanging experiences and building lasting partnerships that translate into real benefits for all participants in the tourism services market. Our goal is to create a space where restaurateurs can get to know local producers, hoteliers can establish cooperation with, for example, local cosmetic brands, and chefs can meet, exchange inspirations and create new trends together. Pomorskie Prestige gives Partners the opportunity to make the most of this platform – it’s a place where every contact can turn into a valuable business relationship.

This year’s event program was carefully prepared with the needs of the industry in mind. Partners started the day with a breakfast of regional products, which emphasized the importance of working with local suppliers. This was followed by lectures by experts, including Damian Gawrysiak (green finance and investment), Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło (EU PROT projects), Krzysztof Steinman and Natalia Wisniewska (Arab markets in inbound tourism), Hubert Gonera (value of the BASCIL project), Niclas Fjellstorm (cooperation with local producers – foreign practices) and Bogdan Galazka (promotion of Polish culinary tourism). Each of the speakers shared their energy and experience, emphasizing the power of cooperation in building the competitiveness of the region.

The Pomorskie Prestige Partners Club is a community of people who drive the development of tourism in the region. The Pomorskie Prestige project, implemented by the Pomorskie Regional Tourist Board, aims to connect the industry and, based on its offers, create comprehensive experience paths for Pomorskie residents and tourists – both from Poland and abroad. Partners of the project benefit from extensive support: their offers are promoted in local and international media, published on www.pomorskie-prestige.eu and in social media, and presented at prestigious events such as the opening of the new Polish embassy in Berlin and the Expo in Osaka. In addition, Partners receive access to the latest industry knowledge, marketing support, and the opportunity to work with influencers and journalists from around the world.

Pomorskie Business Summit 2025 showed that together we can do more. The collective energy of participants, openness to new ideas and willingness to share experience are the foundations on which we are building the future of Pomorskie’s tourism industry. We would like to thank all Partners for their activity and commitment – it is thanks to you that Pomorskie Prestige is the place where the best initiatives are born!

How to become a Partner of Pomorskie Prestige? Here you will find more information: https: //pomorskie-prestige.eu/zostan-partnerem/

We are proud to announce that the Pomorskie Tourist Board has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This is an important step in the long-term process of strengthening the sustainable transformation of tourism in the Pomerania region.

What is the GSTC?

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable tourism (formerly known as the GSTC Criteria). Its goal is to increase knowledge and practices of responsible tourism among public and private stakeholders. The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization responsible for global standards, developing knowledge about sustainable practices, promoting universal principles, and building demand for environmentally friendly travel.

Our path to GSTC

GSTC membership is a result of PROT’s planned and responsible actions.

In May 2025, five members of our team successfully completed training and passed the GSTC standards exam, increasing the organization’s expertise in sustainable tourism. Then, in August, we established the PROT Green Team, whose task is to coordinate internal initiatives and further strengthen the green transformation. The next step was to join the GSTC in October 2025, an organization that sets the direction for sustainable tourism worldwide.

Why do we need this membership?

Joining the GSTC gives us:

• access to the latest global knowledge and educational tools,
• the opportunity to collaborate with an international network of experts and industry leaders,
• the chance to use GSTC standards in practical support for pomorskie tourism,
• strengthening Pomerania’s position as a region of responsible tourism.

We want to actively use GSTC resources to:

• educate and inspire our members and partners,
• support the Pomorskie tourism industry in its transformation,
• develop tourism products in line with the principles of social and environmental responsibility.

We are working for the future of Pomerania

Our membership in the GSTC is in line with PROT’s vision and mission — to build Pomerania as an open, friendly, competitive, and sustainable region. We believe that the tourism of the future must care for people, nature, and local heritage — and we want to be one of the leaders in this direction.

Agnieszka Cegielska has become the face of the Pomorskie Prestige project, implemented by the Pomorskie Tourist Board. The well-known journalist and nature lover is promoting the attractions of the Pomorskie Province in the fall-winter season of 2025/2026. The first episode is already available online.

“Experience more flavor with Agnieszka Cegielska” is the title of the first episode of the project, in which the well-known internet and television personality discovers the delicious side of Pomorskie. In Gdynia, she meets Arkadiusz Brzęczek, a modernism enthusiast, to look at the city from a new perspective. She then visits the Market Hall in Gdynia, where she meets the owner of a traditional family business selling fresh fish. At the vegetable stand, she meets Marcin Popielarz, a renowned pomorskie chef, who reveals his secrets for preparing perfect dishes and invites her to his restaurants: the Quadrille Hotel in Gdynia and Leśny Dwór in Kashubia. The first episode is a story about local flavors, Gdynia’s architecture, and the power of tranquility, which is most beautifully felt during the off-season.

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/Au82LVcoJgI

Episode partners:

Gdynia Development Agency

Hotel Quadrille Relais & Châteaux

Leśny Dwór Sulęczyno

More episodes coming soon. To stay up to date, we recommend following the website www.pomorskie-prestige.eu.

During the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2025 in Sopot, which took place on October 29–30, 2025, participants had the opportunity to learn about the offerings of selected local producers who are beneficiaries of the BASCIL project and part of the Pomorskie Taste—a culinary trail in the Pomorskie region.

Smaki Kaszub and Chwastowe Pole presented their products, offering tastings and substantive discussions about local traditions and opportunities for the development of culinary tourism based on regional values.

The presence of producers was an excellent opportunity for the international group of Forum participants to learn about the culinary heritage of Pomorskie, the importance of local products in promoting the region, and the role of culinary tourism in sustainable development strategies.
We are proud of the initiatives and achievements of all producers from our region.

On October 23, a special meeting was held at the Gdynia Film Center, during which we celebrated the completion of the project “Feel more with Agnieszka Cegielska off-season.” We invited Agnieszka Cegielska and the people who co-created the film journey through Pomorskie with us to an internal preview screening.

Premiere with Agnieszka Cegielska at the Gdynia Film Center

We love Pomorskie in the off-season and believe that tourists and residents will love it too. It is then that the region reveals its most authentic face. That is why, together with our partners, we have implemented the project “Feel more with Agnieszka Cegielska in the off-season.” The internal preview screening was our way of thanking everyone involved in the project for their cooperation, ideas, and time spent together. The meeting had a distinctly local flavor. The ladies from the Powiśle Women’s Space Association and the Pastwa Rural Women’s Club prepared gooseberry compote for all the guests – the very same compote that Agnieszka Cegielska enjoyed so much during the recordings. After the screening of three episodes, we invited everyone to enjoy apple pie made with apples from Pastwa and a cake, accompanied by lively conversation and networking in a friendly atmosphere.

Experience more with Agnieszka Cegielska in the off-season – when will the first episode premiere?

Agnieszka Cegielska has become the ambassador for the Pomorskie Prestige campaign, organized by the Pomorskie Tourist Board. As a well-known journalist and nature lover, she promotes the charms of Pomorskie in the off-season – in its autumn and winter versions. As part of the project, she visited the Tri-City and the most beautiful corners of the region, discovering their uniqueness, local flavors, the idea of slow life, and rich history. A series of three films, with the premiere of the first episode on October 30 on the Internet, will be available on the YouTube channel pomorskie.travel and on Agnieszka Cegielska’s channel. The campaign’s slogan is “Feel more in the off-season.”

If you want to stay up to date, follow our project www.pomorskie-prestige.eu.

On October 10, the Baltic Opera became the true heart of pomorskie tourism. This unique event showed how strong and cohesive our industry is – we create high quality because we work together, support each other, and are kind to one another. This is our everyday life and our DNA.

Celebrating successes together, sharing inspiration, and rewarding those who have a real impact on the development of the region builds our strength. Among the several hundred participants were representatives of local governments, universities, cultural institutions, Local Tourist Organizations, and PTTK branches – each of them contributes to the success of Pomorskie. A special place is reserved for companies that support our initiatives, such as Energa from the Orlen Group, a strategic partner of the event, involved in the development of tourism, culture, and sport in the region.

This year’s celebrations, held under the slogan “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” were an opportunity to discuss how joint actions and partnerships translate into the Pomorskie brand. It is thanks to such support and commitment that we were able to appreciate those who are the driving force behind our industry.

The “Tourism Power” award granted by Energa went to Piotr Wierzbowski, organizer of Wanoga Gravel and creator of the Adventure Reserve – an example of how shared passion and cooperation lead to success. The most important awards, distinctions, and anniversaries – including the Gryf Pomorski for Prof. Andrzej Januszajtis and awards for individuals and institutions distinguished in the field of tourism – show that together we can achieve more. It is mutual kindness, support, and pride in being part of this industry that make Pomorskie a unique place – not only on the map of Poland, but also in the hearts of the people who create it.

The awards of the Marshal of the Pomorskie Province for 2025 show how many fantastic initiatives are created thanks to the joint work and passion of people associated with our industry. The award in the ‘tourist offer 2024’ category went to Barbara and Bartosz Idczak, owners of Lawendowa Osada (Lavender Village) – proof that family-run, authentic places create the atmosphere of Pomorskie. The main awards in this category went to the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk and the City of Gdynia for its Modernist Downtown – both projects show how we combine history with modernity and openness to visitors. The Municipal Sports and Recreation Center in Sopot and the Sopot Tourist Organization were awarded the “Event of the Year 2024” prize for organizing WFFA PULSE Sopot 2024 – the European Freestyle Football Championships. It is thanks to such initiatives that Pomorskie is becoming an arena for international events, and we, as a community, support and cheer each other on. The main prize in the “Personality of the Year 2024” category went to Jacek Debis, and the Gdańsk Museum was recognized for its research, conservation, and adaptation of the Wisłoujście Fortress – these are investments that will remain with us for years to come and inspire future generations. In the “Innovation in Tourism” category, the award went to Goyki 3 Artinkubator, which proves that creativity and the courage to introduce change are our strengths. The unique atmosphere of the event was emphasized by a concert by Joanna Knitter and her band – music, conversations, and smiles filled the Baltic Opera with positive energy.

It was a day when we really felt the power of Pomorskie tourism: cooperation, kindness, and support. Such meetings build our brand and show that together we can achieve even more. The regional celebrations were held under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the Polish Tourist Organization, the Polish Chamber of Commerce for the Hotel Industry, and the PTTK Main Board. The strategic partner of the event was Energa from the Orlen Group, which consistently supports the development of tourism in the region. ( www.energa.pl )

How to develop culinary tourism based on local traditions and modern solutions? How to effectively cooperate across borders to promote the richness of flavors of the Baltic Sea region? Answers to these questions will be provided to participants of the international webinar “Food Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region,” organized jointly by EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism and the BASCIL project.

November 19, 2025 | 9:30–11:00 CET | online on the Zoom platform

The meeting will bring together experts, practitioners, and entrepreneurs who have been shaping the culinary map of the region for years. It will be a unique opportunity to learn about inspiring examples of culinary tourism development, effective tools for international cooperation, and innovative approaches to promoting culinary heritage.

The program includes:

• an introduction to the perspective of culinary tourism in the Baltic Sea region
• Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło and Anna-Maija Toivonen, EUSBSR Policy Area Tourism;
• the history and impact of the Culinary Heritage Network, Niclas Fjellström;
• practical tools supporting the development of food tourism through international cooperation
• Diana Danilda, Krinova Incubator & Science Park;
• examples of the development of culinary tourism in eastern Finland, Anna Rinteinen, Visit Finland Academy Coach;
• discussion: opportunities and challenges for the industry in the Baltic region.

In a world where tourists are increasingly traveling “for the taste,” culinary tourism is becoming one of the most dynamically developing segments of the industry. The webinar will be an opportunity to look at this trend from the perspective of the entire Baltic Sea region—an area that shares a common heritage but also a great diversity of local culinary traditions.

The organizers invite representatives of businesses, tourism organizations, local governments, and institutions supporting the development of the region to participate in the event, which aims to inspire, connect, and support cooperation.

Register today:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ET8AExX3Rs6SgR6oI8yFng

On October 10, the Baltic Opera became the heart of pomorskie tourism. This unique event brought together representatives of the industry, providing a space to exchange inspiration and reward those who have a real impact on the development of tourism in our region.

Several hundred people celebrated a good year for tourism in Pomorskie! Among the participants were representatives of the most important communities – from local authorities, through universities and cultural institutions, to Local Tourist Organizations and branches of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (PTTK).

Official guests included: Marshal of the Pomorskie Province Mieczysław Struk, member of the Provincial Board Agnieszka Baranowska, Deputy Governor Emil Rojek, and President of the Polish Tourist Organization Rafał Szmytke. The strategic partner of the event was Energa from the Orlen Group.

This year’s regional celebrations, held under the slogan ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,’ were hosted by journalist Robert Silski. After the ceremonial opening, he invited guests to a debate moderated by Marta Chełkowska, president of the Pomorskie Tourist Board.

The debate focused on the impact and value of sponsored events on the development of tourism and building the region’s brand. Magdalena Marszałkowska, Director of the Marketing Department at Energa SA, and Arkadiusz Labudda, President of Grano Group, joined the discussion. The topic fit in perfectly with the activities of the Energa Group, which, as a strategic partner of the pomorskie celebrations, presented the “Tourism Power” award in the “Active Tourism in Pomorskie” category. The award was received by Piotr Wierzbowski, organizer of Wanoga Gravel and creator of the Adventure Reserve.

– Energa embraces sport, Energa embraces culture, but Energa also embraces curiosity about the world. And it is in this curiosity about the world that we find tourism and active tourism projects. Tourism is close to my heart, it is an important element of the Energa Group’s sponsorship. We are here, we are in Pomerania, and we want to support Pomerania’s tourism products,” said Magdalena Marszałkowska, Director of the Marketing Department at Energa, part of the Orlen Group.

Who received the Pomeranian Griffin, awards, and distinctions this year?

As always, the Pomorskie celebrations of World Tourism Day were full of awards and distinctions for those who have made an exceptional contribution to tourism in the region. This year, the most important award, the Pomeranian Griffin, went to Professor Andrzej Januszajtis.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply moved, but this is not an award just for me, it is an award for Gdańsk. Gdańsk has a wonderful history and such magnificent monuments, thanks to the hard work of numerous architects, historians, and art historians. I am moved, this is a day of great joy in my life,” said Professor Andrzej Januszajtis from the stage, who after his speech thanked his wife, bringing tears of emotion to the eyes of the guests present in the hall.

Full list of honorees:

– Professor Andrzej Januszajtis – Gryf Pomorski

– Andrzej Piotr Szydłowski – Ministry of Sport and Tourism award “For services to tourism”

Congratulations on the anniversaries:

– 30th anniversary of the ferry connection between Gdynia and Karlskrona Stena Line

-20th anniversary of the GLOBALTICA International Festival of World Cultures in Gdynia

– 150th anniversary of the Lighthouse in Czołpino

– 120th anniversary of the narrow-gauge railway line Prawy Brzeg Wisły – Stegna-Sztutowo

– 90th anniversary of the Gdańsk Scout Association

– 50th Wdzydze Fair

– 30th anniversary of Kraina w Kratę in Swołowo

– 20th anniversary of the Cistercian Music Summer in Żarnowiec

– 25th World Kashubian Congress

Awards of the Marshal of the Pomorskie Province for 2025:

– Barbara and Bartosz Idczak – owners of Lawendowa Osada – distinction in the tourist offer category 2024

– Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk – main award in the tourist offer category 2024

– City of Gdynia for the Modernist Downtown of Gdynia – main award in the tourist offer category 2024

– for the Municipal Sports and Recreation Center in Sopot and the Sopot Tourist Organization for WFFA PULSE Sopot 2024. European Freestyle Football Championships – main prize in the 2024 event of the year category

– Jacek Debis – main prize in the Personality of the Year 2024 category

– Gdańsk Museum for research, conservation, and adaptation of the Wisłoujście Fortress – main prize in the Tourism Investment 2024 category

– Goyki 3 Artinkubator – main prize in the Innovation in Tourism category

The artistic setting for the event was provided by singer Joanna Knitter and her band. It was a day full of inspiration, new acquaintances, and positive energy – exactly what Pomorskie tourism needs! The regional celebrations were held under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, the Polish Tourist Organization, the Polish Chamber of Commerce for the Hotel Industry, and the PTTK Main Board. The strategic partner of the event was Energa from the Orlen Group ( https://grupa.energa.pl/ , https://energa.pl ).

This Saturday, October 11, 2025, Sopot will become a place for discussions about harmony, health, and sustainable living. The Hotel Rezydent will host the First Scientific Conference “Man, Medicine, Harmony – A Shared Journey. Mens sana in corpore sano , organized by the Gdynia Maritime University, Bioneuromed from Gdańsk, and the Academia Europa Nostra association. The event is held under the patronage of the Marshal of the Pomeranian Province, the Mayor of Sopot, the Rector of the Gdynia Maritime University, and the Pomorskie Tourist Board.

The conference is devoted to health, well-being, and the idea of living in a slow rhythm. Experts will discuss how modern lifestyles affect our minds and bodies, as well as how we can regain balance in a world full of stimuli and rush. Speakers will include doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists, as well as specialists in sports, recreation, tourism, and nutrition. The meeting is open and interdisciplinary in nature, combining science with everyday experience.

There will also be practical elements. Participants will learn about modern methods of supporting health, including biofeedback, and take part in workshops led by doctors and trainers.

“We want NeuroDays to be a place where science meets everyday life. Slow tourism is not a fad, it is a way of thinking about people, their needs, and their relationship with nature,” emphasize the organizers.

Guests will include representatives of local governments, schools, psychological and pedagogical counseling centers, and health organizations. It is a good opportunity to exchange experiences and learn about new, pioneering solutions in the field of health and prevention. It is no coincidence that the conference is being held in Sopot, a city that has been promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for years and serves as a health resort. The sea climate, nature, and peaceful surroundings create the perfect backdrop for discussions about the harmony of body and mind.

The experts involved in the NeuroDays project say that this is just the beginning.

In the future, they will share their knowledge and experience with people who want to live healthier and fuller lives, supporting local initiatives and educational activities.

More information about the program and speakers can be found at: www.neurodays.pl