Water attractions drive tourism!

The city may surprise you with its water attractions! Swimming pools, water parks, and spas draw tourists in, creating a new dimension of relaxation and entertainment. We spoke with Natalia Wątorowska, a tourism specialist and representative of the Łódź Tourist Organization, about how the city of Łódź is making it happen.

The AQUA SPEED brand supports the implementation of business tourism projects related to swimming—such as the Swimming Business Conference—as well as sports events (like the “Cold and Cool” winter swimming competition), which attract people from the swimming industry as well as athletes from across Poland and abroad. Our equipment and accessories are used not only by individual tourists seeking active leisure, but also as part of the facilities in water recreation centers, enhancing their appeal in the eyes of visitors.

Water Attractions and City Image Building

Do water-related attractions such as swimming pools, water parks, or spas play a role in shaping Łódź’s image as an attractive tourist destination? If so, what kind of role?

Water attractions—like pools, water parks, and spas—can play a significant role in shaping the image of Łódź as a compelling tourist destination. Although Łódź isn’t typically associated with water—we lack major rivers or lakes—the newly developed facilities can attract tourists looking for relaxation and recreation.

Spa and wellness centers meet the needs of modern travelers, who increasingly seek opportunities to unwind without having to leave the city.

Depending on their preferences, visitors can divide their time between relaxation and exploring the city’s attractions. Moreover, families with children—one of Łódź’s key tourist segments—may be particularly interested in visiting a water park or using a hotel pool, as it offers both active leisure and entertainment for kids.

These types of attractions can also influence a tourist’s decision to extend their stay in the city. A great example of successful investments in the Łódź region that have drawn visitors are the Uniejów Thermal Baths and the Poddębice Thermal Baths.

The best swimming business happens in Łódź. That’s why we invite you to the Swimming Business Conference, taking place on May 9, 2025 | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. This isn’t just an ordinary conference – it’s a place where you’ll learn how to grow your swim school, inspire your students and coaches, and succeed in the swimming industry. Click the image below!

In the photo above – Cold and Cool was the first winter swimming competition in Łódź, organized in collaboration with the AQUA SPEED brand at the outdoor pool of Aqua Park FALA in 2022. The event attracted over 100 water-loving athletes outside of the traditional tourist season. It marked the beginning of a series of winter swimming events held “at FALA,” which now draw hundreds of participants each year.

Work-Life Balance Drives Active Tourism

What tourism trends might boost the popularity of water and wellness attractions in cities like Łódź, which aren’t typically associated with water-based leisure?

Tourism trends that could increase the popularity of water and wellness attractions in cities like Łódź include the rise of city breaks, a focus on healthy lifestyles, the growing importance of work-life balance, and the popularity of glamping.

Do accommodation facilities with pools and spas mainly attract business travelers, or are they also appealing to families with children and leisure tourists?

Accommodation facilities with pools and spa areas are attractive to all of the above-mentioned groups. For business travelers, a pool and spa/wellness area offer a chance to relax after work and care for both mental and physical well-being. For families with children, water attractions such as water parks provide ideal entertainment and active fun. Leisure tourists, on the other hand, may be interested in enhancing their trip with some relaxing time by the pool.

Tourism and Swimming – A Shared Interest

How do local hotels and accommodation facilities with pools and spas collaborate with the city to promote tourism? Which ones are involved?

One example of such collaboration is being a member of the Łódź Tourist Organization (ŁOT), which brings together over 130 entities from the tourism sector. Through mutual cooperation, the organization contributes to the development of tourism in the city. Within the structure of ŁOT, there are departments focused on both leisure and business tourism.
Hotels with pools and spa facilities that are members of ŁOT include: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Grand Hotel. It’s also worth highlighting member hotels in the Łódź region, such as Fabryka Wełny Hotel & SPA** (Pabianice)** and Stacja Nowa Gdynia Fitness & Wellness Resort (Zgierz).

What are the key water and wellness infrastructure elements that could help increase the number of tourists visiting Łódź?

Key elements of such infrastructure include water parks with slides and sauna zones, spa and wellness centers, thermal pools, wake parks, and other water sports venues. For outdoor pools or reservoirs, proper infrastructure and attractive beach areas are also crucial. Supporting amenities like restaurants and shops, where tourists can grab a bite or purchase essentials, are equally important.

It’s worth noting that Aquapark FALA in Łódź already combines many of these features.

Water Attractions – Driving Tourism Development

What marketing activities are worth undertaking to promote Łódź as a city friendly to those seeking water-based relaxation?

Ideas for such activities could include campaigns promoting relaxation within the city. Water attractions could be combined with Łódź’s green spaces—for example, its historic parks, the Łagiewnicki Forest, the Botanical Garden, or the Orientarium ZOO. Collaborating with influencers, bloggers, and journalists whose content aligns with this theme would also be beneficial. Creating bundled packages that connect multiple venues and offer combined tickets or discounts (e.g., for dining) would add further appeal.

Can the development of recreational water infrastructure influence tourists to extend their stay in Łódź?

Expanding water infrastructure could help increase the average length of tourist stays in Łódź by offering more options for leisure and relaxation. As a result, the city could retain visitors who might have originally planned only a short, two-day trip.

What are the biggest challenges for accommodation facilities with pools and spas in the context of enhancing the city's tourism appeal?

Key challenges include competition from other cities offering similar attractions, as well as natural water reservoirs in the Łódź region, such as the Sulejów Reservoir. Indoor facilities could leverage their advantage of being open year-round. However, a significant effort would be needed to promote Łódź’s image in a way that encourages tourists to come specifically for water attractions. The promoted offering must meet the expectations of business travelers, leisure tourists, and families with children alike.

Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Editor-in-Chief of AQUA SPEED magazine
Facility photos courtesy of the Łódź Tourist Organization.
Event photos from “Cold and Cool” – Winter Swimming Competition. Photo: Antek Mazerant