KRAKOW, Poland – Routes Europe is the essential annual gathering for all aviation-based companies wishing to conduct business to, from, and within the European region. Next year will be the second time that Routes Europe will take place in Poland, the first ever Routes Europe welcomed almost 300 delegates when the event took place in Warsaw in 2006. Over 1,200 delegates are expected to attend the event in 2016 including representatives from the region’s leading airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and other industry stakeholders.

The 11th Routes Europe will take place from April 24-26, 2016 in Krakow, the historic capital of the Malopolska region. The event, which is the largest regional Routes event, will be hosted by Krakow Airport and its partners the Malopolska Region, the Municipality of Krakow and Malopolska Tourism Organization.

“Hosting the prestigious Routes Europe conference is beneficial for both the airport and the region,” says Jan Pamula, President of the Board, Krakow Airport explaining: “We welcome the decision of UBM, because taking on the role of the host is a great honor for us and confirmation that we have adopted the correct strategy. It’s a proof of our strong position in the European market, an opportunity to present our potential to new airlines and strong marketing support, while for Krakow and the Malopolska Region it is a chance for promotion among tourism industry opinion leaders. We are deeply convinced that thanks to the experience of UMB Team the conference will be organized at the highest level.”

“We are thrilled to be taking Routes Europe to Krakow and returning to Poland in 2016,” commented Ged Brown, Head of Future Events, Routes for UBM Live continuing: “Krakow Airport’s route network has seen year on year growth with both direct and connecting routes and in 2015 the airport will undergo a restructure which will increase capacity to 8 million annual passengers. Routes Europe 2016 will provide an opportunity to showcase this to the Routes community. Delegates will also experience Krakow and the many historic and cultural attractions it has to offer. Krakow Airport has been attending Routes events for many years and we now look forward to working even more closely with their team to deliver Routes Europe in 2016.”

The Malopolska Region has a population of 3.3 million and attracts 9 million tourists each year and Krakow, which is the second largest city in Poland offers 1,004 cultural institutions including museums, galleries, cinemas, theatres and music facilities and in addition, there are 8 sites from the Malopolska Region that are UNESCO World Heritage sites, three of which are located in Krakow.

Krakow Airport is situated just over 11 km from the city center and has a catchment area of 11 million inhabitants within a two hour drive. In 2013 the airport welcomed over 3.5 million passengers and provided connection to almost 70 destinations such as Frankfurt, Moscow, London, Paris and Rome operated by 15 airlines.

Krakow Airport has been taking part in Routes Europe since 2006 and in both 2013 and 2014 the airport received highly commended in their category at the Routes Europe Marketing Awards.

ETN is a media partner with Routes. Routes is a member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .