Wroclaw (pronounced as “Vrod-suav”) may have been relatively unknown to leisure or business travelers as compared to Warsaw and Krakow of Poland. However, with Wroclaw being one of the host cities of the currently running UEFA Euro 2012, the city has suddenly been propelled on to the world stage. As hotel and meeting facilities sprout in preparation for the soccer games, Wroclaw also sees greater opportunities for MICE business.

Sights and Scenes

In terms of major tourist attractions, Wroclaw may not have as much to offer as Krakow. Yet, the city has a romantic, tranquil charm (hopefully, this can be maintained after Euro 2012). The city has beautiful parks, lots of quirky sculptures in the unlikeliest locations, and even a romantic bridge (Tumski Bridge, also known as Lovers’ Bridge) across the river Odra, where lovers literally padlocked their relationships on to. The buildings around the main square are colorful, with the architectural style taking some German influence as a result of the city’s history. However, MICEreview witnessed in Wroclaw more beggars and homeless people, as compared to Krakow, who regularly make their rounds at the main square, causing some discomfort to alfresco diners at the restaurants.

Meeting Venues

Like most of the other Eastern European cities, Wroclaw currently makes use historical buildings, universities, museums and concert halls as MICE venues, the most spectacular of which is the Hala Stulecia or Centennial Hall built in the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its unique architecture. Apart from housing permanent exhibitions, it has several halls and configurations to accommodate multiple conventions and congress of up to 7000 guests at one time.

Accommodation

For accommodation, event organizers can be assured by the nearly 3,000 hotel rooms of good to high quality standard (out of over 7,000 rooms available for Euro 2012) located around the city centre. Most are equipped with basic facilities for small to mid-sized business meetings. Not many convention-class international hotel chains are operating in Wroclaw yet. Some of the international hotels here include Radisson, Sofitel, Mercure, Novotel, Best Western and other European brands.

Wine and Dine

While there are many restaurants around the main square, the food quality is generally not as good as in Krakow and the prices not as competitive. Restaurant Gruzinskie Chaczapuri, which serves Georgian/Polish cuisines, does provide fairly good service and food in a rustic atmosphere. On the other hand, the always crowded restaurant Chatka has a more reasonably priced menu but food quality is mediocre except for the fries (not very Polish, though!), and the environment is cozy but a little bit cramp. After dinner, the Wroclaw night comes alive with the numerous bars, pubs and jazz clubs located around the main square and at every loop and corner of the side lanes.

Getting There

Wroclaw is not the very accessible by air, especially for those traveling from Asia. However, it has a comprehensive railway network that links to most major cities in Poland and Europe. When MICEreview visited Wroclaw towards the end of 2011, the main railway station was still undergoing a major two-year upgrading, and all passengers were left to wait for train information in a small outdoor area next to a bus stop. Fortunately, part of the renovated station finally opened in June 2012, just in time to welcome the onslaught of soccer fans.

For more information, visit: http://www.convention.wroclaw.pl