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The UEFA European soccer championship, which will be hosted by Poland and Ukraine in 2012, is set to improve Poland’s infrastructure, attractiveness to tourists and economic growth.

“Thanks to the venture, our GDP will increase zł.28 billion in a decade,” said Marcin Herra, CEO of PL.2012, a special purpose vehicle of the Polish Sport and Tourism Ministry.

According to a report, compiled by experts from a number of Polish universities, direct and indirect investment related to the championships will result in a 2.1 percentage point growth in GDP in the 13 years to 2020.

The report predicts some 820,000 tourists will arrive in Poland during the 23 days of the tournament, of which 453,000 will stay for more than one day.

That’s a third of the total number of tourists attracted by the four host cities during 2008.

Revenues from tourism in June 2012 are expected to increase by zł.768 million. The 2012 deadline will also speed up investments in infrastructure, especially on Polish roads.

These investments were already in the pipeline, and while the report does not assume all government plans will be fulfilled, certainly many projects will be completed. Also, if successful, the good impression Poland makes on foreign tourists could ensure their return, and the promotion of Poland to international tourists in the future.

Source: Poland AM