Pomorskie Region Launches Fantasy-Themed Tourism Campaign
The region uses cosplay and fantasy aesthetics to attract younger tourists to local landmarks.
1New Tourism Strategy
The Pomeranian Voivodeship is launching a campaign titled Fantastyczne Pomorskie to promote regional tourism. By utilizing fantasy-themed photography and film, the initiative aims to capture the imagination of younger travelers. This creative approach seeks to highlight local landmarks by blending historical heritage with the popular aesthetics of modern fantasy culture.
2Cosplay as a Tool
The campaign features cosplayers dressed as characters inspired by literature, films, and video games. These performers use elaborate costumes, makeup, and props to embody fantasy archetypes within real-world settings. By integrating these fictional personas into historical locations, the project creates a unique visual narrative designed to attract fans of speculative fiction.
3Selected Regional Locations
Six distinct locations were chosen for the project, including the Słowiński National Park dunes and the Malbork Castle Museum. Other sites include the Museum of Slovincian Village in Kluki, the Museum of Noble Tradition in Waplewie Wielkie, the Tuchola Forest, and Gdańsk's historic center. Each site provides a unique backdrop for fantasy storytelling.
4Pop Culture Inspirations
The creative direction draws heavily from iconic works like The Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, Game of Thrones, and Dune. These titles serve as a bridge to connect global pop culture interests with local Polish geography. The campaign aims to make regional exploration feel as immersive as a high-fantasy adventure.
5The Witcher Connection
A specific highlight includes the Gdańsk Crane, which served as inspiration for the docks of Novigrad in the globally successful video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This direct link to CD Projekt RED’s production emphasizes the region's existing cultural footprint in the gaming world and its potential for tourism.
6Atmospheric Visual Storytelling
Photographers captured motifs ranging from mystical elves to medieval strongholds and vast, desolate landscapes. Each character's appearance was meticulously matched to the specific atmosphere of the chosen location to highlight its unique features. The goal is to present these historic and natural sites in a fresh, engaging, and visually striking light.
7Heritage Meets Fantasy
Officials emphasize that the fantasy stylization does not replace the region's actual history or natural beauty. Instead, it serves as an entry point for visitors to discover the authentic heritage of Pomerania. By leveraging passion-driven themes, the campaign invites a new demographic to explore the region through a lens they find relatable.
8Official Campaign Launch
The official inauguration of the campaign is scheduled for Saturday, November 7. The event will take place at the ALEgramy Festival held at the Amberexpo Exhibition and Congress Centre in Gdańsk. This launch marks the beginning of a broader effort to modernize how the region communicates its diverse tourism offerings to audiences.
Original article: Rzeczpospolita — Pomorskie Region Launches Fantasy-Themed Tourism Campaign