The company Wars is venturing beyond its traditional railway services by planning the launch of a conference and hotel center in Warsaw after the summer. This new initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify its business portfolio, with the company recently establishing Wars Hotel and Catering in June to enhance its conference and catering services.
According to Radosław Groblewski, the president of Wars, preparations are underway to open the center on Puławska Street in the capital. The facility, previously managed by the Transport Technical Supervision, will now be operated by a dedicated company to enhance efficiency and capitalize on business opportunities.
Currently, Wars is engaged in negotiations and finalizing contracts for its first events.
Focus on Business, Not Tourism
Groblewski emphasized that while CS Natura Tour, also part of the PKP Group, already offers accommodation and training services, the new project is aimed at a different market segment. “Wars Hotel and Catering will provide complementary activities to CS Natura Tour, which primarily focuses on tourism and recreation in health resort locations. Our new initiative is tailored mainly for business clients, including conference organizers and event planners, marking a distinct market segment and category of facilities,” Groblewski stated. CS Natura Tour currently manages ten resort centers in tourist and spa areas.
Facility Details and Future Plans
The new center on Puławska Street will feature 50 rooms, including 46 standard rooms and four premium suites, with plans for a restaurant to be added in the future.
Groblewski noted that this project is a pilot initiative that will allow the company to gain experience in this new business area. He pointed out that PKP manages an appealing real estate portfolio, which creates potential for similar ventures. “We are currently focused on launching and developing operations at the Puławska location. If the project meets its business objectives, we will not rule out further developments in this area,” he added, suggesting that accommodation services could complement existing offerings for train passengers.
Future Ownership Changes
Additionally, Groblewski shared that Wars operates five restaurants and a service area at Central Station, all located in Warsaw, with plans to open another restaurant at Ogrodowa Street 48 next year.
When questioned about the potential acquisition of state-owned shares by PKP Intercity, Groblewski highlighted that this is anticipated in the PKP Group’s strategy. He assured that any changes in ownership structure would not affect the company brand, stating, “The name Wars will remain unchanged.” In June, Deputy Infrastructure Minister Piotr Malepszak confirmed, in response to a parliamentary inquiry, the planned acquisition of all shares of Wars by PKP Intercity.
Wars has been operating in the passenger transport market since 1948, currently serving 20 Pendolino trains, 50 electric multiple units, 35 dining cars, 82 bar cars, and 42 sleeping cars. The State Treasury holds 49.98% of the company’s shares, while PKP Intercity owns the remaining 50.02%.
