Polish plumber and nurse feature in ads countering perception of cheap labour from East
In the lead-up to France's referendum on the European Constitution, fears of cheap labour from the East were represented by the figure of a "Polish plumber", who could come and steal French jobs. The Polish Tourism Organisation has been trying to counter this perception by making the "plumber" the focus of a campaign aimed at attracting tourists to Poland. And now he's been joined by a "Polish nurse". Radio Polonia's Krystyna Kolosowska has more.
The mythical Polish plumber, seizing the job from his French counterpart, was one of the favourite images of France's euro skeptics, campaigning against the adoption of the European constitution. When France said No, the Polish Tourism Organization decided to employ the plumber in its scheme with a twist to promote Poland. One of the brains behind it is media director Krzysztof Turowski.
'My boss Mr. Andrzej Kozlowski, president of the Polish tourist organization told me that we have to do something with this stupid idea. And we said that if the French people don't like the Polish plumber and engage him, he will work for us and promote Poland.'
Model Piotr Adamski - sexy, tanned and athletic model - is sporting bulging biceps and a seductive gaze in addition to the usual plumber's paraphernalia. He is shown amidst photos from the historic city of Krakow and Warsaw's Old Town, saying "I'm staying in Poland - come one, come all". The ad was shown on the French website of the Polish Tourism Organization and immediately generated a tremendous response, says Krzysztof Torowski.
Now - the plumber has been joined by a sexy nurse.
"We would like to promote in nature and this spa health resort."
Bozena Szwarc, a 22-year-old student, won the casting. The attractive brunette admits she doesn't know how to make an injection, but she has attended a first aid course. On the poster she smiles provocatively, but the skirt of her uniform is demurely long.
"It is a good length. My favourite. It is a regular uniform and I am an almost typical nurse. I am capable of giving first aid - so you are welcome."
John Kouimanos, a tourist from Australia saw the ads on the internet:
"I think the ads have been very, very successful for Poland. And I think it's an ironic twist and it shows a good sense of humour of the Poles. They were exposed the exaggerated fears of the French about cheap labour flooding the French labour market."
John Kouimanos heeded the invitation from the plumber and the nurse.
"They are planning together a conference in Italy. I was taking in Vienna and I thought I had a few days to spare. So, on the base of those very clever ads I thought I'd take in Poland as well. And so far I've been to Warsaw and a few days in Wroclaw, which had been terrific."
Representatives of the Polish Tourism Organization did not say if they are thinking of more professions like, for example, the Polish builder, who is generating no small emotions in Germany.
