World Youth Day is religious event based on the meeting of young Catholics in the place which was choice. During it young people from all over the world spend their time praying and meetings with the pope. The Pope John Paul II was the initiator of this form of pilgrimage for young people in 1985 year. So far, 14 WYD have taken place. Poland in 2016 year was the organizer for the second time. They took place in Krakow on 26-31 July and gathered 2.5–3 million people. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of the World Youth Day for economic and social development of Cracow and the surrounding area. The results has shown that WYD contributed to the growth of tourist traffic in the city about 20.9% (an increase of 2 million people) compared to 2015 and the city’s income (1.35% GDP). The reconstruction of communication infrastructure, including between the Wieliczka-Niepołomice zones, has accelerated the development of the Wieliczka Economic Activity Zone. In addition, the Misericordiae Campus was created in Brzegi and the sport recreation area too. The research used available statistical data, information bulletins, local and national dailies, a literature query on the subject.