PRAGUE BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE by Outlook Publishing

BusinessTravel Guide www.emeoutlookmag.com

PRAGUE

A City in Motion

P R A G U E

Prague FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Area:

Czech 496 square kilometres

Population (2017): 2.1 million Currency: Czech koruna Time zone: UTC+1 Dialling code: +420 Internet TLD: . .cz Climate: Temperate

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The Czech Republic’s capital is growing year-on-year as a hub for international decision making, and is leveraging this core status via a host of infrastructural developments Writer: Matthew Staff • Project Manager: Joe Palliser rague thrives as one of the understated hubs of Europe; every bit as central when it comes to industry, politics, culture and economics as it is central geographically. The Czech Republic capital has been a focal point for all four aforementioned elements over the centuries, yet while the likes of London, Paris, Rome and Madrid endure their equal share of positive and negative press, Prague quietly watches the commotion around it while subtly enhancing its own status. The ‘city in motion’ tag alludes to

an underwhelming yet concerted evolution that occurs year-on-year, endearing itself to the latest trends and developing ahead of its own extensive appeal. And as such, it has become a staple destination for the backpacker, the inter-railer, the culture vulture and the city-breaker. Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Prague astronomical clock, St Vitus Cathedral and many more attractions maintain the city’s position as one of the most popular tourist destinations and as a GaWC-classified ‘Alpha-‘ city. However, the 14th biggest city in the EU balances this appeal with a

business-acumen comparable to the very best in the world; capitalising on its natural strengths, and its strategic positioning at the heart of the continent to embrace the very best in global industry. “Generally speaking, 5.7 million people visited Prague in 2012 and four years later, the number of visitors reached more than 7.1 million, around a quarter more,” details The Prague Convention Bureau. “Only people staying longer than one night in the collective accommodation establishments in Prague are included in this statistic. “So, together with one day visitors and people staying at friends/families/ Airbnb etc., the number gets even higher. Germany, the USA, the UK and Italy are among the key origins for visitors in the long-term. Among others though, we can also mention France, Russia, Slovakia or China.”

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P R A G U E

The Business End PRAGUE’S ECONOMY CURRENTLY accounts for around a quarter of the country’s overall GDP, but its role as a hub for numerous international companies and associations epitomises the role it plays on a much wider scale. Shifting from an industrial to a service-oriented economy over the past 20-30 years especially, the modern-day Prague has cleverly evolved to become one of the foremost facilitators and enablers for international business discussion and, as such, much of its work revolves around enhancing its own infrastructure to cater for this selfinflicted demand. “What’s worth mentioning at the moment is undoubtedly the newly opened Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) established at the Czech Technical

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University,” the Prague Convention Bureau notes. “Brand new buildings of the Institute were opened in May, 2017 and CIIRC’s mission is to be an internationally recognised research institute contributing to student education and performing technology transfer. “Prague also introduced its first space incubator, which is the first space-oriented incubator in Central and Eastern Europe. Business Incubation Centre (BIC) Prague was ceremoniously opened in May, 2016 and the objective is to support the use of space technologies in everyday life, thus ensuring support for research, development and innovation and the monetisation of the results thereof.” Over a five-year period, up to 25 Czech start-ups will be able to

explore the possibility of using space technologies for ordinarily life; emphasising the balance that Prague has managed to strike between international attraction and local sustainability. The Convention Bureau continues: “A good example here is Microsoft, who has a subsidiary in Prague, and has recently opened a new software development centre in the city focused on customer relationship management - in autumn, 2016. “In November, 2016, Siemens also presented their new Development and Construction Design Centre opened in Prague. The Centre deals with projects in industrial and process automation, industrial communications, intelligent transport systems, power engineering elements and rail automation.”

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Prague Convention Bureau PRAGUE CONVENTION BUREAU (PCB) was established in 2008 as a joint initiative and non-profit organisation devoted to the events and meetings industry. Celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, the aim has been to strengthen the positive awareness of the city of Prague as a convention and incentive destination; as well as a host to aforementioned business heavyweights like Microsoft and Siemens. The original goals and activities of the Bureau were also linked to the PAKT (Pražská asociace kongresové turistiky - Prague Association of the Congress Tourism), which was a predecessor of the PCB. “Nowadays we focus, of course, on the promotion of the city internationally, but our goal is also to present the opportunities and benefits of the meeting industry locally,” explains the Bureau’s Marketing and PR Manager, Hana Krejbichová. “As we cooperate closely with the city and state bodies, we strongly perceive the need to inform the city representatives about the impact of this industry on Prague and its development.”

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EME Outlook (EME): Since inception, how has the Prague Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across? Hana Krejbichová (HK): Crucial for us was to create a strong network of the key players in the Prague meeting industry; our members that are proven and reliable, public bodies such as the City of Prague and Prague City Tourism, and other organisations such as Prague Airport or the Czech Academy of Science, universities, confederations etc. Public private partnerships are a base for successful promotion and business development internationally and locally as well. There is still, and always will be, a lot to improve, but we think we have already created a solid information hub for meeting planners and their needs. Together with Prague City Tourism, we have begun to promote Prague as an inspiring destination via the claim: Wow Prague InSpires. It was also one of the goals to unite the brand with Prague City Tourism and to promote the destination in the same way. Wow

Prague InSpires is meant to refer to the hundred spires of Prague and also promote the destination via people that were and are inspired by the city. EME: To this end, how would you say Prague has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal? HK: There are a whole set of benefits that help us to develop the city in terms of business travel. Some of them have been here for centuries; rich history, culture or the location of Prague in the heart of Europe. Then there are other factors, on which Prague works constantly; a higher number and better quality of flights, a wide range of accommodation capacities, conferences and unique venues, catering and AV technologies, language skills and expertise of the local staff and so many others. All these together led to the huge success in 2016, when the city held a record number of events exceeding 4,400 conferences, welcoming more than 540,000 delegates. Currently

Prague can offer accommodation in nearly 800 hotels with a capacity of 42,000 rooms and nearly 92,000 beds. What is more, you can easily get to Prague thanks to the direct flight from 154 destinations in 51 countries all over the world.

of the Association of National Olympic Committees - ANOC - in November for 1,000 people.

EME: And in terms of infrastructure to cater for this demand? HK: Key reconstruction is going on right now in Prague. The Prague EME: What is in store for Prague over the course of 2017 Congress Centre is undergoing extensive modernisation and some of the crucial and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to innovation will be present already at the enhance its reputation as a tourism and 56th ICCA Congress in Prague. Along with the new technologies, design and business travel hub further in the corporate identity, the new exhibition future? hall should be opened to meet the HK: This year in November, growing demand. Prague will welcome the 56th ICCA The Prague Airport also presented (International Congress and Convention its modernised Terminal 1 area (for Association) Congress. We are thrilled non-Schengen flights) and announced to announce that in the middle of July investments of 27 Billion CZK planned there were nearly 700 participants registered. This will be a great chance to over the next decade to boost development. present Prague and its potential to the There are ongoing reconstructions meeting planners from all around the of existing accommodation capacities world. But of course, there are many in Prague as well; including MGallery by other events planned for the rest of Sofitel Prague, Sheraton Prague Charles 2017. In July, we welcomed Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB)’s Square Hotel, Hilton Prague Old Town annual meeting for 2,000 personnel, and and The Prague Marriott Hotel. A new five-star hotel, Occidental Praha Wilson the 28th IMC Montessori Congress for (formerly Barceló group), was opened 3,000 attendees. Another interesting last year and other openings have been event will be 7th World Sleep Congress announced, such as W Hotels which will that will be held in October for 1,500 debut at Wenceslas Square in 2020, and people and the 22nd General Assembly

NYX Hotel which was opened at the end of March this year. EME: Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five year’s time, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regards to the Prague Tourist Board as an entity, and in regards to the business travel industry in Prague as a whole? HK: We hope that the newly reconstructed Prague Congress Centre and other facilities will attract more international congresses, conferences and corporate events that are in need of larger venues for their meetings and looking for providers that can offer cutting-edge technologies. Simultaneously, we can observe a very positive trend of delegates staying in Prague for a longer time. While in 2015, delegates stayed here for 1.99 days on average, in 2016 it was 2.22 days and we would like to support this trend in future. Prague should also gain a better connectivity to the Prague Airport in the future. The new railway should lead from the city centre right to the airport. The expected completion of the railway is planned for 2025. Nowadays, you can reach the city centre by car within 20 minutes.

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P R A G U E

Out & About KREJBICHOVÁ GOES ON to note the importance of Prague’s impending Smart City project which - while being aimed primarily at the city’s residents - will also spill over to business travel visitors and indeed tourists. By going more green and smart, it will not only facilitate more efficient travelling between destinations, but will also compound the city’s appeal as a clean and forward-thinking area. Such a modern way of thinking is nothing new for Prague, however. As a rule, the city has always been able to find a balance between leveraging its historical assets, and boosting its more dilapidated areas to meet contemporary expectations.

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An example where both facets meet is through its cultural offering, with significant institutions including the National Theatre, the Estates Theatre, Municipal House and more than 10 major museums encapsulating the best of Prague’s old and new. Hundreds of concert halls, galleries, cinemas and clubs line the streets and provide immediate escapes from the boardroom while on your trip. The Fashion Arena Prague Outlet, Manufacktura and Náplavka Farmers Market serve as the city’s best retail therapy options, while Prague Chocolate bridges the gap between retail and food & drink as an indictment of the city’s most popular

downtime activities. This is to say: its bars and restaurants. Wenceslas Square is a great starting point as you veer over from culture to relaxation, and from there you will find an abundance of lavish, quirky, upmarket or quaint dining and drinking outlets for you to spend your evenings (or afternoons too for that matter, and if you have the time to spare). On the restaurant side, Portfolio and Coda offer the perfect setting for a tasty business meeting, while Iluze Bar and Atrium are among the best places to go should your decision making be better with a drink in hand. Finally, U Slovanské Lípy is a must for any beer connoisseurs.

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P R A G U E

Outlook recommends “There are a whole set of benefits that help us to develop the city in terms of business travel. Some of them have been here for centuries; rich history, culture or the location of Prague in the heart of Europe.” - Prague Convention Bureau

MUSEUMS

CONVENTIONS AND EVENTS

Prague Congress Centre As one of the most renowned and elite convention complexes on the continent, The Prague Congress Centre boasts more than 50 halls, rooms and negotiation areas; able to host events of more than 9,300 participants. Also able to cater for as many as 2,800 delegates, the Congress Hall is the largest of its type in the country, made up of adaptable spaces capable of hosting exhibitions, social events, and cultural productions. “The Prague Convention Centre is frequently recognised by participants of international congresses as one of the best located venues in the world,” its website states. “And the reason is simple: many are awestruck by the breathtaking panoramic views over Prague with the Prague Castle as the centrepiece.”

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RETAIL Fashion Arena Prague Outlet The Fashion Arena Prague Outlet is the largest of its type in the Czech Republic; offering a comprehensive array of all well-known and sought-after brands, and always at competitive or event discounted prices. Fashion, sport, footwear, leather goods, luggage and accessories, lingerie, jewellery, watches, cosmetics, toys and much more can be found in the city’s - and indeed country’s ultimate shopping domain.

Manufaktura Prague Chocolate Náplavka Farmers Market

Lobkowicz Palace Prague Jewish Museum Mucha Museum

RESTAURANTS

Wenceslas Square Portfolio Restaurant Coda Restaurant

BARS AND PUBS

Iluze Bar Atrium U Slovanské Lípy

Transport Links

YOU DON’T GET much more central than Prague when it comes to European city destinations, so it comes as no surprise that it has capitalised on its setting perfectly; both from an initially international perspective, and then throughout its intra-city transport modes too. Served by the country’s largest airport, Václav Havel Airport, this option may be the most efficient and quick for the business traveller, but not the only effective entrance into the country. Once again leveraging its natural network positioning, the Czech railway system comfortably links Prague to a host of other European cities across Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia,

Hungary, Switzerland, Croatia, Serbia and even Russia. Why not take your time, conduct your business planning on the train, and optimise your time in Prague in the museums and pubs? Once in Prague, the city welcomes you with saturation almost beyond compare. Around 130 bus lines, a complimentary tram network, three funiculars, an inter-city metro and - if you really want - a comprehensive road network ensures that getting around the city is a diverse experience rather than a crowded chore. You can even take a ferry if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. And once again, the city strives to outdo itself as technologies evolve and

as consumers demand heightened immediacy. “From 2017, visitors can benefit from the newly installed and constantly expanding system of contactless payments for transportation tickets across Prague’s trams,” the Convention Bureau explains. “Prague also plans to launch a new city card for tourists, which could be used both as a transportation ticket and as a ticket to selected Prague attractions. “Prague should also gain a better connectivity to the Prague Airport in the future. The new railway should lead from the city centre right to the airport, with the expected completion of the railway planned for 2025.”

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P R A G U E

Landmark Attractions Prague Castle

“Prague Castle [is] an ancient symbol of the Czech State, the most significant Czech monument and one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic. It is a UNESCO monument with a tradition of more than 1,000 years; a textbook of architecture and art history; and a destination for visitors from all over the world.” - Prague Castle for visitors

Charles Bridge

“Charles Bridge is a stone Gothic bridge that connects the Old Town and Lesser Town (Malá Strana)... Its construction was commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and began in 1357. There is a tower standing on each end of the bridge. Both the Staroměstská věž on the Old Town end and the Malostranská věž on the Malá Strana end can be climbed for a view of Prague and the bridge from above.” - My Czech Republic

Old Town Square

“Where does the true heart of Prague beat? On the Old Town Square of course! It is precisely here that winding lanes of the Old Town run, in order to spill out onto the most beautiful square in Prague. The elegant tower of the Town Hall with the world famous astronomical clock, the proud silhouette of the fairytale Týn Cathedral, the monumental Church of St. Nicholas and countless multicoloured houses of many styles lend this place a unique atmosphere, which will captivate all those who decide to take a look at its charm.” - Czech Tourism

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EME

St Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and the most important temple in Prague. Apart from religious services, coronations of Czech Kings and Queens also took place here. The cathedral is a place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops. - Prague Castle for visitors

Church of Our Lady Before Týn

“Its distinctive twin Gothic spires make the Týn Church an unmistakable Old Town landmark. Like something out of a 15thcentury – and probably slightly cruel – fairy tale, they loom over Old Town Square, decorated with a golden image of the Virgin Mary made in the 1620s from the melted-down Hussite chalice that previously adorned the church.” - Lonely Planet

Municipal House

Restored in the 1990s after decades of neglect, Prague’s most exuberantly art-nouveau building is a labour of love, every detail of its design and decoration carefully considered, every painting and

sculpture loaded with symbolism. The restaurant and cafe here are like walk-in museums of art-nouveau design, while upstairs there are half a dozen sumptuously decorated halls that you can visit by guided tour. - Lonely Planet

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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672