Karlovy Vary
The Czech Republic, Attractive Tourist Destination The Czech Republic is one of the countries with a thriving tourism industry. The land with a population of 10 million is a peaceful and safe destination, boasting historical monuments, picturesque scenery, world-famous spas, a network of luxury hotels, as well as facilities for leisure activities. In recent years, the Czech Republic has also gained a reputation for congress tourism, for which capacities have been adapted especially in big cities. Currently, tourism accounts for about 3 % of the Czech gross domestic product and employs more than 230 000 people.
Photo: CzechTourism (Ladislav Renner)
2019 DEVELOPMENTS
The number of guests accommodated in collective accommodation establishments in 2019 was nearly 22 million, 737 000 or 3.5 % more than in 2018. The number of guests has increased for seven years running. The number of local guests accommodated was 218 000 higher than that of foreign guests. The number of local guests accommodated increased by 4.4 % year on year, in comparison with that of foreign guests, which grew by 2.6 %. The number of overnight stays last year exceeded 57 million, with local residents prevailing. The number of foreign visitors last year was 272 000 higher than the previous year. In 2019, most foreign visitors – a total of 2 million – came from Germany (+2.2 %), followed by guests from Slovakia with 750 000 arrivals (+2.6 %) and Poland with 673 000 overnight stays (+8.4 %). On the other hand, last year the number of visitors coming from China and South Korea declined.
CONGRESS CAPITAL
The Czech Republic has been ranked among the 30 most suitable countries for congress tourism over the long term, with the Czech
capital, Prague, even being one of the 15 most favoured cities. Among others, this evaluation is due to the successful organisation of several conferences of global importance that have been hosted by Prague in recent years. A stable economy, strategic location, favourable climate, various tourist attractions, as well as the high quality of services provided in the congress facilities are factors that make Prague an attractive destination. The city provides modern hotels with an extensive choice of conference premises, including state-of-the-art facilities. The Prague Congress Centre has been extensively modernised. Capacities and services are also being extended at Václav Havel International Airport, the destination for numerous international flights operated by renowned airlines, as well as a number of low-cost air carriers.
SPA SELECTION
Another important segment of tourism is the spa industry. The Bohemian and Moravian regions are especially rich in mineral water sources, which in the past gave rise to the existence of famous spa localities ranked among the best in the world. The combined work of Man and Nature has achieved world renown and become the country´s important health and economic commodity. The use of natural healing sources, baths, mineral waters and spa C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 55
