Position statement of Prague City Tourism on the situation in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the current refugee crisis and the impact on tourism
Tourism in Prague has fallen by tens of percent over the past two years compared to 2019. Last year, tourism in the metropolis reached only 30 percent of 2019. For this year, Prague City Tourism, together with its partners including Prague Airport, had estimated that tourism would reach 50% of 2019. However, due to the war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions, there will be significant adverse impact on our sphere of operations this year, too.
‘Given the current situation, it is clear that tourists will not be coming to Prague from Russia. At present we are preparing two marketing campaigns for the summer, one of which will be focused on domestic inbound tourism and the other on foreign, mostly European markets,’ says František Cipro, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Prague City Tourism.
Due to the war conflict in Ukraine, Prague cannot count on an influx of the usual tourists from Asian countries or the USA this year either. The company will focus its campaigns mainly on the 30+ age‑group and will not be aiming at the Russian market for obvious reasons. As part of the Stay in Prague digital campaign we will once again make use of Mastercard’s behavioural data, as well as data gleaned during the winter campaign.
The company continues to express its support and solidarity with Ukraine and appreciates the approach of the Czech government and Prague City Hall, in providing meaningful assistance to Ukraine. We also support the Czech government’s decision to block selected disinformation websites. ‘For almost a year, our company has been declaring through the NELEŽ (Don’t Lie) initiative that we will not advertise on disinformation websites, and we more than welcome the blocking of some of them. Czech society cannot afford to regard paid disinformation in favour of the war aggressor as freedom of speech,’ Cipro adds.
The company has decided to actively assist and is sending its employees and temporary staff to help in the Prague Congress Centre refugee assistance facility. ‘Our company is also keen to engage in hands-on help, and so we are prepared to pause working at some of our premises if need be, so that our staff can help with coordination in the Congress Centre. Likewise, some of our guides who speak Russian and Ukrainian will be providing assistance and acting as interpreters,’ Cipro concludes.