Tourism in Prague is slowly drawing new breath

A return to travel results from the government's gradual phasing-out of pandemic regulations in the spring. However, tourist traffic to Prague continues to hover at just 11.3% of 2019 levels. According to data from the Czech Statistical Office, the number of visitors to the metropolis is much more favorable in comparison with last year. Twice as many visitors arrived in the city, and the average length of their stay was 2.1 nights, slightly shorter than in 2019.

"I'm pleased that this year's At Home in Prague program is attracting many domestic visitors who have decided to come to the capital on holiday, and we're even hearing French and German again in the streets of the city," says Hana Třeštíková, councilor for culture and tourism, and adds: "Thanks to a more stable epidemic situation, cultural events will welcome their visitors again after a long time, and I believe that culture will also help boost tourism in Prague and the whole country."

According to published data, most tourists to the city come from within the Czech Republic, with 158,474 domestic guests arriving in the capital between April and June. The proportion of domestic guests increased to 63% compared to the usual 15% in previous years due to the decline in foreign tourists. Furthermore, Prague is visited mainly by people from neighboring countries, especially Germany. The capital city continues to suffer from the absence of tourists from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. Under normal circumstances, around 20% of visitors arrive annually from these countries. Currently, this figure is only two percent.

"We're pleased that people are finally starting to travel again and that more and more domestic tourists are also heading to the capital. Thanks to the At Home in Prague program, more than 30,000 visitors came to the city during July, which is quite a good number from our point of view," explains František Cipro, chairman of the board of Prague City Tourism. 

According to the Prague City Tourism representatives, this year's focus will be primarily on tourists from Europe. "We are already in negotiations with the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Czech Republic regarding a massive campaign to attract tourists who come to Prague for culture, history, and high-quality services, and therefore spend more money. By doing so, we will be fulfilling the new tourism strategy to promote an alternative to the alco-tourism which the metropolis has been struggling with for a long time," adds Cipro.

Currently, the metropolis attracts tourists primarily through the At Home in Prague program. The project aims to kick-start a tourist industry decimated by the pandemic. Benefits are available to those interested during the summer holidays.

Media contact:

• Klára Malá
• spokesperson for Prague City Tourism
• t: +420 777 355 999