Prague launches new campaign to bring back international tourists

While a stroll through Prague's city center may suggest otherwise, the number of tourists coming to the Czech capital has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels. In an effort to bring tourists back to the city, Prague City Tourism, CzechTourism, and Prague Airport have launched a joint campaign promoting the city in 14 countries across the world.

According to the Czech Statistical Office, 2.8 million visitors stayed in Czech hotels over the first quarter of 2022, up from just 280,000 in 2021. Still, most of the visitors are from neighboring European countries as tourism from further abroad has yet to fully recover.

Because of lingering Covid restrictions in China and other Asian countries, and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, Prague officials are looking into some alternative markets than where they may have focused in the past. The new campaign focuses on potential visitors from the United States, Middle East, and Europe.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were highlighted as two countries targeted by the new campaign in efforts to replace tourists from Russia, China, and other Asian markets.

"The Czech Republic is ready for tourists. Direct flights also play a role, and we have been working with Prague Airport for a long time on these. We believe that thanks to these activities, there will soon be an increase in arrivals to the Czech Republic from neighboring and nearby countries," CzechTourism Director Jan Herget states in a press release.

"I believe that the new attractions that have opened this season, things that are completely unique to the Czech Republic, will also play a positive role. These are the longest suspension bridge in the world, Sky Bridge 721 as well as the Mucha Trail. Undiscovered gems that we want to present can also be attractions.”

In addition to bringing tourists to the Prague, the campaign will also help Prague Airport establish new routes that can also be used by outgoing tourists leaving from the Czech Republic.

"Our goal is to support the resumption of direct flights and the demand for trips to both the capital and the whole of the Czech Republic. Prague is, and always will be, the biggest attraction for travelers from abroad," adds Jaroslav Filip, Director of Aviation at Prague Airport.

"It is on the basis of the demand [from incoming tourists] that new destinations will be added which will also be available to Czechs. They will then have more opportunities to visit destinations abroad."