Prague revels in higher tourist numbers and visitor spending, despite challenges

Prague City Tourism (PCT) says that an increase in the number of tourists to Prague and its 2022 decision to raise the tourist tax has helped generate millions of crowns more for the city, which can later be invested in cultural and historical projects.

PCT announced that it collected a record-breaking CZK 801 million in 2023 thanks to a tax for overnight stays, which increased from CZK 21 to CZK 50. Tourist spending has also risen by a huge 40 percent since 2019, and demand for luxury hotels rose by a third compared to last year.

According to Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism Jiří Pospíšil, the city has been able to reinvest this money into campaigns and projects to develop Prague further and attract high-spending visitors who treat the city with respect. 

New data shows that in the first quarter of this year, the occupancy of hotels in Prague increased significantly. This growth in tourism in Prague also surpasses other major European cities like Warsaw, Rome, and Budapest.

Jana Adamcová, vice-president of PCT board, stated that the numbers prove that PCT's strategy is on the right track; Prague's Inbound Tourism Concept 2020-23 aimed to increase the city's attractiveness. "Thanks to brand campaigns and improved service quality, we have attracted a cultured and creditworthy clientele," Adamcová said.

Separate data from the Czech Statistical Office found that 7.4 million tourists – both domestic and international – visited Prague in 2023; an increase of about 25 percent year on year.

In May 2023, Prague invested CZK 8.25 million into a campaign to attract culture-minded tourists, giving cultural hotspots more funds to attract visitors. Tourism, however, brings with it negative aspects such as noise pollution and antisocial behavior: an ongoing campaign called Enjoy Respect Prague aims to educate incoming tourists about cultural behavior and mitigate the negative effects of tourism on everyday life.

Some Prague city councilors are also discussing ways to limit overtourism’s bad effects on Prague, including by placing a ban on stag (bachelor) party costumes.

Adamcová added that – even among British tourists – the top reasons for visiting Prague were its sights and culture, with alcohol falling to fourth place. 

The City of Prague is currently preparing a new tourism strategy for 2024-27, which will be presented to the City Council for approval. The strategy includes 29 projects that reflect the interests of the city and its residents.