Czech tourism industry recorded an increase in visitor numbers. Over the first three quarters of 2016, 14.57 million tourists stayed overnight in the Czech Republic (+7.1%). The number represents the highest figure since 2000.
According to the Czech Statistical Office, the tourism inflow from neighboring and Asian countries increased, while the amount of Russian and Japanese visitors went down. From January to September, 7.1% more visitors booked overnight stays compared to the same period last year. Predominantly the increase was registered in domestic tourism, with 542 thousand increase up to 7.4 million.
7.1 million foreign tourists visited the country in the heart of Europe, representing an increase of 419 thousand people. Germans (1.4 million) enjoy visiting the Czech Republic the most, followed by Slovakia (419 thousand) and Poland (456 thousand). Compared to last year more guests from China arrived (+40 thousand), as well as South Korea (+38 thousand) and Taiwan (+20 thousand). Russian tourism inflow decreased by 47 thousand people, while Japanese by 14 thousand.
“This year, once again Czech tourism industry records good results despite the fact that no big events take place here – such as the ice hockey World Championship, which attracted many visitors last year. The number of hotel guests is increasing. For the first time in history, it exceeded 14 million visitors. The number of overnight stays also reached an all-time record – 40 million nights,” the chairwoman of the Czech Statistical Office, Iva Ritschelova confirmed.
The number of overnight stays increased by 5.6% compared to last year. Domestic guests stayed in accommodation facilities for 21.5 million nights, while foreign tourists for 18.6 million nights.
All regions registered an increase of inflow as well as the number of overnight stays. Prague, the country’s capital, registered the most significant increase, with 305 thousand more tourists than last year.
“The inflow to the capital has been increasing now for two years. This increase is mainly caused by foreign visitors. In the first three quarters of the year, there were 212 thousand more of them. Last year, it was even better – 326 thousand,” Pavel Vančura, head of Czech tourism statistics of the CSO, noted.
The Pilsen region has registered the lowest increase in tourism inflow compared to last year. In 2015, Pilsen held the title of the European Culture Capital, which attracted more tourists to the region, mainly foreign visitors.
All main accommodation facilities registered an increase in the amount of guests as well. Four-star hotels had the highest increase compared to last year – 350 thousand people (+9%). In terms of percentage, pensions reached the highest figure (+13%) and 174 thousand more guests.
The total number of foreign tourists, including those who arrived in the Czech Republic for one day, reached 23.8 million. This number represents a 13.4% increase in comparison to last year, according to an estimate survey of inbound tourism in the Czech Republic.