Czech strengthens Indian base

Czech Tourism has witnessed 85,680 Indian tourists in 2017, a growth of 27 per cent compared to 2016. The European country now aims to receive more than one lakh Indian visitors by 2019-20.

TT Bureau

In a bid to strengthen and popularise destinations in Czech Republic and attract more Indian tourists, Czech Tourism, along with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi and VFS Global, conducted a three-city roadshow named Czech Republic — the ‘Land of Stories’ — in New Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

On the occasion, Milan Hovorka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India, said, “In the days to come, our aim is to promote not only Prague — the most popular destination among Indians, but also other cities of the country. We plan to strengthen our base not only in the capital cities of India, but in other parts as well.”

The Czech Republic has witnessed a significant rise in Indian arrivals with a growth of 128 per cent from 2015-2017. The country received 85,680 Indian tourists in 2017 — a growth of 27 per cent compared to 2016, and it now aims to receive more than one lakh Indian visitors by 2019-20.

Arzan Khambatta, Head, CzechTourism India, said that the roadshows have been an excellent platform for Czech tourism partners to network with Indian agents and tour operators. He informed, “Indian tourists visit not only the capital city of Prague, but also Karlovy Vary and fairytale town Český Krumlov — a favourite spot for honeymooners. As Czech Republic continues to be one of the most-favoured destinations, we look forward to welcoming more Indians in the years to come.

“We are promoting the country as a premium destination targeting families, experiential travellers, business tourists, MiCE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) honeymooners and leisure travellers,” he concluded.

Terming India as one of the most promising market, Veronika Janečková, Head—International Markets Management, CzechTourism, said, “The Czech Republic has a lot to offer to the Indian travellers in terms of unexplored destinations and unique experiences. Families, millennials and MiCE are the three segments that we are targeting in the Indian market. The country hosts a diverse array of natural landscapes that appeal to visitors of every kind – be it architectural lovers or adventure seekers. Through this roadshow, we are able to reach out to new markets and strengthen our relationship with the Indian travel trade.”

She further added, “With growing travel aspirations among Indians across demographics, activities such as wine tourism, spa tourism, pristine nature stays have been driving Indian tourists to the Czech Republic.”

Go Beyond

• Indian tourists visit not only the capital city of Prague, but also Karlovy Vary and fairytale town Český Krumlov — a favourite spot for honeymooners
•  The Czech Republic is promoting itself as a premium destination targeting families, experiential travellers, business tourists and MiCE travellers