Charles Bridge in Prague is one of the main attractions of the Czech capital
As Radio Prague notes, this is 2 million more tourists than a year earlier. Rooms and beds in Czech hotels and guesthouses in the country's main tourist spots, according to experts, are practically sold out for the summer period.
"As for Prague, the Czech capital is literally 'bursting at the seams' at certain times. Besides the capital, in our opinion, the main regional destinations are well prepared to receive tourists – for example, Český Krumlov and Karlovy Vary. In less well-known tourist areas of the Czech Republic, there is a shortage of four- and five-star hotels, which are in demand by those who fly to us," comments Jan Papež from the Association of Travel Agencies.
The main tourist destination in the Czech Republic is traditionally Prague. In 2016, more than 7 million foreign tourists visited the capital. In second place in popularity was the wine-growing South Moravia and the Karlovy Vary Region, famous for its hot mineral springs and film festival, which starts this year on June 30.
Most tourists come to the Czech Republic from Germany, Slovakia, and Poland. In fourth place are guests from the USA, followed by citizens of the United Kingdom in terms of numbers. Just over half a million Russians came to the Czech Republic in 2016, which is 300,000 fewer than three years earlier.
The growth in tourist flow also means an increase in budget revenues. In 2016, foreign tourists spent about 230 billion crowns (8.7 billion euros) in the Czech Republic. In terms of spending on vacations in the Czech Republic, citizens of Japan and China lead. Russians also belong to the category of generous guests. The most economical in this regard are tourists from Slovakia.
"According to our data, the average expenditure of a foreign tourist is 3,000 crowns (114 euros) per person per day. Most of this amount is payment for accommodation and transport costs. Everything else is shopping and meals, for example in restaurants," comments Tereza Picková, Executive Director of the Association of Czech Travel Agencies.