In a momentous milestone for the Czech Republic, the tourism sector has experienced a robust recovery, surpassing the pre-COVID-19 numbers of 2019 during the summer season of 2021. The third quarter of the year witnessed 7.9 million individuals staying in hotels, pensions, and camps, reflecting a notable 7.9% increase compared to the previous year. Both foreign and domestic visitors contributed to this surge, resulting in a total of 21.4 million nights, marking a significant five percent year-over-year growth.

Roman Mikula, the head of tourism and environment statistics at the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ), expressed, “The total number of visits in the summer season for the first time surpassed the results from the pre-COVID year 2019.” The arrivals recorded a 4.3% increase compared to 2019, and overnight stays exceeded the 2019 figures by 2.4%. While the number of accommodated Czechs saw a remarkable 15% surge compared to four years ago, a small deficit in foreign guests, around 10%, was highlighted by Mikula.

During the July to September period, the influx of foreign guests saw a substantial rise of over 20%, totaling three million, while over 4.8 million domestic guests arrived, representing a modest one percent increase from the previous year. Overnight stays for foreign guests surged by nearly 19% to approximately 7.4 million nights, whereas stays for Czech residents decreased by one percent to 14 million.

Despite the overall positive trajectory, certain sectors experienced a downturn. Camp providers reported a less favorable season, particularly in terms of domestic tourists, constituting 85% of their clientele. The number of Czechs in camps decreased by 3.4%, and their overnight stays witnessed a decline of 7.3%.

In terms of international visitors, the third quarter saw a surge in guests from Germany, comprising more than a fifth of foreign clientele in monitored accommodation facilities. Arrivals from Germany increased by an impressive 19.2% to reach 690,000. Poles constituted the second-largest group, with 286,000 accommodated, reflecting a 16.5% year-over-year increase. Slovaks secured the third position, experiencing an 8.4% rise to reach 282,000 guests.

Article by Prague Forum