Despite the weakening of currencies like the Egyptian pound and Turkish lira against the Czech koruna over the past year, vacations to these destinations have not become cheaper. In fact, prices have increased slightly year on year, with the exception of Croatia, which has seen an increase of around fourteen percent due to the introduction of the euro. According to Petr Kostka from Exim Tours, a leading Czech travel agency, the increase in prices would have been more significant without the strong Czech koruna. This means that Exim Tours is still able to sell a May trip to a four-star hotel in Egypt for seven nights with all-inclusive starting at CZK 13,000.

High inflation has affected the tourism sector in the countries mentioned, as hoteliers have raised prices due to the increasing cost of energy. However, it is a mild increase, with year-on-year price increases for all popular destinations under ten percent. Pre-sales for summer vacations have been very strong, and summer vacations have already been purchased by 85 percent more clients than at the same time last year, indicating that significant price reductions in the summer season can no longer be expected due to full capacity.

Flights to most destinations are gradually starting, with Turkey, Greek islands, Bulgaria, Italy, or Spain among the first to offer flights in May. Hoteliers offer better prices before the season starts, and most clients book trips to Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Spain.

According to Akcenta analyst Miroslav Novák, the Czech koruna has strengthened the most against tourist currencies since the beginning of this year, nearly a quarter, against the Egyptian pound. The Czech currency has appreciated by almost one-tenth against the Turkish lira and a few percent against the Bulgarian lev. However, the Czech koruna is also more robust against the euro by three percent and against the dollar by six percent, making shopping and expenses cheaper in countries like Croatia or the USA.

Overall, the summer season is extending, with more and more Czechs opting for May dates and flying to places like Jordan, Egypt, or Tunisia. However, the popularity of some destinations, such as the Canaries, is declining due to travel restrictions, while Madeira is becoming a new and popular destination. Despite the slight increase in prices, Czechs are still looking forward to traveling to their favorite destinations and making the most of their summer vacations.

Article by Prague Forum