With a target of reaching 100, 000 Indian arrival milestone by 2020, Czech Republic has fast-paced its promotions in the India market. In the first half of the year, the destination has welcomed 43,722 Indians with a northward growth of 5.6 per cent as compared to the previous year.
Speaking about the trends from India market, Arzan Khambatta, Head, Czech Tourist Authority – Czech Tourism, India said, “The Czech Republic is witnessing a steady growth in the Indian tourist arrivals every year. In the first half of 2018, Czech Republic has received 43,722 Indian arrivals, which is about 5.6 per cent of growth in comparison with the previous year for an average length of stay being – 3.4 days. In 2017, 85,680 Indians visited the Czech Republic. We are looking at welcoming 100,000 Indian visitors to the Czech by 2020, perhaps before that!”
Last year, the destination organised roadshows in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to showcase their offerings. With the increase in awareness, Czech Republic is now looking to promote curated experiences.
Speaking about the experiences Khambatta said, “Indian travellers love trying new experiences and revel in the local culture and traditions. Besides the scenic beauty and history, the Czech Republic offers various experiences like beer spa, glass – blowing, wine tasting that the visitors can cherish. This summer, we introduced the South Moravian region of the Czech, which includes places like Brno and the stunning Lednice-Valtice Complex.”
Indians are also known as a high spending market as compared to the other source markets. The Indian traveller spends approximately 30 per cent above the average in comparison to other visitors, at a total amount of more than CZK 4,000 per person per day.
He further added, “The Czech Republic also boasts more than two hundreds of chateaux and castles which the travellers can visit and experience. The growth in Indian tourists to the Czech has been increasingly driven on thematic packages such as wine tourism, spa tourism and pristine nature stays. The country hosts a diverse array of natural landscapes that appeal to visitors of every kind – be it architectural lovers or adventure seekers. The Indian tourists in the Czech Republic visit not only the capital city of Prague and Brno, but also Karlovy Vary and fairy tale town Český Krumlov which is a favourite spot for honeymooners.”
Further increasing awareness, the destination is also looking to collaborate with production houses. Film tourism plays a key role in showcasing a destination. “We are promoting the country as an affordable premium destination targeting on families and those well-travelled FITs in the age group of 25-45 years, who are looking at customised holiday experience and to do something different. We are also targeting MICE segment, which has a huge potential in India. Several Bollywood movies have been shot in the Czech showcasing the natural beauty of the central European country. Understanding the impact of cinema, we realise it is a very good medium to promote tourism and are hoping to collaborate with more productions in the future.”
