CzechTourism has successfully concluded its first post-pandemic roadshow across three prominent Indian cities—Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai—between October 7 and October 10, 2024. This strategic event marked a significant step in boosting awareness of Czechia as a premier travel destination among India’s travel trade and media professionals. This roadshow aimed to showcase Czechia’s vibrant cultural landscape, historical landmarks, and unparalleled experiences to Indian tourists while encouraging partnerships within the growing Indian travel market.
Czechia: A Safe and Inspiring European Gem
Ranked as the 8th safest country in the world according to the 2021 Global Peace Index (GPI), Czechia offers Indian travellers a haven of security along with a mix of rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and serene natural beauty. The country has captured the interest of Indian travellers with its varied destinations that offer both heritage and modernity.
Czechia’s capital, Prague, fondly called the “City of a Hundred Spires,” enchants visitors with its Gothic and Baroque architectural marvels, such as the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, while blending into a cosmopolitan cityscape.
For those yearning for an escape into a medieval fairy tale, Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets and a majestic castle overlooking the tranquil Vltava River, offering a glimpse into the region’s historical depth. Meanwhile, Karlovy Vary, Europe’s largest spa town, provides a luxurious retreat with its natural hot springs, grand colonnades, and elegant 19th-century architecture, making it a popular choice for wellness tourism.
For beer enthusiasts, Plzeň, the birthplace of the iconic Pilsner beer, offers a deep dive into Czech brewing traditions. Visitors can experience interactive tours at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, one of the oldest in the world, and enjoy a taste of history at the award-winning beer museum, which celebrates Czechia’s contribution to global brewing.
A Collaborative Effort: Czechia’s Partners in India
The success of the roadshow was largely due to the collaboration between CzechTourism, the Czech Embassy, and CzechTrade, in conjunction with VFS Global, Czechia’s key partner in India. These entities worked together to showcase Czechia’s distinct regional experiences beyond its famed capital, Prague. The events in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai attracted representatives from India’s travel trade and media, providing them with a first-hand look at what Czechia has to offer.
The roadshow’s Delhi leg was particularly significant, as it was hosted at the Czech Embassy. Her Excellency Dr. Eliška Žigová, the Czech Ambassador to India, addressed the audience, emphasizing Czechia’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with India. Ms. Laura Vlachová, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Czech Embassy, provided insights on the visa application process, including the Schengen visa requirements, making it easier for Indian travellers to explore Europe.
A crucial part of the roadshow was the focus on regions outside Prague. Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, and other private sector partners joined the roadshow to present unique Czech destinations that Indian travellers may not yet be familiar with, including Moravia, known for its vineyards, and Liberec, a hub for outdoor adventures and cultural explorations.
India: A Key Market for Czechia’s Growth
Commenting on the positive feedback for Czechia, Ms Jana Štumpová Konicarová, Director of Marketing and Foreign Offices, remarked, “It was a true pleasure to engage with passionate travel professionals from both the leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors across key Indian cities. India is a priority market for us in the coming years and we are committed to fostering a strong, steady flow of Indian visitors to Czechia, catering to diverse demographics and interests.
While expanding the leisure travel segment remains a key goal, we are equally focused on tapping into the growing MICE market, offering tailored solutions to meet the specific needs and preferences of Indian businesses and organizations. Furthermore, we continue to engage with key stakeholders to enable direct connectivity between India and Czechia by 2025.”
A Focus on Direct Connectivity by 2025
One of the standout announcements made during the roadshow was Czechia’s plan to establish direct flights between India and Czechia by 2025, a move that will significantly enhance travel convenience for Indian tourists. Direct connectivity is seen as a vital step in enabling a stronger flow of tourists, whether for leisure or corporate travel.
The reopening of the Mumbai Consulate by early 2025 was also a focal point of discussion. This development is expected to improve the visa application process for Indian travellers and allow for longer stays in Czechia, encouraging exploration beyond the capital city.
Experiential and Sustainable Travel: The Future of Tourism
The three-city event also highlighted the reopening of the Mumbai Consulate by early 2025, aimed at improving visa accessibility for Indian travellers and encouraging longer stays beyond Prague. Ms Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager, stated, “Given the growing interest of Indian travellers in European destinations, alongside emerging travel patterns that extend beyond the summer season and an increasing emphasis on experiential travel, Czechia is poised to captivate Indian visitors with its stunning landscapes, inspiring architecture and remarkable culinary offerings. In the coming years, we aim to highlight the 14 regions of Czechia and unique gastronomical and wellness experiences through targeted trade and consumer campaigns focused on the Indian market.”
Building Strong B2B Relationships in India
The event fostered robust B2B interactions across three major Indian cities, enabling Czech partners to present their offerings and strategic plans for the Indian market over the coming years. Mr. GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global, emphasized, “As a strategic partner to Czechia, it was essential for us to reconnect the Czech delegation with a diverse array of travel trade and media representatives in Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai as they return to India post-pandemic. Our commitment to promoting Czechia will be unwavering, focusing on streamlining visa facilitation and cultivating strong trade relationships to enhance leisure, ‘b-leisure’ and corporate travel to Czechia. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly increase visitor arrivals to the ‘Heart of Europe’.”
Czechia Poised for Long-Term Success in India
The three-city roadshow marks just the beginning of Czechia’s larger strategy to make a lasting impact on the Indian market. With a focus on direct flights, experiential travel, wellness tourism, and strong B2B connections, Czechia is well-positioned to attract a wide spectrum of Indian travellers in the years to come.
By showcasing its cultural richness, safety, and unique travel experiences, Czechia has firmly established itself as the ‘Heart of Europe’ for Indian tourists, and with continued engagement, the country is set to see a steady increase in visitor numbers from the Indian subcontinent.
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