CzechTourism has successfully wrapped up a three-city roadshow in India, aimed at reigniting interest in travel to Czechia following the pandemic. From October 7 to 10, the roadshow made stops in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, showcasing Czechia’s unique travel offerings to India’s travel trade and media. The event was organized in collaboration with the Czech Embassy and CzechTrade, focusing on how the country’s cultural and natural landscapes cater to Indian travelers.
Ranked as the 8th safest country in the world according to the 2021 Global Peace Index (GPI), Czechia offers Indian tourists a blend of historical beauty and modern experiences. Highlights of the roadshow included destinations like Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” known for its Gothic and Baroque architecture, and Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval streets and grand castle. Karlovy Vary, Europe’s largest spa town, and Plzeň, the birthplace of Pilsner beer and home to the iconic Pilsner Urquell Brewery, were also showcased as must-visit regions.
The roadshow, organized by VFS Global, Czechia’s strategic partner in India, featured representatives from Czech hotels, shopping outlets, and Destination Management Companies (DMCs). It aimed to promote not just the capital city of Prague but also regions beyond it, offering Indian travelers diverse experiences. The Delhi event was held at the Czech Embassy and included speeches from Czech Ambassador Eliška Žigová, and visa presentations by Laura Vlachová, Economic and Commercial Counsellor. Similar sessions were held in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
At the Bengaluru event, Janardhan HP, Joint Director of the Tourism Department, Ministry of Karnataka, discussed how Karnataka’s interest in cultural and experiential tourism aligns well with Czechia’s offerings, reinforcing the country’s potential for Indian travelers.
Jana Štumpová Konicarová, Director of Marketing and Foreign Offices at CzechTourism, expressed her excitement about engaging with Indian travel professionals. “India is a priority market for us in the coming years. We are committed to fostering a strong, steady flow of Indian visitors to Czechia, catering to diverse demographics and interests. While expanding the leisure segment is key, we are also focused on tapping into the growing MICE market, offering tailored solutions for Indian businesses,” she said. Konicarová also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish direct flights between India and Czechia by 2025.
The roadshow also emphasized plans to reopen the Czech Consulate in Mumbai by early 2025, improving visa accessibility for Indian travelers. Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager, noted that as Indian travelers increasingly look for experiential and off-season travel, Czechia is ready to offer memorable experiences across its 14 regions, including wellness and gastronomy-focused tourism.
The event facilitated robust B2B interactions, with Czech partners presenting their strategies to cater to the Indian market. GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Our commitment to promoting Czechia is unwavering. We aim to streamline visa facilitation and strengthen trade relationships to enhance leisure, ‘b-leisure,’ and corporate travel to Czechia,” he said.
