Prague: A Trending Destination with Record Visits in 2024
In 2024, Prague experienced an unprecedented tourist influx, welcoming 5.88 million visitors between January and September. According to data from the Český statistický úřad (CZSO), the Czech capital saw an 8% increase in visitors compared to 2023, solidifying its status as one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
The primary international markets were Germany, the United States, and Great Britain, while domestic tourism maintained a stable share, representing 20% of total visits. The growth also includes a significant rise in visitors from Asia, facilitated by the resumption of direct flights to major Asian cities. This development has made Prague an increasingly global destination, drawing new segments of international travelers and reshaping the city’s tourism landscape.
According to CZSO statistics, Germany is the largest main source market for tourists, with 778,932 visitors. The United States, on the other hand, totaled 361,347 admissions, while Great Britain 320,323. These countries have played a significant role in boosting Prague’s tourism sector, consolidating the city as a key destination for both European visitors and overseas travelers.
Notably, the revival of Asian tourism has marked an important shift in 2024, with a 25% increase over the previous year. Asian tourists, totaling 632,078 visitors, mainly came from countries like South Korea and China. In particular, the number of Chinese tourists almost doubled, rising from around 46,000 to nearly 92,000 in 2024 alone. This change is a result of Prague’s tourism sector’s efforts to open new channels and expand its market in Asia.
Alongside international tourism, domestic tourism also played a key role in boosting visitor numbers in Prague. In the first months of 2024, 1.14 million Czechs visited the capital. The summer season, in particular, saw a peak in local tourists, with 241,088 national visitors, a figure that remains stable compared to the summer of 2022. František Cipro, chairman of the board of Prague City Tourism, remarked that the steady influx of local visitors is positive news for the city. Czech tourists, already familiar with the local culture, tend to visit the capital regularly, thus contributing to the city’s tourism sector and supporting various sectors of the local economy.
Luxury tourism has also emerged as a rapidly growing sector in Prague. Hotel occupancy rates reached approximately 70% in the first half of 2024, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The luxury segment has shown the most significant growth, with a rise in bookings at high-end hotels.
Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, commented on the trend, explaining that the increasing supply targeted toward an affluent clientele is producing a significant increase in demand for luxury services in hotels. The recent tourism strategy has focused on maintaining this momentum through targeted marketing campaigns, aiming to prevent issues related to overcrowding.
The rise in luxury tourism has been accompanied by an increase in average prices for hotel stays. In the first half of 2024, the average price per night rose to 115 euros, a 5% increase over the previous year. According to Václav Stárek, President of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Czech Republic, Prague’s positioning in the luxury tourism market is proving successful. The rise in prices reflects not only the quality of services offered but also Prague’s success in becoming a luxury destination.
Prague is therefore confirmed as a top destination for world tourism, with record figures in 2024 and significant growth among both international and local visitors.
The capital aims to maintain this positive trend in the coming years by focusing on targeted tourism offerings and supporting domestic tourism.
The expansion of Asian tourism and the rise in affluent clientele are also positive signs for Prague’s future, as it prepares to further strengthen its prestigious position in the global tourism landscape.
Sources: https://praguemorning.cz/; https://www.praguedaily.news/
