Czechia, the captivating European nation known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beauty, is making a strong comeback in the Indian travel market. CzechTourism, the national tourism organization, recently concluded a successful three-city roadshow across Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, marking its first such initiative since the pandemic. The goal was clear: to reignite the spark of interest in Czechia amongst Indian travelers and showcase the country as a prime destination for both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel.
The roadshow, organized by VFS Global, Czechia’s strategic partner in India, brought together key stakeholders from CzechTourism, the Czech Embassy, and CzechTrade. They presented a comprehensive picture of what Czechia offers to India’s travel trade and media professionals, emphasizing its diverse appeal. From the iconic Prague, known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” to the enchanting medieval allure of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Czechia boasts a wide array of travel experiences that blend history, culture, and modernity. These elements were highlighted as key attractions for Indian tourists, appealing to their desire for captivating historical explorations, cultural immersion, and modern experiences.
The roadshow wasn’t just a promotional event; it served as a platform for fostering B2B connections and exploring new collaborations. Through meetings and presentations, CzechTourism and its partners engaged with India’s top travel trade professionals, showcasing Czechia’s readiness to welcome Indian tourists post-pandemic. They also presented the lucrative MICE opportunities available in Czechia, making it an attractive destination for Indian businesses looking to host international conferences, incentives, and exhibitions in the heart of Europe.
Ms. Jana Štumpová Konicarová, Director of Marketing and Foreign Offices at CzechTourism, emphasized the importance of the Indian market, stating, “India is a key market for us, and we are committed to making Czechia an accessible and desirable destination for Indian travelers. We are confident that the roadshow will contribute significantly to this goal.” With a focus on expanding the leisure travel segment, CzechTourism is also actively exploring the potential of the MICE market, offering tailored solutions to Indian organizations. The agency is working diligently with stakeholders to establish direct connectivity between India and Czechia by 2025, making travel to the European nation even more accessible for Indian tourists.
The roadshow attracted prominent figures from the Indian travel industry and government. Her Excellency Dr. Eliška Žigová, Czech Ambassador to India, and Ms. Laura Vlachová, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Czech Embassy, shared valuable insights into visa facilitation and Czechia’s tourism policies during the Delhi leg. They also provided crucial updates on Schengen visas, a key point of interest for Indian travelers looking to explore Europe.
In Bengaluru, Mr. Janardhan HP, Joint Director of Tourism for Karnataka, attended the event and discussed India’s rising demand for experiential tourism, a trend that aligns perfectly with Czechia’s offerings. This interaction further underscored Czechia’s appeal not only to leisure travelers but also to those seeking cultural and experiential travel experiences.
CzechTourism is taking concrete steps to attract more Indian travelers. The organization announced plans to reopen its Mumbai Consulate by early 2025, enhancing visa accessibility and encouraging longer stays beyond Prague. This move is expected to streamline the visa application process, making it easier for Indian tourists to visit multiple regions of Czechia.
Ms. Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, “We are committed to promoting all 14 regions of Czechia, not just Prague. We will focus on showcasing our unique gastronomy and wellness experiences through targeted consumer campaigns in the Indian market.” The roadshow’s success was built on the collaboration between CzechTourism and its private sector partners, including hotels, destination management companies (DMCs), and the Prague Shopping Outlet. These partners presented their offerings to Indian travel agencies, highlighting the diversity of experiences available beyond Prague.
Mr. GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global, highlighted the importance of reconnecting Czechia’s tourism partners with Indian travel trade representatives post-pandemic. He stated, “This roadshow was a crucial step in rebuilding the bridge between Czechia and India’s travel industry. We are confident that it will lead to increased collaboration and a surge in Indian tourists visiting Czechia.” As CzechTourism concludes its successful roadshow across Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, the momentum for increasing Indian tourism to Czechia continues to grow. Through strategic B2B events, CzechTourism has showcased its country’s unique appeal and expanded its presence in the Indian travel market. With plans to improve visa access and establish direct flights, the roadshow signifies the beginning of a long-term relationship between Czechia and India, positioning Czechia as a must-visit destination for Indian travelers in the years ahead.
