CzechTourism focused on reconnecting and consolidating its position in India
The Czech Republic has become one of Europe’s major tourist destinations and has been witnessing a steady growth in Indian tourist arrivals in the past few years. From the streets of Prague to the central Bohemian highlands, the Czech Republic is overflowing with experiences for every kind of traveller. Marek Kroutil, International Marketing Manager, CzechTourism India, gives an insight into their on-the-anvil promotions for the India market.
CzechTourism India has planned many B2B events in the coming months. From a B2C perspective, they have stayed on the minds of travellers by showcasing the various assets of the Czech Republic through their India-specific Instagram handle. They have various promotional events planned for the coming months, including FAM tours, media collaborations, and a few exciting contests. For the discerning travellers, they aim to showcase the destination’s plethora of attractions and diversity of offerings for an elevated holiday experience in the Czech Republic.
Presently, for all travellers entering the Czech Republic, there is an obligation to provide a filled passenger locator form. The form must be filled out before arrival and provided on request while at the airport of departure.
In the case of fully vaccinated travellers, intending to visit the Czech Republic, Marek explains, “Fully vaccinated travellers can visit the Czech Republic with an EU digital COVID certificate EU (Indian Vaccination Certificate is recognised by the EU) which is valid for 14– 270 days after the completion of the second vaccination dose (Covishield). Otherwise, one is considered non-vaccinated and needs to arrive with a PCR test and take another one within 5 to 7 days after arrival. However, it is recommended to carry a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 before departure to the Czech Republic.
Unvaccinated travellers can also enter the Czech Republic. However, they must carry a filled passenger form, and provide a negative RT-PCR test that is not older than 72 hours from the date of undertaking the journey. They will also have to undergo an RT-PCR test between the fifth and seventh day after entering the Czech Republic. Antigen tests cost between 8 and 10 euros, whereas PCR tests cost between 30 and 35 euros.
Children under 12 years of age have an exception from all hygiene measures. Children from 12 to 18 years of age do not have a timelimited validity of the vaccination certificate.
CzechTourism also aims to showcase the gastronomical and traditional aspects of the Czech Republic. This land-locked country in the very heart of Europe has the potential to offer numerous experiences. For the next two years, the main focus will be on the history of their people, handcrafts, unique traditions, and habits. This is closely connected with the traditional gastronomy, from crafted beers to exquisite, delicious dishes.
CzechTourism perceives India as one of the most important growing source markets and wishes to bring more interest to the Central European destination. Marek shares, “The Czech Tourism India team has been making the most of the current situation by educating and informing the travel trade as well as end consumers about the various facets of the destination that are still unknown to visitors to keep the Czech Republic on the minds of travellers and ensure that it is on their bucket list for 2022.”
Leisure, Weddings, and MICE are three segments that the tourism department is focusing on to promote the Czech Republic in India. However, they will also be promoting the destination in other segments such as FIT travellers, families, experiential travellers, millennials, business visitors, and honeymooners. Their aim is to get back to the 2019 figures of nearly one lakh visitation to the Czech Republic from India.
CzechTourism has pursued several initiatives to stay connected with the Indian B2C market during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual events. However, as the pandemic situation is easing out and now that tourism has restarted, they intend to host physical events in the upcoming months. Marek adds, “We think it is very important to reconnect with our trade partners in the India market as they play a major role in promoting our destination to the Indian travellers. Our India team has been reaching out to the trade and has started arranging in-person meetings to understand the new travel trends and the new mindset of the Indian travellers. Apart from that, we also plan to host a few B2B events such as webinars, roadshows, do joint corporations with trade, networking gala events, mall activations.”