Prague tourism defies slowed economy

As many as 5.2 million tourists visited Prague last year, the highest number on record, early estimates from analytic firm Mag Consulting show.

Economic recovery and reduced hotel prices were the main factors contributing to the growth of tourism in the capital, according to Josef Kotouček, spokesman for Mag Consulting.

"On the whole, the travel recovery is continuing around the world except North Africa and the Middle East," he said, adding, "Europe exceeded expectations and particularly in the first half of the year recorded the highest growth."

Tourism demands depend largely on the economic conditions in major generating markets, Kotouček said. "When economies grow, levels of disposable income will usually also rise, and a relatively large part of discretionary income will typically be spent on tourism, in particular in the case of emerging economies."

A tightening economic situation, on the other hand, will often result in a decrease or trading down of tourism spending, he added.

Visits, nights and hotel occupancy data reflect consistently strong performances in 2011, with Central and Eastern Europe showing very strong growth in arrivals, Kotouček said.

The number of overnight stays also increased as tourists spent 13.2 million nights in Prague hotels and accommodation facilities last year, breaking the 2006 and 2007 records of roughly 12.2 million nights.

Foreign visitors increased 8 percent, accounting for 4.5 million of the visitors registered last year, which may be due to most hotels in Prague reducing accommodation costs from 2008 onward in order to attract domestic and foreign tourists, Kotouček said.

He added the city's tourism sector is mostly driven by its attractions, and remains relatively unaffected by weather patterns. "Big cities have a special position. If they have a lot of attractions, they attract tourists in good and bad weather. If it's nice weather, tourists spend their time outside passing the castles, squares, streets, etc. If it's bad weather, they spend their time exploring the exhibitions and sites inside."

The National Museum, the National Gallery, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Old Town Hall, Prague Zoo, the Jewish Museum, Prague Spring and the National Theater remain the biggest tourist attractions, Kotouček said.

Official figures from the ČSÚ on tourism in Prague in 2011 are due to be released in March.

Laura Burgoine can be reached at
lburgoine@praguepost.com