Autumn holidays in the Czech Republic remain a popular choice for Czechs this year. According to of the latest survey According to the Institute of Tourism, more than half (53 %) of our citizens plan to spend it domestically, which is 2 % more than last year. The most frequent choice for their stay is South Bohemia (19 %) and South Moravian region (13 %). Thus, traditionally preferred destinations. On average, Czechs want to enjoy their well-deserved holidays for a week, one day less than a year ago. They are most likely to go away with their partner or family.
The Czech Republic as an oasis for holidaymakers
Autumn holidays in the Czech Republic are planned mainly by younger people under 39, men and university educated respondents. On the positive side, lack of finances is no longer a major barrier. The proportion of people who will skip their autumn holidays because of it has fallen by 7 per cent year-on-year, to 32 per cent in total.
"Czechs are increasingly considering holidays in the Czech Republic. This shows the increasing quality and attractiveness of our tourist destinations, as well as the stability of the domestic economy. The country offers a number of beautiful locations that are ideal not only for autumn activities, but also for relaxation. We are delighted with the growing interest in domestic holidays and it shows that people appreciate the quality services and beauty of our regions," summarizes the director of the Czech Tourism Centre Frantisek Reismüller and adds: "Results Survey confirm that domestic tourism in the country is experiencing another successful season. Czechs are increasingly discovering the beauty of their own country and the ecological and sustainable side of things is slowly and surely becoming an integral part of their decision-making. That's why one of our priorities is to support sustainable tourism and promote places that offer the same experience, but don't have to go through crowds of tourists. We have countless so far undiscovered gems and their overview is regularly updated on our tourist portal Which way out of boredom. For foreigners, we bring you tips on a special website VistCzechia."
They lead hiking and relax
Current data show that Czechs prefer mainly active recreation in autumn. Up to 78 % of respondents said they want to go hiking on their holidays, while 62 % prefer lighter walks with family or friends. Cycling and water sports are also popular. In addition, 31 % respondents, most of them people aged 50-59, plan to relax with lighter sports activities, indicating that the combination of exercise and relaxation is an ideal combination for Czechs. Less than a fifth of people are planning to visit cultural sights, 16 % want to relax passively and 14 % are those who will go to attractions for children.
Trend - higher spending and holidays mainly by car or motorbike
Czechs go on holiday mainly by car or motorbike. A total of 69 % people choose this option. Although the popularity of more environmentally friendly modes of transport is growing, only less than a fifth of tourists plan to use the railway. A tenth of respondents will travel by bus. This trend suggests that most Czechs prefer the flexibility of individual transport.
Another trend is the growth in holiday spending. The average amount that Czechs plan to spend on their autumn holidays has increased by CZK 1,411 to CZK 7,782 per person compared to last year. Most of the money will be spent on accommodation (46 %) and meals in restaurants (18 %). This confirms that Czechs are willing to invest more in quality experiences and better services.
They run guesthouses, hotels and referrals
When planning an autumn holiday in a new place in the Czech Republic, up to half of Czechs rely on recommendations from friends or family. A third of respondents, on the other hand, will head to a place they already know. Most often they stay in guesthouses (43 %) and higher category hotels (28 %). They often choose accommodation based on their own experience (87 %) and price (87 %), which are key factors in their decision-making. Information about the accommodation on the operator's website (85 %) also plays a role. Quality of service (83 %) and location (81 %) are also important.
Cash vs. cards: Czechs prefer cashless payments, but still face obstacles
One of the most significant trends is the preference for cashless transactions. As many as 61 % Czechs prefer to pay by card while on holiday in the Czech Republic and abroad.
"Cashless payments are crucial today, especially in the area of accommodation and fuel, but also in restaurants or when entering cultural venues, etc. Although Czechs prefer to pay by card, they still face restrictions in some situations. For example, when buying souvenirs, it is common practice that the merchant asks for cash and does not accept cards," points out the head of the Institute of Tourism Petr Janeček.
Sustainability plays an increasingly important role
Environmental awareness plays an increasingly important role in the decision-making of Czech tourists. Up to 34 % Czechs prefer environmentally certified facilities when choosing accommodation.
"This is an important trend. People are willing to pay extra for such accommodation because they realise that it is necessary to behave sustainably even during holidays.. This interest is mainly expressed by the younger generation aged 30-39. It is great to see that ecological thinking is also permeating holiday planning. Certified eco-friendly accommodations are becoming increasingly popular and are one of the key factors for many people when deciding on a destination," summarized by Tereza Kadlecová, who focuses on sustainability at CzechTourism.
Mobile apps as a holiday helper
Modern technology is increasingly influencing holiday planning and travel guidance. According to the latest survey by the Institute of Tourism, the most used application is Mapy.cz, which is used by 46 % tourists when travelling around the Czech Republic. Other popular apps are Google Maps (12 %) and Booking.com (10 %) to help users find accommodation and plan routes. For the record, last year alone, Czechs booked through the four largest booking online portals - Airbnb, Booking, Expedia Group and Tripadvisor - a total of 2.5 million overnight stays.
Autumn holidays abroad
Although the interest in holidays abroad has slightly increased, only 43 % Czechs are planning them. This share has slightly increased by 1 % compared to last year. People aged 30-39 and those with a university education are more likely to plan a holiday abroad. The main reasons why people stay at home include lack of finances and a preference for domestic destinations at this time of year.
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