Czechs are increasingly choosing to spend their winter holidays in the Czech Republic. This year, a total of 47 % residents want to spend their winter holidays in the Czech Republic, which is 4 % more than last year. On average, they plan a seven-day stay and expect to spend an average of CZK 8342 per person. Most often they want to go to the Liberec and Hradec Kralove regions. In addition to skiing and cross-country skiing, they are also attracted by hiking and relaxation. It results from of the latest survey Czech Tourism Centre - CzechTourism.
Czechs stay at home
Almost half of the respondents are planning a winter holiday in the Czech Republic. More than a fifth of respondents expect to pay more this year, while less than a tenth plan to spend less.
"The undeniable advantage of the Czech mountains is their proximity and easy accessibility. Domestic slopes are not so extreme, so they are ideal for families with children and a perfect place for active relaxation and a relaxing holiday. It is great that a growing number of Czechs are planning to spend their winter holidays here and that domestic skiers and snowboarders are staying loyal to the Czech mountains," says the director of the Czech Tourism Centre - CzechTourism Frantisek Reismüller and adds: "Every mountain resort here has something to offer - from modern infrastructure to attractive ski slopes to peace and fresh air, which is so lacking in urban environments. And the Jeseníky Mountains are ready too, welcoming visitors again despite the recent floods. Not only there, but across all the Czech mountains, your visit makes sense.."
Rest and active movement, Czechs seek balance in the mountains
Z research According to the Institute of Tourism, the most frequently planned winter holiday activity in the Czech Republic is hiking (64 %) and lighter walks (56 %). Downhill skiing remains popular with 33 % Czechs and cross-country skiing is planned for 29 % respondents. For 31 % people, the holiday will be relaxing with lighter activities, while 17 % prefer active sports holidays. 21 % of respondents plan a completely passive relaxation.
Most Czechs choose tried and tested places and family comfort
The majority of people (72 %) plan to travel by car, which is thus the most frequently used means of transport. Czechs mainly choose guesthouses (46 %) or higher category hotels (36 %) for their stay, with price (88 %), quality of service (86 %) and personal experience (85 %) being the key factors when choosing accommodation.
"Interestingly, 40 % respondents plan to visit new places, while 33 % will return to their favourite places. People are most likely to want to enjoy their winter break with family (43 %)and a partner (39 %)," summarises the head of the Institute of Tourism Petr Janeček.
Spending is rising, but Czechs don't want to save
The planned spending for winter holidays increased by CZK 1509 to an average of CZK 8342 per person. Accommodation (48 %) and meals in restaurants (19 %) account for the largest part of the spending. Only 9 % people plan to spend less on their winter holiday than last year. In contrast, 21 % of Czechs expect their spending to be higher.
Advent and New Year's Eve at home, but with a trip to the market
During Advent, three quarters of people plan to visit the domestic Christmas markets, which have long been among the most popular destinations. Half of the respondents want to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with the smell of mulled wine and punch in their place of residence, a quarter plan to visit markets in another city and 8 % of them will also head abroad. Up to 72 % of Czechs plan to be at home or with friends on New Year's Eve.
One third of Czechs will go abroad in winter
The number of those planning to go abroad in winter has slightly increased. The most frequent reasons for not going abroad in winter are simply staying at home (59 %) or not having enough money to go abroad (45 %).
Investing in the mountains: modernisation of lifts and new attractions
Czech mountain resorts invested a record one and three-quarters billion crowns in modernisation this year. They offer not only better services and facilities, but also new attractions. People can look forward to comfortable apartments or new cable cars. The resorts' net investment directly into this winter amounted to around 800 million crowns. The good news for skiers is that ski pass prices remain at last year's level. In two thirds of resorts, prices are unchanged, some have even become cheaper
"Thanks to modern technologies, such as more efficient snow cannons or storage tanks, we not only save water and energy, but also guarantee high quality snow conditions. In addition, more and more resorts are switching to floating prices, which allows visitors to save money when buying ski passes early," adds the director of the Association of Mountain Resorts Libor Knot.
Occupancy during Christmas and New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic
Data available on the CzechTourism portal - Tourdata, confirm the annual trend, when, especially from the side of foreign visitors, the interest in accommodation in the Czech Republic during Christmas and New Year's Eve is growing as the end of the year approaches. Mass accommodation operators across the country are currently reporting above half occupancy (55.6 %) during the working week (23-27 December), with an average price of CZK 3,058 per room per night. On the weekend, including Friday (27-29 December), both the number of bookings (62.7 %) and the average price per room (3424 CZK) are increasing. The highest occupancy is currently in the Liberec and Hradec Kralove regions.
Traditionally, Prague enjoys great interest during the festive season, mainly thanks to its rich cultural programme and New Year celebrations. On weekdays (23-27 December) the occupancy rate reaches 56.6 % with an average price per room and night of CZK 4903. On the weekend (27-29 December) the occupancy rate rises to 70.7 % and the average price per room rises to 7561 CZK.
If we use the data for the entire Christmas and New Year's Eve period (23-31 December), the average price for a room in the regions outside Prague is CZK 2,000 to 3,300. In the capital, it is 8137 crowns per night. Occupancy in the metropolis peaks at the turn of the year (30 December 2024 - 3 January 2025), when it reaches 73.3 % with an average price of CZK 7856 per room.
In mountain areas, the average occupancy rate of accommodation facilities is between 60-80 %, which corresponds to the high interest in winter sports and recreation. Currently, the Krkonoše and Šumava Mountains have the highest number of reservations. During the working week (23-27 December) the average price per room and night in these regions is CZK 3,856 and 2,468 respectively, while at the weekend (27-29 December) it rises slightly to CZK 5,351 and 2,903 respectively. CZK. The highest demand for accommodation in the mountains is in ski resorts, where operators expect a further increase in occupancy just before the end of the year.
Campaigns also attract foreign tourists
Winter sports enthusiasts are also attracted to domestic ski slopes and cross-country skiing trails Campaign The aim is to motivate both domestic and foreign tourists from selected countries to visit the Czech Mountains. The regions are ready for visitors whose presence will help boost the local economy and at the same time enjoy an unforgettable winter holiday. Up-to-date information on snow conditions and tips for trips are available on the portals Which way out of boredom a Holidayinfo.
CzechTourism/ gnews - RoZ
ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO - pixabay