The Czech Republic is the most developed of the ex-communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the quickest to develop a successful tourism industry during the 1990s. Tourism first boomed in the early years after the Velvet Revolution, following the split from Slovakia. With influx of arrivals during the 1990s came much investment in the industry, particularly within the hotel sector. However, visitor numbers declined following the downturn in global arrivals following 9/11. The devastating floods that hit the Czech Republic, as well as other regions of central Europe, in 2002 did not help this.

Following this period of decline the country’s tourism industry has rebounded significantly, encouraged largely by its accession to the EU in May 2004 and the ease of movement between the member states, particularly the opening up of the aviation market. With this came a proliferation of low-cost routes to the country. Along with Bulgaria, the Czech Republic had the strongest tourism growth in any Central and East European country, according to the World Tourism Organization and the region is registering the fastest expansion in tourism within Europe.

While the future is looking bright for Czech Tourism, visitors to Prague dominate arrivals with little travel around the rest of the country. The CTA is addressing this issue, however, there is also a problem with the influx of budget visitors to Prague - more attracted to its cheap beer than its cultural and heritage attractions. These visitors still bring in valuable revenues to the country, but the Czechs need to be wary that this does not tarnish the reputation of the city and destination as a whole.