Czech Tourism Day Celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai

The Czech Republic pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has attracted visitors with its futuristic initiatives in the sustainability district. 

The pavilion celebrated Czech Tourism Day on October 5 by hosting a workshop for travel partners in the Middle East. Organised in co-operation with the Czech Embassy in the UAE, the workshop focused on the 'Wellness Tourism' industry in the country. 

It attracted more than 60 top travel stakeholders in the market, followed by a tour for the media and concluded with a networking gala serving Czech delicacies. 

Opening the workshop, Czech Republic Ambassador Jiri Slavik said: "We are excited to be a part of this global event as our country is a popular destination amongst UAE citizens. We have eased travel restrictions for vaccinated travellers keeping in mind safety as the major factor to welcome tourists.

In 2019, Czech Republic welcomed 30,000 tourists from the UAE for an average length of stay of around 3-4 days and over 27,000 travellers from Saudi Arabia for a maximum length of stay of around 5-6 days."

On the plan for tourism ahead, Deputy Minister of regional development David Koppitz said: "Our post-pandemic strategy is to be more sustainable, innovative, digital and resilient. We are hoping that we gradually reach the numbers of 2019 in the coming year as the tourism industry regroups from the pandemic keeping in mind the safety of the traveller. 

"The Czech Republic has received the international 'Safe Travels Stamp' awarded by the World Tourism & Travel Council (WTTC). Also, we have been doing our utmost to preserve and support further development of our spas – they are part of our national heritage and they have much to offer."

During the workshop, Czech Tourism CEO Jan Herget said: "The Czech Republic is a preferred spa and wellness destination for travellers from the Middle East and I am proud that UNESCO awarded us with the great spa towns of Europe recognition. This market is of high potential and of strategic importance for incoming tourism to the Czech Republic. 

"In 2022, the marketing strategy will be focusing on 'Traditions of Czech Republic' as it has places being listed on UNESCO World Heritage. Christmas in Czech Republic is one of the most immersive and magical period to experience.

"We are promoting the country as a premium destination targeting families, experiential travellers, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and leisure travellers through various B2B and B2C activities like destination workshops, e-learning and joint collaborations with travel agents, airlines and media."

Visitors will also encounter an immersive virtual reality experience at the pavilion. Czech Tourism's 'Czech Therapeutic Landscape' is the first exhibition at the pavilion. The Oculus Rift VR goggles will virtually transport them to some beautiful places in the country, such as the Spa town Marianske Lazne, the Moravian vineyard or the Bohemian Paradise.

At the entrance is a structure made of steel pipes that represent clouds and water. Called the Czech spring, the pavilion addresses the challenge of water scarcity in barren lands through a Czech invention - S.A.W. E.R. This technology uses solar energy to produce drinkable water from the air. Based on condensation techniques, the system can extract water from dry air.

The glass industry in the Czech Republic has gained worldwide recognition for its high-quality and artistic craftsmanship.  The essence of this art is reflected in the installation of designer glass at the pavilion. Furthermore, a professional conference will be held on November 18 to discuss Czech glass designs and provide an interactive platform for industry professionals.