Can Prague handle it? City prepares for record tourist influx on New Year’s Eve
Prague is expecting a 10% increase in visitors this festive season, anticipating at least 100,000 visitors in the city on December 31 and January 1. This rise in tourism continues a trend seen throughout 2024, with Prague welcoming more visitors overall.
This influx will include both Czech nationals and international travelers, primarily from Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Spain, the UK, the USA, and several Asian nations. The forecast is provided by Prague City Tourism and supported by data from the Czech Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Their research shows that hotels, hostels, and other accommodations in the city are already 85% booked for the festive season.
Previous data showed that 2024 has seen a general increase from the previous year in tourists in the city. The Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) reports that from January to September, Prague welcomed 5,876,170 domestic and international tourists, reflecting an 8% rise compared to the previous year.
“The data shows that Prague is an increasingly attractive and sought-after destination for tourists. I am very pleased that domestic visitors already account for a full fifth of the total number of visitors. We will continue to promote Prague as an important European cultural destination with much to offer both domestic and foreign visitors,” stated Jiří Pospíšil, the Deputy Mayor of Prague for Culture and Tourism.
In December 2023, Prague received 709,607 visitors, both domestic and international. This year, that number is expected to rise to 750,000, reinforcing Prague’s status as a prominent travel destination during the holidays.
Prague has traditionally drawn many Russian tourists during December and January. However, following the Czech Republic's suspension of tourist visas for Russian citizens due to the Ukraine conflict, the number of Russian visitors has significantly decreased.
In their place, there has been an increase in tourists from the United States, nearby European countries, and even local travelers. In fact, data from the ČSÚ shows an increasing number of locals are visiting Prague. In 2024, 1,143,591 domestic tourists visited the capital, with the majority coming during the holiday season, which saw 241,088 visitors—comparable to the same period last year.
Targeted marketing efforts have attracted more affluent tourists who value high-quality services, making a substantial contribution to the local economy.
In 2023, foreign tourists spent 40% more in Prague compared to pre-Covid 2019, highlighting this upward trend.
