Price of exotic vacations jump as a result of weak crown and other contributing factors

Czechs planning on an exotic vacation in the sun and by the sea this winter are in for an unpleasant surprise. Compared to last year, prices of package vacations are up, between seven and 10 percent. According to Czech Radio, the weakened crown, the cancelation of charter flights to Thailand, and even fears over Ebola, have all played a role.

Photo: Jitka Hrabánková

Alexandr Pavlov of the travel agency Alexandria told Czech Radio the American dollar, the dominant currency at many exotic vacation locations, had strengthened this year compared to the same period in 2013, which would lead to fewer ‘last minute’ options in addition to somewhat higher prices. Jan Papež, of Marco Polo, meanwhile, told the public broadcaster that the end of charter flights from Prague to a number of exotic locations had boosted for example the positon of carriers such as Emirates and Turkish Airlines, commanding different prices.

In his view, earlier deals offering Thai locations for 14 days for just 19,000 crowns will not return this winter season, meaning those hungry for similar deals will have to opt for locations closer to home. Mr Papež listed Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as two. While charter flights to the Caribbean remain, the capacity was less, he added. The Caribbean, travel agencies insist, otherwise remains attractive for Czech tourists.

Among destinations most sought by Czechs who can afford it are Mexico, Venezuela, Kenya, Dubai, and the aforementioned Thailand and locations in the Caribbean, Czech Radio said.

Czech Radio also spoke to Stanislav Zíma of Exim Tours: he told the broadcaster he expected normally attractive destinations in Africa to see a drop in interest, not least over the Ebola scare in the western part of the continent. He pointed out that there had been more cases of Ebola in Germany and Spain than in Senegal’, but suggested Senegal would unfairly suffer given it neighboured some of the countries in Africa hit by the deadly outbreak.