Prague City Council recently unveiled a CZK 22 million investment in targeted marketing campaigns aimed at boosting inbound tourism. This strategic initiative seeks to attract both international and domestic visitors, diversifying the city’s tourist landscape. A significant portion of the budget, CZK 2 million each, is dedicated to commemorating two cultural milestones: the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death and the 200th anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s birth. Jiří Pospíšil, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Culture, emphasized the success of established campaigns like “At Home in Prague” and “Enjoy Respect Prague.” The former targets domestic tourism, encouraging Czechs to explore their own capital, while the latter promotes responsible visitor behavior, ensuring a positive experience for both tourists and residents. Among other things, the capital continues to support congress and event tourism in the metropolis. Prague is planning to launch a contract for the promotion of congress tourism between July 2024 and June 2027. “Prague collected almost CZK 800 million in overnight stay fees in 2023. Of this amount, the memorandum with the Association of Hotels and Restaurants committed to invest up to CZK 130 million back into the development of tourism in Prague. I am very pleased that we have approved part...
The Czech Republic’s biggest funfair Matějská pouť opens its gates at Prague’s exhibition grounds in Holešovice on Saturday, February 24. Originally a pilgrimage to the nearby church of St Matthew, the fair now offers some 115 attractions including a giant water slide, a 55-meter Ferris wheel, bumper cars and shooting galleries. In the past years, Matějská pouť attracted between 100,000 and 200,000 visitors annually. The highest attendance, over 215,000 visitors, was recorded in 2011. A little bit of history The tradition of the amusement park is pretty interesting because it’s not just about having fun and killing some free time. The history goes back to the 16th century and it’s linked to pilgrimage celebrations of St. Matthew’s holiday, happening on the 24th of February. The fair was first located in Dejvice and traveled all around Prague, until 1960, when it took place in Výstaviště and it hasn’t changed since. Ride or die! The most famous piece of the whole park is the roller coaster Cyclon, but let’s be honest, no one can be fully satisfied after riding just this one, so my recommendation is – when you try all the dangerously looking attractions and feel like throwing up after eating...
The Czech Republic’s consumer price inflation eased more-than-expected in January to the lowest level in nearly three years, largely due to a sharp slowdown in utility costs along with a continued fall in food costs, data from the Czech Statistical Office shows. Consumer prices climbed 2.3 percent year-over-year in January, much slower than the 6.9 percent rise in December. Meanwhile, economists had expected inflation to slow to 2.9 percent. Further, this was the weakest inflation since March 2021, the agency said. The annual price growth in utilities eased markedly to 3.1 percent in January from 16.8 percent in December. The decline in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages deepened to 3.9 percent from 0.3 percent. Meanwhile, transport charges rebounded 0.4 percent after a 0.2 percent drop seen in December. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 1.5 percent in January, versus an expected increase of 2.0 percent. The monthly upturn was mainly attributed to higher utility costs, especially electricity charges.
The Czech Defence Ministry and local industry have identified 800,000 units of available ammunition that could be delivered to Ukraine within weeks, if funding are secured. Ukraine desperately needs artillery ammunition to fend off Russian forces. Although the EU has promised to deliver one million rounds by March, it failed due to low production capacity. The Czech Republic is, therefore, exploring the possibility of buying ammunition from outside the EU. “Our Defence Ministry and our companies in the defence industry, through their contacts, have an overview of where equipment and ammunition are available,” Pavel said during a press briefing in Munich, where he attended the Munich Security Conference. According to Pavel, the Czechs have identified a significant amount of 155mm NATO-standard artillery shells and the 122mm calibre often used in the former Soviet Union. “As far as I know, our companies have identified, variously around the world, up to 500,000 NATO 155mm calibre rounds and up to 300,000 122 mm calibre rounds,” Pavel said. “In cooperation with our partners, mainly from Denmark, the Netherlands and Canada, we are raising the financial resources to cover the transaction. And then we will transport the equipment and ammunition to Ukraine through our resources,”...
Hundreds flocked to the grand opening of the Rataj Factory Gallery and Josef Rataj‘s inaugural exhibition in Prague’s Old Town last Friday. Nestled in the heart of Prague’s Michalská Street, the Rataj Factory Gallery houses a collection of over 150 paintings alongside diverse pop-art artifacts, including designer handbags, sculptures, musical instruments, and mirrors. Even Art Nouveau sofas receive a pop-art makeover, breathing new life into classic designs. Months of renovation transformed the historic building, with hundreds of hours dedicated to crafting the gallery’s interior and arranging the exhibits. “An official opening isn’t planned until mid-April, so I didn’t send invitations,” Rataj explained. “Just a small social media announcement. I expected an intimate gathering, but the crowd was incredible! Seeing their excitement is truly special, especially the diversity in age. I wish every artist could experience this.” Prague now boasts the largest pop art gallery in Central Europe, serving as Rataj’s permanent exhibition space. “This dream I held for years has finally materialized. Here, I have everything under one roof – over 200 unique artifacts, from paintings and sculptures to neon signs and mirrors. But this is just the beginning. On April 16th, the grand opening will unveil the full gallery,...
The company R2G, currently renovating Prague’s Intercontinental Hotel, unveiled plans to transform the adjacent Miloš Forman Square, sparking concerns about a proposed commercial building. Previously, R2G proposed a 17-meter glass building with the working name “Brand Store,” triggering local opposition and an online petition signed by over 2,000 people. While construction was approved in 2020, it faced opposition from the Institute of Planning and Development and Prague 1 district management. The InterContinental Hotel and the plaza are currently owned by the group WIC Prague, a part of investment fund R2G. The group is currently renovating the hotel and is also changing its name to Golden Prague Hotel managed by Fairmont. R2G is run by Czech billionaires Oldřich Šlemr, Pavel Baudiš, and Eduard Kučera. The modification of the area around the hotel, including the square, is called Staroměstská brána (Old Town Gate). Obyvatelé Josefova v Praze 1 se budou divit. Včera bylo do neveřejného systému pražské Rady nahráno memorandum, které chce koalice hlasy radních za Piráty, ODS, TOP 09 a STAN schválit už toto pondělí. Memorandum je trojstranné mezi magistrátem, Prahou 1 a InterContinentalem 1/x pic.twitter.com/JnrQNBu5Zu — Jan Čižinský (@jancizinsky) February 15, 2024 Opponents of Brand Store say it destroys the character...
The foundation stone for the complete transformation of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square was ceremoniously laid yesterday, February 16th, marking a momentous occasion for the beloved Prague landmark. “Jiřího z Poděbrad Square is one of Prague’s crown jewels. I’m thrilled that after years of piecemeal changes, it’s finally getting the quality public space it deserves,” said Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček. “The new design reflects the input of local residents who participated in public meetings,” he added. “The square will become greener and more pleasant, with 100 new trees – including sycamores, maples, hornbeams, elms, oaks, lindens – and water-retaining paving to combat climate change.” Work began in January with fencing and preparations. The revitalization plans include landscaping the church area, enhancing pedestrian walkways, and adding greenery. The 33-month project will preserve cultural events and the traditional farmers’ market, which will relocate within the square depending on construction phases. The foundation stone, laid on February 16th, 2024, was sourced from the Third Courtyard of Prague Castle. This gesture honors architect and urban planner Jože Plečnik (1872–1957), appointed by the first president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk for the modification of the castle complex. Plečnik was a devout believer. One of his most remarkable works...
Prague could face traffic chaos next week as hundreds of tractors and farm equipment are expected to take part in a farmers’ protest on Monday. The “ride” organized by a faction of farmers threatens to gridlock the city, prompting the city council to urge residents to work from home and avoid major roads. Despite ongoing communication with organizers, police remain prepared to enforce the law and public safety. This includes preventing unauthorized vehicles on motorways. City officials predict tractor arrivals around 6:00 AM, with potential traffic disruptions lasting deep into the night. Residents are advised to avoid the city center on Monday and, if possible, work remotely. “Our goal is not to stifle protest,” police state, “but to ensure compliance with road laws. Reckless driving poses serious risks.” While major agricultural associations haven’t endorsed the protest, its scale could significantly impact Prague’s mobility. Like elsewhere in Europe, Czech farmers are protesting against falling sale prices, rising costs and heavy regulation. According to the organizer of the protest, Zdeněk Jandejsek, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the agricultural holding Rabbit and former president of the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic, “their main demand is that the government withdraw from...
On Thursday last week (February 8th), the Czech National Bank lowered the inter banking rates by 0.5%, to what is now the lowest rates since June 2022. It was about time… In December, they lowered it 0.25% and now, with the lowering of 0.5% to the current rate of 6.25%, I think it sets a clear trend of lowering rates that I believe will continue until the end of the year. What does it mean in real life? Long story short, cheaper loans and less interest on savings accounts. With lowering the rates, the Czech National Bank wants to stimulate the flow of money into the economy, rather than encouraging people to let money sit in a bank account or avoid borrowing due to high interest rates. Lowering rates should mean the opposite to stimulate the economy Did the interest rates already drop? No, not yet but we can expect it very soon to happen. Right now (as of 13.2.2024) you can still find savings accounts which provide more than 6% on savings but I suspect it will not last for very long. Similarly, mortgage banks haven’t reacted to this recent lowering yet. It typically takes a few days or...
Calling all girls under 15 and 18! Join the Prague Raptors Football Academy for FREE until the end of 2024! The Prague Raptors Football Academy, part of the Prague Raptors Football Club, is seeking new members for its girls’ football teams. Girls under 15 and under 18 are welcome to join and play for free until the end of the year. Founded in 2017, the Raptors Football Club launched its highly successful kids’ football academy in spring 2022. The academy, a standalone unit, offers twice-weekly sessions for boys and girls, separated by age and divided into three categories: under 9, under 11, under 15, and under 18. Girls teams only into U11, U15, and U18. Additionally, international schools like PBIS, ISP, and Park Lane have incorporated Raptor-led football sessions into their after-school activities. And if that’s not enough, join the exciting Raptors Summer Camp in July and August! Academy head Jan Veselý, a lifelong football enthusiast since his 4th birthday, began his playing career in Liberec before moving to football powerhouse England at 15. While he didn’t follow the traditional professional path, he successfully carved his own niche in the sport. “Amateur and semi-professional football are the heart of the...
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the Czech Republic on Tuesday, March 5th. This was reported today by Czech Television and confirmed by the Czech ambassador in Paris, Michel Fleischmann. This upcoming visit marks Macron’s third official trip to the Czech Republic since 2018. His most recent visit took place in October 2022, when he attended the European Political Community’s Prime Ministerial Summit and the subsequent informal European Council Summit at Prague Castle. In October 2018, he commemorated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic with a visit to the country. Last December, President Pavel met with Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Following the meeting, President Pavel remarked on the close ties between the Czech Republic and France, highlighting their shared positions on issues like the war in Ukraine, the Middle East situation, energy security, and EU enlargement. Macron’s upcoming visit underscores the ongoing diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
One year into their term, the Prague coalition remains tight-lipped on publicly addressing potential public transport fare increases. However, a proposal to double the annual pass price from CZK 3,650 to CZK 7,300 has sparked debate. Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates) confirmed receiving several proposals from coalition partners, including the doubling option. He declared it “too high, an extreme jump in price” and unacceptable. According to Deník N, Prague 9 mayor Tomáš Portlík (ODS) proposed the CZK 7,300 fee, facing criticism on social media. The Green Party, who advocated for a CZK 10 daily fare in 2015, warned that doubling fares would render public transport unaffordable. While the coalition hasn’t confirmed specific amounts, they acknowledge the current pricing as “unusually low.” Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS) mentioned the inevitability of a fare increase but not this year. With over CZK 100 billion flowing annually into city coffers, most allocated to current spending, Prague politicians unanimously see public transport’s financial viability as a challenge. Hřib stressed the need to address parking fees alongside, or even before, fare adjustments. He stated that the current subsidized price of CZK 1,200 per year for a blue zone parking permit in one district significantly surpasses public...
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