So often, business trips have largely been spent in transit for the sake of a meeting then straight back to the airport. It’s exhausting and not a great use of anyone’s time. Not anymore. The ‘bleisure’ trend has stuck, showing no sign of slowing down and business travellers around the world are embracing it. The trend looks set to continue in 2024 too as a recent travel outlook survey revealed 78% were planning to take a ‘bleisure’ style trip this year.   No longer is business travel about airport hotels, working on your laptop with lacklustre room service as your only respite from the spreadsheets. Now it's about getting out and about once the deals have been done and making the most of the travel time with a healthy mix of work, rest and play.   What is bleisure travel?   Basically, it’s giving visitors the chance to make the most of a business trip by adding on a day or two’s downtime. Mix it up a little, do what you need to do in the boardroom and then extend your stay to explore the country's cultural and natural attractions. This allows you to experience more of what a destination has to offer beyond work commitments.   Bleisure travel in Czechia   Where’s good for ‘bleisure trips’ in Czechia? Anywhere. All of the key cities are so well connected with an efficient and cost-effective domestic rail network. If your business takes you to the capital city of Prague, you can step out of the conference room, ditch the suit and be in another city, or a spa town, or even out in the mountains within an hour or two, depending on where you want to go.   Once business is concluded, it would be easy to stay on in the capital and explore the wonders of the city but it’s so easy to see more of the country in a few days.   Prague - Pilsen   Jump on a bus or train to the city of Pilsen and explore a little further and the story unfolds beautifully beyond the capital. If a beer trail adventure is on the cards, take a bus or train to Žatec and discover how the region’s fine hops have become a national treasure.   A beer adventure in Czechia just wouldn’t be the same without visiting the city of Pilsen and the Pilsner Urquell brewery is a must for any beer fans looking for an authentic tasting experience.   In addition to sampling the golden nectar, the city is a treasure trove of things to see and do. Impressive architecture abounds in the likes of the Great Synagogue, Pilsen City Hall and the majestic Cathedral of St Bartholomew, home to the highest church steeple in the country. And one thing you must not miss is Pilsen’s historical Underground. Visitors can explore the intriguing labyrinth of passageways, cellars and water wells that lie beneath the old city.   Prague to Brno   Still after a city adventure but a change of scene? Brno is the ideal spot to visit after a hectic few days. The Czech Republic’s modernist architectural mecca is awash with quaint coffee shops and charming sidestreets, however one of the the main draws here is the local wine. As South Moravia’s capital, Brno is the hub of the Czech Republic’s top wine producing region. Sample some of the delicious local cuisine alongside the world famous Moravian wines and don’t miss a rummage around the colourful open air market. Food and drink feature high on the Brno agenda and cafe culture is bursting with life in this city.   Prague - spa towns of West Bohemia   If your brain is suffering from information overload after all those meetings and conferences, unwind and recharge at one of the country's renowned spa towns. Enjoy thermal baths, spa treatments, and wellness activities in places like Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, or Frantiŝkovy Lázně. With a wealth of natural resources and highly trained therapists, Czech wellness resorts are renowned the world over. Czech spas are some of the oldest and most opulent in Europe   The most well known town in the West Bohemia Spa Triangle, Karlovy Vary is arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful spa destinations. As well as being a hotbed of wellness, Karlovy Vary is the epitome of architectural splendour with its imposing colonnades and historical buildings each with a story to tell.   Marianske Lazne, along with Frantiŝkovy Lázně  and Karlovy Vary forms one of the most attractive regions of the country, known as the West Bohemian Spa Triangle.   The smallest of the West Bohemia Spa Triangle, Frantiŝkovy Lázně was once described as ‘heaven on earth’ by the famous German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Boasting graceful spa houses offering a host of procedures to de-stress the mind and rejuvenate weary bodies, it’s the ideal way to add on some ‘me-time’ to your business trip.   From the boardroom to the great outdoors.   If you enjoy the outdoors, take advantage of the Czech Republic's beautiful landscapes. Go hiking, cycling, or boating in national parks, nature reserves, and scenic regions like Bohemian Switzerland, Moravian Karst, or Šumava National Park. It’s an ideal way to let off steam after an intense few days in the corporate world and all within easy reach of the major cities.   After the intensity of the conference room, get out and about and explore the beautiful hiking and cycling trails through breath-taking scenery or give it some pedal power by cycling along one of the many tried and tested bike routes.   By blending work and leisure activities, bleisure travellers can make the most of their time in the Czech Republic, make new memories and by tagging onto the end of a work trip, they can holiday for less and create a well-rounded and enjoyable travel experience. It sure beats eating alone in your room with only a trouser press for company!   Are you ready to mix business with pleasure? 

  2024 The Year of Czech Music   If you’re a music lover planning a trip to Czechia this year, you couldn't have chosen a better time to go. 2024 celebrates The Year of Czech Music and a top programme of concerts and events is sure to be in tune with your travel plans.   The Year of Czech music celebrations commemorate the finest Czech composers and some of the best classical pieces ever written. The biggest tributes of the programme will be paid to Bedřich Smetana - his anniversary will be centred around a special project, Smetana 200 with a string of performances celebrating the great Czech composer. 2024’s celebrations stretch beyond the classical world - for the first time, this year, other genres such as folk and jazz will also step into the spotlight.   It is expected the Smetana anniversary will attract more visitors to Litomyšl this year.   Go on a magical musical tour of the Czech Republic during the 2024 Year of Czech Music and discover the rich tapestry of Czech’s musical identity all year, from classical compositions to contemporary beats plus Bedřich Smetana’s 200th Anniversary. It’ll be music to your ears!   Full story here       Girl Power - Safe destinations empowering solo female travel and we’re one of them!   Recognized as some of the world‘s safest destinations, Prague and the wider Czech Republic is sure to appeal to solo female travellers looking for an exciting, empowering and rewarding trip on their own this year.  With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, Czechia has something for everyone and sure to appeal to solo travellers looking to experience the magic of Czechia on their own.   Read more here       A rail good way to travel​​   The European Sleeper Train extension into Prague arrives in March 2024. With one of Europe’s most extensive rail networks, Prague will now connect directly to European hubs via this new international route.   Don’t stop the adventure there though - you could set off around the country and see much more on your trip.   National carrier, Czech Railways (Ceske Drahy)  covers routes across the whole country. Interlinking some of Czechia’s most desirable destinations, the network reaches just about anywhere on a curious traveller’s wishlist and it's easier than ever to get around.   Travelling by train is one of the best ways to see any country and arguably, Czechia is leading the way. There’s few places that make cross-country travel as easy, convenient or more affordable. One of the densest rail networks in Europe, Czechia boasts an impressive set up with routes that extend to the top and bottom of the country. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly way to travel, you can visit anywhere in Czechia by train!   Find out more here       Prague airport visitor numbers up   A total of 13,828,137 passengers passed through the gates of Václav Havel Airport Prague last year, amounting to a year-on-year increase of 29 percent. Czechia continues to stay high on holidaymakers and business travellers radar and the trend looks set to continue for 2024.   Full story here        2024 dates for the diary - Czechia’s top events for spring season   As we head towards spring, the country’s festival calendar comes to life. In March we kick off with Masopust - the Czech equivalent of Carnivale. May and June brings the Pilsen Liberation Festival, Prague Spring Classical Music Festival, Ride of the Kings Vlčnov, Volkswagen Marathon Weekend in Prague and Strážnice International Folklore festival. July is a culture vulture’s dream with Smetana‘s Litomyšl Festival, Colours of Ostrava Music Festival and Karlovy Vary International Film Festival all taking place.       Brno’s big news   At the end of last year, it was announced that the city of Brno would take the title of European Capital of Christmas 2024. The impressive quality of Brno’s festive activities and their relevance to European values were just two of the deciding factors in the jury’s decision.   As well as its magical Christmas offering, the modern city of Brno has also shown considerable commitment to its own cultural heritage and global identity. The city of Brno offers impressive visitor attractions all year round but it really raises the bar at Christmas and the festivities are sure to be even bigger and better in its year as European Capital of Christmas.   The news was a welcome addition to the city’s joy at being included in AFAR magazine ‘Where to go in 2024’ list. Brno was tipped as one of the top 25 destinations to visit next year.     Český Krumlov Opens Port 1560   A long and challenging reconstruction project in Český Krumlov has finally transformed the site of the former Schwarzenberg brewery into a new cultural and social centre called Port 1560. In this fascinating new attraction, visitors can experience an exhibition called Life. Work. Art. Dreams.  Why Port 1560? 1560 was the year that Český Krumlov beer was brewed for the first time.   Find out more here  

  With the Easter holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start planning that well-deserved break. As well as being the most important date in the Christian calendar, Easter is also one of the biggest celebrations in the Czech Republic. Visitors and locals alike can join together in rejoicing in the arrival of spring and the promise of sunnier days ahead.   Home to some of Europe's most beautiful cities, the Czech Republic offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and entertainment - everything you could ask for really. From the charming streets of Prague to the lively atmosphere of Brno, the picturesque beauty of Olomouc to the relaxation of Karlovy Vary, these destinations are ideal for your Easter break. Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two or quality time with the kids, there’s plenty of fun things to see and do.   Castles, Concerts and Culture   Live music plays its part in the festivities and as part of the wider International Music Festival of Brno, visitors can experience a series of concerts in the Easter Festival of Sacred Music. These take place in some of the city’s most magnificent places of worship.   Or, visitors can look forward to seeing some of Czechia’s spectacular castles and a great way to experience this is to take in the Silesian Ostrava Castle in Ostrava or Krivoklat Castle which can be reached by steam locomotive from Prague - a wonderful day out for all the family. Prague Castle has recently reopened its famous picture gallery which is great news for art lovers. Visitors can admire works from the likes of Titian, Rubens and more.   Markets - not just for Christmas!   In addition to the Easter celebrations, many of the cities in Czechia host Easter markets, where visitors can browse the colourful stalls and sample traditional Czech food and drink.   Foodies can get a real flavour of Czech street food such as meat skewers, sausages, artisan cheeses, gingerbread and marzipan. Don’t forget to try the delicious mazance - a traditional Easter sweet bread.   Each market has their unique character and offerings and brings a special atmosphere to the cities during Eastertide.   Prague - Held in several locations around the city, including Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, these markets offer a wide range of handcrafted gifts, traditional Czech food and drink, and live entertainment.   Brno - Taking centre stage in the heart of the city's historic centre, this market features traditional crafts, live music, and plenty of delicious Czech Easter treats.   Olomouc - Taking place in the city's Upper Square, this market is known for its festive atmosphere and traditional Easter decorations, including willow branches and colourful eggs.   Český Krumlov  - Located in the city's beautiful historic centre, this market offers a wide range of traditional Czech handicrafts, as well as live music and cultural performances.   Kutná Hora - Held in the city's Gothic town centre, this market features a variety of traditional Czech products, including pottery, glassware, and handcrafted jewellery.   Browsing the colourful stalls is a great way to spend some time and visitors are sure to find something special to bring home as a souvenir of their Easter getaway in the Czech Republic.   Hoppy Hour (and it’s nothing to do with the Easter bunny!)   Finally, if you’re only here for the beer, Pilsen is the place to be with its impressive beer routes and brewery tours. Or take a look at the Beer Museum in Prague - a must for any serious beer connoisseurs.   Located in the Old Town, the Beer Museum is a top attraction in Prague where you can learn more about the production and history of Czech beer. The brewery model illustrates how malt is made and what is done with the hops. Beer tasting is included in the admission fee.   Easter Adventure in the Great Outdoors   If some fresh air is on the agenda for your Easter break, you won’t be disappointed here. Visitors can get out and about and explore the beautiful  hiking and cycling trails. ~Visitors can enjoy glorious walking trips through breath-taking countryside scenery or give it some pedal power by cycling along one of the many tried and tested bike routes.   The Czech Republic is a country that celebrates Easter with a host of unique and fascinating rituals steeped in the country’s traditions. There’s something rather exciting about celebrating the holiday in another country and culture.   Choosing a holiday destination is always a big decision, especially if you are considering going somewhere new.  With so much to see and do in the Czech Republic, coupled with the warmth and hospitality of the country’s people, it’s time to see what it’s all about.   It could be EGG-xactly what you’re looking for.

  As of April 9th 2022, the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Health has eased all Covid-19 travel restrictions for both foreign tourists and Czech citizens. Travellers will no longer need to fill in an arrival form or submit proof of vaccination or a previous infection when returning from abroad. However, it is still recommended travellers to verify the conditions of transport (including proof of infectivity, i.e. test, vaccination, illness) directly with the agreed public transport carrier (plane, bus, train).   Katarina Hobbs, CzechTourism’s UK and Ireland Director said: “On behalf of CzechTourism UK and Ireland, we are very happy to confirm that all Covid-19 entry restrictions have been abolished as of the 9th of April. Travellers from all over the world are welcome to travel comfortably again without stressful procedures and can experience the wonderful spring season in the Czech Republic this year. Furthermore, the Czech Republic was recently ranked ninth in the World Peace Index, which evaluates a wide range of safety aspects in each destination. This is a great success and an excellent benefit for the tourism industry as it continues to recover from the disruption of Covid.”   Czech Republic ranked ninth in the World Peace Index   The World Peace Index evaluates a wide range of safety aspects of the destination and can be a good guide for the upcoming tourist season. The Czech Republic’s ninth place in the World Peace Index is an excellent benefit for the tourism industry, which is anticipating a strong recovery during this year's summer season due to falling numbers of Covid cases and a built up desire for travel amongst consumers. Safety has become an essential criterion for choosing a holiday destination as a result of the current war conflict in Ukraine.   CzechTourism director Jan Herget said: “The Czech Republic has maintained its place in the world’s top 10 - between Ireland and Canada. This topic is important in the marketing communication of the destination across segments, both towards the tourists themselves and especially at the level of B2B marketing, when it is necessary to assure our partners from large travel agencies or conference organisers that the Czech Republic is an objectively safe place for their clients.”   What’s new in the Czech Republic in 2022?   Visitors to the Czech capital city of Prague can experience three brand new exhibitions at the National Museum in the famous Wenceslas Square. These are: History of the 20th Century, Windows into Prehistory and The Miracles of Evolution. The Spanish Synagogue has a new permanent exposition featuring interactive elements and modern visitor facilities. As you wander along the Vltava embankments you will notice new, vibrant cafés, bars, galleries and community spaces which have been opened in the reconstructed round spaces in the embankment walls. Seven of these spaces in the Rašín riverbank have the largest round revolving windows in the world. They are made of seven-centimetre-thick plexiglass with a diameter of five and a half metres, they are operated by a sensor and are wheelchair accessible.   Elsewhere in the Czech Republic, the Upper Castle in Bečov nad Teplou in West Bohemia has been restored and will now house the Reliquary of St. Maurus. The reliquary is the second most valuable goldsmith's artefact in the Czech Republic, behind only the crown jewels, and the most important   Romanesque jewel in the country. The castle is the most authentic medieval landmark in the Czech Republic. Another treasure you can find there is a unique historical collection of alcoholic beverages from the 19th century. Experts have compared the collection’s value to the bottles of Champagne fished out of the Titanic.   Meanwhile, in Central Bohemia, the reconstruction of Karlštejn Castle has been completed and is now open to visitors. The basement of the Imperial Palace, one of the most valuable parts of the castle, now has a hall for children’s educational programmes, seminars and small cultural events. The small refreshment stand and two expositions in the Burgrave House are brand new: one is dedicated to the structural development of the castle, the other to traditional winegrowing. Karlštejn has had vineyards since the time of Charles IV and so wine is an inherent part of the castle.   For further information about what’s new in the Czech Republic, visit: https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/News/2022/04/n-landmarks-new-coat   For the latest CzechTourism news, visit: https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/UKpress

Despite a state of emergency , CzechTourism continues to welcome all visitors and is preparing for a busy year with a wide range of campaigns. The Czech Republic government declared a state of emergency following the invasion of Ukraine. It is a ‘technical move’ to allow the release of extra funds and prioritise refugee processing and will not impact citizens or visitors. An estimated 5,000 are arriving daily. The Czech Republic remains open for international travel as usual. Katarina Hobbs, CzechTourism’s UK and Ireland Director said: “We would like to reassure travellers that tourism is continuing as usual and, as always, we invite everyone to experience the country”. Throughout March and April leisure airline Jet2 will be running a marketing campaign promoting city break holidays to Prague and the surrounding regions. The campaign will be targeted to customers who have previously booked city break getaways with Jet2holidays but have yet to visit Prague. Czech Travel Trade Day returns for 2022 after a two year break. It takes place on the 23 and24 of May in Karlovy Varywith a large B2B workshop with Czech partners and a pre-workshop Fam trip.

  CzechTourism’s theme for 2022 focuses on all of the elements that make the country a unique destination for travellers. From crafts that have been perpetuated by generation after generation to recipes closely guarded by families and traditional festivals that are preserved as national heritage. Modern trends and innovations have emerged from these deep cultural roots without forgetting their traditional heritage. That wisdom has been transformed into new and original facets of design, fashion and gastronomy.   The Traditions theme will revolve around these main areas:  

• Culture and art
• Architecture
• Crafts
• Gastronomy
• Customs
• Spas
• Sports
• Beer

  Each of these elements has the potential to attract tourism with their mixture of tradition and innovation.   2022 is the UN International Year Of Glass   One of the best preserved crafts in the Czech Republic is undoubtedly glass making which dates back all the way to the 12th century. Glass, the eternal material, deserves a celebration of its own. Therefore the United Nations declared 2022 as the International Year Of Glass.   The glass heart of the Czech Republic lies in the North of the country, in the Crystal Valley. The production of glass and jewellery has been connected with the region for centuries and the ongoing tradition of production itself does not differ much from that of a hundred years ago. The Crystal Valley connects glass and jewellery art. More than 40 companies, museums and schools are involved in the unique project. Visitors have the opportunity to take a peek into the world of original glass workshops. Various events will be taking place in commemoration of the year of glass including the summer festival Crystal Valley Week. The festival will be taking place in Liberec from 23rd till 28th August and will involve the glass making craft being introduced from many angles including glass making workshops, indoor and outdoor glass design exhibitions and much more. The annual Crystal Valley weekend will take place from 12th to 13rd November with more than 50 glass workshops, ateliers and museums open to the public.   Why travel to the Czech Republic in 2022?   Anniversaries and festivals will mark part of the country's tourism calendar, as well as the new openings of hotels and tourist attractions:   The world’s longest suspended bridge opens in East Bohemia  

• Discover the longest suspended bridge in the world. During the spring of 2022, the longest suspended bridge on the planet will be inaugurated in Dolni Morava, East Bohemia. It will be located in the Mlýnické Údolí Valley and will connect the tops of two mountains. The walkway is exclusively pedestrian and has a length of 730 meters whilst suspended 95 meters above the ground!

  A city break you’ll never forget in Brno  

• The second largest city in the Czech Republic, Brno, has been selected as one of the best city break destinations for 2022 by TimeOut magazine. This lively city is famous for its gastronomy scene as well as for its spectacular, historical city centre.

  Breathtaking views in the fairytale city of Český Krumlov  

• Walk along a via ferrata in the center of Český Krumlov. Travelers who come to this fairytale city will not only enjoy the architecture but will also be able to try the Havranka Via Ferrata. This path is located on the rocky wall of Havraní skála, on the right bank of the Vltava River, a few minutes from the center of Český Krumlov. One of the peculiarities of this activity is that part of it runs through a double hanging walkway which, at 30 meters, is the longest in the Czech Republic. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the palace and the urban center of this unique city which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

  Stay in luxurious comfort in Prague’s brand new hotels opening in 2022  

• Introducing three new hotels in the Czech Republic that will open this year. Visitors to Prague this spring will be able to witness the opening of the Andaz Prague, from the Hyatt chain, located in the iconic Sugar Palace or enjoy a stay in The Julius, a new apartment experience offering 'a feeling of home' for travellers in a prime city centre location. Those who visit Prague in the autumn can stay in the luxurious W Prague, from the Marriott chain.

  Combine business and pleasure at the Events Club Forum  

• One of the best B2B MICE events is to be held between June 21-22 in Prague. Events Club Forum is an excellent opportunity to learn about new trends, innovative proposals and participate in B2B meetings. Its programme also includes gastronomic and leisure activities because work and pleasure are not mutually exclusive.

 

• In the coming months there is so much to celebrate in the Czech Republic. Amongst many other anniversaries, we will be celebrating:

 

• The 200th anniversary of the the birth of Johann Gregor Mendel, botanist and founder of genetics;
• It has been 140 years since the premiere of Bedřich Smetana's My Homeland symphony cycle
• 300 years since the birth of classical music composer Jiří Antonín Benda
• 235 years since the world premiere of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni.
• In addition, July 1st will mark the beginning of the EU Presidency of the Czech Republic.

  There are festivals and events all year round in the Czech Republic For music lovers:  

• Festival Genius Loci in Litomyšl - June 9th to July 5th
• Rock for People in Hradec Králové - June 15th to 18th
• Festival Beats for Love in Ostrava - July 1st to 4th
• Festival Colors of Ostrava - July 13th to 16th
• Dvořák Prague International Festival - September 8th to 25th
• Janáček International Music and Opera Festival in Brno - November 2nd to 11th

  For athletes:  

• The Prague Half Marathon - April 2nd
• The Prague Volkswagen Marathon - May 8th
• The České Budějovice Mattoni Half Marathon - June 4th

  For fans of popular festivals:  

• The Ride of The Kings in Vlčnov - May 27th to 29th
• Festivities of the Five-Petal Rose of Český Krumlov - June 17th to 19th
• Strážnice International Folklore Festival - June 23rd - 26th
• Festivities of the Pálava grape harvest in Mikulov and Znojmo September 7th to 9th

  A new night train between Prague and Brussels has been ranked by TimeOut among the 22 best new things to do in the world in 2022.   The new connection has been described as “the biggest extension to Europe’s night-train network in years will see a new batch of sleeper trains run by the Regiojet network taking travellers across Europe between Prague and Brussels via Dresden, Berlin and Amsterdam. Doze off in magnificent Prague, then wake up 800 kilometres away in EU capital and waffle-and-beer-paradise Brussels. Spurred on by the climate emergency, it’s part of a huge continent-wide drive to revive the good old-fashioned sleeper.”   The new Belgian-Dutch rail company European Sleeper announced a schedule on Twitter. Night trains will run between Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels as of this summer.   Trains will depart from Prague’s main station Hlavní nádraží on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6:31 pm. It will also stop at Prague’s Holešovice station as well as in Ústí nad Labem and Děčín before entering Germany, where stops will include Dresden, Berlin, and Hannover. Dutch stops include Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The final stop at Brussels, Belgium, is at 9:54 am the next morning.   Service from Brussels starts at 7:22 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The train arrives at Prague’s main station at 10:24 am the next morning.   In April of this year, the service had been promised for early 2022, but the launch has been slightly delayed. In the Czech Republic, the service will run in cooperation with Czech rail company RegioJet.

US travelers are now welcome in the Czech Republic under pre-Covid conditions, allowing for stays of 90 days visa-free. The United States is on the Czech Republic's low risk green list which means no test or quarantine is required. For entry, a negative PCR test result is required, proof of vaccination or proof of a Covid recovery. "We've been waiting for this for so long. We hope that tourists can take the time to see the famous sights, but also get to know some of the Czech Republic's hidden gems," said Michaela Claudino, Director of Czech Tourism USA & Canada. The green list protocols issued by the Czech Republic are specific to the country and  may not apply to the whole EU or Schengen area. US travelers are advised to check any individual requirements for each specific country they wish to visit.