CZECH
tourism officials have appealed for industry help to convince holidaymakers the
country is “open” after this summer’s floods.
The
Czech Republic is also desperate for UK tourists to return over the next three
months when the destination is traditionally popular.
Officials
could not say how much income had been lost following the fall in tourist
numbers, but acknowledged there was a perception that hotels, restaurants and
attractions were still closed after August’s floods. The Czech government
estimates the disaster cost £2 billion.
Iveta
Schoppova, UK and Ireland director of the Czech Tourist Authority, said: “We
have no extra money for marketing but are organising educationals for operators
and agents in October. We are also talking to operators to help us with our
Flood Appeal and incentives to travel.”
Cresta
is already donating £5 per booking to the appeal, while CSA Czech Airlines is
being encouraged to offer discounted rates.
Schoppova
said all attractions, including the Charles Bridge and Old Town, had reopened
and the Hilton and InterContinental would reopen next month. The Four Seasons
is due to reopen early next year. The only disruption is to metro and riverside
businesses.
The
country is particularly worried visitors will not book for the annual concert,
festival and Christmas market season.
CSA is trying to woo travellers to Prague with a £75
return ticket from Stansted, along with £45 one-way fares. Traffic is down 10%.