A clear trend has emerged in the Czech Republic in recent years: more and more Czechs no longer spend Christmas and New Year in their own country, but prefer sunny beaches and exotic destinations abroad.
The increased demand for winter travel is particularly evident in the sales figures of the Dovolena.cz portal, which is operated by Student Agency Travel. The portal recorded a 27% increase in sales compared to the previous year. This development is partly due to the extended Christmas holidays, which offer Czech families a better opportunity to fit travel into the winter holidays.
Czech travel destinations in winter
While the classic summer holiday destinations such as Egypt and Spain remain popular, Czech holidaymakers are increasingly drawn to warmer climes in winter. Destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, Thailand, Cuba, Mauritius, Oman and Cape Verde are particularly popular. A growing interest in exotic destinations is clearly evident, which indicates the increasing travel experience and the desire for new cultural experiences. The decision to spend Christmas or New Year in warm places is also made easier by the increasing availability of package deals for winter holiday destinations, which do not overstretch the budget of many holidaymakers.
However, the average prices vary considerably. A holiday in Egypt, which is one of the cheapest destinations, costs on average around 21.600 CZK per person (approximately 880 euros). In contrast, stays in exotic destinations such as the Dominican Republic or the Maldives are significantly more expensive and range between 44.000 and 55.000 CZK (approximately 1.780 to 2.220 euros). A week in Spain, which is also one of the preferred destinations for Czech holidaymakers, costs around 32.000 CZK per person.
Increased demand and rising prices
The increased demand for travel over Christmas and New Year has also had an impact on ticket prices. According to Martina Hrnčířová, Sales Director at Student Agency Travel, ticket sales for the holidays increased by 22% compared to the previous year. However, this increased demand was accompanied by price increases of around 5-27%. Destinations particularly affected by this increase include the Maldives, where ticket prices increased by 27%, as well as Bangkok and Colombo, which also saw a significant price increase. There is a clear upward trend in these destinations, reflecting the Czechs' continued interest in long-haul destinations in winter.
But it's not just faraway places that are on the wish list. European cities such as Malaga and Malta are also popular destinations, especially for short stays over the holidays. Despite higher prices, the trend remains to make the cold season more pleasant by traveling to warmer regions.
Reasons for the increase in winter holiday travel
Several factors contribute to this increase in winter travel. In addition to the longer holiday season, the increasing purchasing power of the Czech population also plays a role. In addition, travel to exotic and distant countries has become particularly attractive with increasing mobility and a growing number of direct flights. The possibility of traveling directly south or even overseas from Prague within a few hours makes the decision to spend Christmas or New Year's Eve abroad increasingly attractive for many Czechs.
Another reason is the change in the lifestyle and habits of many Czechs. Spending Christmas in tropical regions or on the beaches of the Maldives represents a lifestyle characterized by individuality and experiences. The demand for vacation trips that combine relaxation and cultural experiences is increasing. Many Czech families appreciate the opportunity to spend their vacation time abroad as an opportunity for relaxation and at the same time as a special kind of celebration.
Sustainable trend or temporary phenomenon?
Whether Czech winter tourism will remain at a high level depends on several factors, including the price development of airline tickets and economic stability in the Czech Republic itself.
According to the Czech Statistical Office, inflation in the country remains relatively stable, keeping the consumer price index generally low. However, future price increases could dampen demand for winter travel.
A growing market for tour operators
Czech tour operators are responding to the trend with expanded offers and additional services that offer customers a seamless holiday experience. Portals such as Dovolena.cz play a central role in this by providing offers tailored specifically to the needs of families and offering travel information about popular destinations and their tourist highlights. For Student Agency Travel and other players in the tourism industry, this means significant revenue potential in the peak travel season around Christmas and New Year.
Winter travel tourism in the Czech Republic is on the rise, driven by increased interest in exotic destinations and new cultural experiences. The trend to spend Christmas and New Year abroad is likely to continue to grow, although price increases may make access to certain destinations more difficult. The tourism industry is responding to this trend with expanded offers and flexible travel options that meet the modern demands of Czech holidaymakers.
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