Czechs a new market for Philippine tourism

MANILA, Philippines – The tourism office of the Czech Republic said it was eyeing the Philippines as a new and emerging market, citing the similar culture between the two countries as a key factor which could entice Filipinos to go to the said European country.

Michal Procházka, Czech Tourist Authority’s director for Korea and the Philippines, said he could see a big potential for the Philippines as a source market for Czech tourism, being the only country in Asia that could relate to the culture and religion of Central Europe, particularly the Czech Republic.

“Philippines is the Asian country that has the spirit that’s closest to our European culture because of all your references to the Catholic church and to the culture of the  Spanish or American,” Procházka said in an interview.

“I think it’s very much an emerging market, that’s very new and the numbers are small. For us, there is a big potential, especially for spiritual tours and incentive (trips),” he added.

For one, he said Filipino tourists could go to the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague, which houses the world-famous statue of Santo Niño de Praga.

“It’s a very emotional experience for all Filipinos to visit the pilgrimage church,” he said.

Procházka also highlighted the various UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country, particularly the Historic Centres of Prague and ?eský Krumlov.

“(?eský Krumlov) is a place you cannot find in Asia, it’s a kind of European fairy tale place that you can visit and just (see) the history and the ancient beauty,” he said.

The tourism official also emphasized the availability of infrastructure that makes traveling around the country easier and more convenient.