Bordering Slovakia, Germany, Austria and Poland, this safe and welcoming country continues to cultivate a strong MICE presence, currently ranked 26th in the world by the International Congress and Convention Association.
“From congress centers and conference hotels to a diverse collection of lovely and unusual venues, the Czech Republic offers a wide variety of facilities for both large-scale and smaller groups,” says Zdenek Giormani, director of the Czech Convention Bureau.
Predating the Great Moravian Empire, circa 830, and rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, this jewel box destination offers a veritable “Czech” list of advantages for planners.
Along with a mature network of professional conference organizers and DMCs, the value proposition starts with accessibility.
Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport, the second-largest in Central Europe, offers worldwide connections, including direct seasonal service from New York. From there, an extensive rail and road network puts historic Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia within easy reach, along with the Czech Republic’s 14 other tourism regions.
Animated by music and pub culture, Prague enchants with fairytale icons such as Prague Castle, its stunning Spanish Hall used for special events, and Zofin Palace, perched on a Vltava River island in the middle of the city. Host of the 2017 ICCA Congress, the capital’s MICE anchors include the Prague Congress Center, which is undergoing a $28 million upgrade, and the 791-room Hilton Prague.
Other major venues in the incentive-ready Czech Republic include the massive Brno Exhibition Centre in southern Moravia. In Ostrava, capital of the Moravian-Silesian region in the eastern Czech Republic, the historic Vítkovice Ironworks complex from 1924 has been converted into an exceptional meeting and event facility. Spaces include the multifunctional GONG auditorium, housed in a landmark former gas containment structure.
4 FANTASTIC OFF SITES
Archbishop´s Chateau and Gardens
This Moravian, UNESCO-protected charmer is the Czech Republic’s Garden of Eden. Located in Kromeriz about 2.5 hours southeast of Prague, the complex’s halls and terraces are ideal for group functions.
Lobkowicz Palace
The only privately owned building in the Prague Castle complex, this stunning venue with panoramic city views is a regal choice for meetings and events.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
Located in Plzen (European Capital of Culture for 2015) about 90 minutes southwest of Prague, the birthplace of Pilsner beer dates to 1842. Highlights include tours, tapping classes and events in spaces such as the Brewery Museum and underground cellars.
The State Castle and Chateau of Cesky Krumlov
Featuring 40 richly decorated Renaissance and Baroque buildings and palaces, this UNESCO-protected treasure, about two hours south of Prague, rents indoor and outdoor areas for events.
Connect
Czech Tourism Board
714.382.6855 (Los Angeles)
212.288.0830 (New York)
