According to the Czech Statistical Office, Prague recorded 8,271,962 visitors last year, drawn by highlights including Dan Brown connections and its renowned Christmas markets, as demand shifts towards higher-quality services

Prague ranked among last year’s most sought-after Christmas destinations, according to the latest data. “I am delighted that our capital continues to attract visitors with its unique atmosphere,” said Tomáš Slabihoudek, the city councillor for culture and tourism. “With this popularity comes responsibility. We must take a strategic and sustainable approach to managing peak visitor numbers during the festive season, ensuring visitors can enjoy the city while preserving the quality of life for local residents.”

Figures from the Czech Statistical Office show that visitor numbers rose by 3% year on year compared with 2024. Germany remained the largest source market with 981,817 arrivals, followed by the United States (507,117) and the United Kingdom (500,645). Growth from Asian markets also continued, accounting for more than 12% of all arrivals, supported by the gradual restoration of air connections. South Korea led the region with 185,654 visitors (+9%), while Japan recorded a strong rebound with 65,211 arrivals (+22%). Tourism from the Middle East also increased, including 41,245 visitors from Saudi Arabia (+29%) and 31,162 from the United Arab Emirates (+32%).

Visitor numbers from Israel saw the most significant growth of any market, rising by 37% year on year to 206,816 arrivals. Domestic travellers continued to represent roughly one fifth of total visitors.

The year concluded on a particularly strong note, with Advent 2025 driving demand. Hotel occupancy reached 86% in December — the highest level of the year — according to data from STR.

In 2025, the average room rate in Prague stood just below €123 (approximately CZK 2,989) per night, increasing to around €170 (CZK 4,130) in the city centre. This placed the capital slightly ahead of central Vienna and Budapest, and well above Berlin and Warsaw. In the luxury segment, average rates climbed to €241 (CZK 5,856), reaching €314 (around CZK 7,630) in December. Analysts say these figures confirm Prague’s shift away from being perceived as a budget destination, as it increasingly attracts higher-spending travellers.

“We are seeing strong demand for high-quality accommodation, cuisine and experiences,” said František Cipro, chair of the board of Prague City Tourism. “Prague is thriving in this respect, from recognition in Michelin and Gault & Millau guides to a growing range of experiences. Guided tours inspired by Dan Brown and his latest novel The Secret of Secrets have proved particularly popular. During the festive season, visitors flocked to Christmas markets, sought out high-quality spa experiences, and enjoyed attractions such as the ice rink on Wenceslas Square.”

Visitors currently stay in Prague for an average of 2.3 nights. In response to growing interest in exploring more of the city, Prague has launched the “Enjoy Respect Prague” campaign. “We have long worked to balance the needs of visitors and residents,” Cipro added. “Through both online and outdoor messaging, we highlight the importance of respecting night-time quiet hours, adhering to alcohol restrictions in designated areas, and choosing more sustainable ways to explore the city.”

Prague City Tourism is also encouraging visitors to venture beyond the historic centre, with the long-term aim of distributing tourism more evenly across the capital.

Get ready for Miami Music Week, a high-energy showcase of EDM, house, techno, trance and more during this 6-day celebration with over 200 events, including Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami.

Samoa Beach Resort has entered a new chapter following its transition into the beachfront property formerly operated as Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort at Mulifanua. The change marks an important step in the ongoing evolution of one of Samoa’s most established resort destinations. To’oto’oleaava Mark Wendt has returned to the resort as General Manager, bringing extensive experience across hospitality, aviation, and executive leadership.

Samoa welcomed the MS Costa Delizioza, the first cruise ship to call into Samoa this year, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism industry and economy.

Carrying a total of 2,812 passengers and crew, the arrival created valuable opportunities for local businesses, tour operators, and communities to engage with visitors and showcase Samoa’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality – reinforcing the destination’s appeal within the regional cruise market.

Samoa stepped into the global spotlight by hosting the Kings Baton Relay last month, marking an important international event for the very first time. This milestone not only represented a significant moment but also showcased Samoa’s cultural richness and commitment to sustainability. 

Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) is working to update its national tourism standards, aimed at fostering safe, responsible, and profitable tourism practices that uphold environmental integrity and benefit local communities. This comprehensive effort, in collaboration with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), the SWITCH–Asia Pacific Programme, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), will involve a detailed review of Samoa’s tourism accommodation and beach fale standards.

Visitor arrivals to Samoa grew by 0.3% between January and November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, indicating modest but encouraging growth for the tourism sector.

During this period, total visitor numbers reached a strong overall level, driven primarily by holiday travel, which remained the largest market segment. Holiday arrivals recorded a significant increase of 19.8%, rising from 62,275 visitors in 2024 to 74,591 visitors in 2025. This segment accounted for 40% of total visitor arrivals, underscoring its continued importance to Samoa’s tourism performance and recovery.

The Apia Waterfront is poised for an exciting transformation with the anticipated opening of the Savalalo Market, scheduled to bring vibrant energy and cultural richness to the heart of Apia city, by the end of this month. This innovative market is designed to enhance both local businesses and the visitor experience while showcasing Samoan heritage and values.

The Savalalo Market, beautifully integrates modern architecture with quintessential Samoan cultural elements, creating a space that not only meets practical needs but also respects and celebrates local heritage. Central to this vision is the commitment to environmental sustainability, as the market will utilize solar energy systems to power essential facilities, making it a pioneering model of green energy use in Samoa.

Samoa is strengthening its national biosecurity system with the installation of a new incinerator within Biosecurity Samoa, scheduled for installation in mid-February 2026 and commissioning in March 2026. This important investment will enhance Samoa’s ability to manage biosecurity risks linked to international travel, trade, and waste disposal, while also supporting the continued growth of tourism and cruise operations.

In 2025, Václav Havel Airport Prague handled a total of 17,750,528 passengers, marking an 8.5% year-on-year increase and representing above-average growth compared with the wider European market. Passenger numbers have now returned to the airport’s previous operational record. During the year, in cooperation with airlines, Prague Airport also introduced services to 19 new destinations.

In 2025, the United Kingdom remained Prague Airport’s strongest country market, with over 2.2 million passengers travelling between the UK and Václav Havel Airport Prague — a 6% year-on-year increase. A total of 16 UK destinations were served during the year, underlining the continued strength of air connectivity between the two markets.

The Prague–London route once again ranked as the single busiest regular connection, with more than 1.3 million passengers carried in 2025. Although this represented a slight 3% year-on-year decrease, London maintained its position as Prague’s top city destination by passenger volume.

The UK market continues to be supported by a strong presence of both low-cost and full-service carriers, contributing to sustained demand for city breaks, business travel, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic between Prague and the United Kingdom.

Full article available: Return to Record Numbers; Prague Airport Handles Close to 17.8 Million Passengers in 2025 | Prague Convention Bureau