Eva Drdakova is the Consul General of the Czech Republic in Mumbai and here she shares with us why the Czech Republic continues to grow as an attractive destination for the outbound travel market from India.

How long have you been the Consul General of the Czech Republic in Mumbai and has there been an increase in visitors from India during your tenure ?
I have been the Consul General in Mumbai for 16 months and during that period I have witnessed a steady increase in the interest of Indian citizens to visit the Czech Republic. Primarily, the purpose of visit is either business or leisure. Business travel mainly comprises company representatives seeking new partners in the Czech Republic or those who plan to establish their business or to bring investors from the Czech Republic. Our country has excellent conference facilities and many visitors attend or organize international congresses and conferences. Thus, the segment of “Congress Tourism” attracts a substantial number of visitors. Even film makers from India visit Czech Republic seeking attractive locations , which are in abundance, to shoot advertising as well as feature films. Tourism has also been on the rise as the Czech Republic has lots to offer.

What are the Consulate's General main spheres of activities?
The primary role of the Consulate General is to promote bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and India in the fields of culture, science, trade and investment and tourism. The other part of its agenda is dealing with consular and visa matters. A very important part of the Consulate's agenda is the promotion of bilateral trade and commerce, through seminars and presentations for various Indian professional chambers and trade bodies or other potential partners in those States of India, which are under the Consulate's General jurisdiction. We also match representatives of the Czech private sector with their Indian counterparts by organizing and facilitating their visits to India. The figures for 2007 speak clearly. The Czech-Indian bilateral trade turnover almost reached a magical figure of one billion USD thereby raising India to the 25th position on the Czech import list and the 32nd position on the export list. Another field of bilateral relations is in the cultural sector. Last year both countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and it was an honour for the Consulate to mark the anniversary by organizing a series of cultural events - exhibitions, concerts, meetings, etc. Last but not least our objective is to promote tourism between the two countries. Since the growth has not been up to both countries’ potentials, there is a lot that can be done in this area. After years of euphoria to travel to the newly open Western Europe, the Czechs are keen to explore new destinations like India, which offer unusual experiences and exciting adventures. On the other hand, the Czech Republic has become more visible to those Indian customers looking for comfort, good services, spa treatments, wellness, active tourism or merely relaxation while on holidays or business trips.

What was the total number of tourist arrivals in the Czech Republic in 2007 and how has the tourist traffic grown to the Czech Republic over the years?
In the year 2007, 6.7 million tourists visited the Czech Republic, which was an increase by 3.8% over the previous year. A majority of tourists came from Germany, U.K. and Italy. The biggest increase was recorded out of Russia which saw a growth of 33.9%, followed by Spain at 16.6%, Slovakia by 10.1% and Poland by 9.3%.Thanks to the relatively warm weather, city breaks and spa stays have proved particularly popular. By far, the most favourite tourist destination in the country was the capital city of Prague which received 4 million visitors representing 60% of the total tourist arrivals in our country. Prague saw an increase by 8.2%, followed by the spa region of Karlovy Vary which had 0.5 million visitors and the wine region of South Moravia which received more than 430000 foreign tourists.

What are the initiatives taken by the Czech Republic to attract travellers from India?
India is a country with a population of around one billion people, and if only two percent were interested in tourism there would be 20 million potential travellers. Indian citizens typically travel with their families and friends, though in recent years the number of independent tourists has been on the increase, particularly in the congress and business sectors, which account for 30 % of the outbound market. The Czech Republic remains for them for the time being a new and somehow exotic tourist destination. Nevertheless, I was nicely surprised to realize that many Indians are not only aware of Prague and her beauties, but also have visited the city and kept nostalgic memories of their visit. The Consulate General and the Czech Tourism, the Czech Tourist Authority, work jointly on the promotion of the whole Czech Republic, Prague and regions, as an attractive European tourist destination. Presentations by the Consulate General to different kinds of audience always include information on cultural wealth and historic monuments, natural protected areas and other tourist attractions, and also about a vibrant, busy and pulsating life of the country. Promotion also means circulation of leaflets, brochures and books, maps, CDs and DVDs to partner travel agencies or wide distribution to the public. Last year the Czech Tourism decided to focus on this fast growing market and two outbound trade fairs, in Mumbai and New Delhi, were chosen for participation. The Czech Tourism strategy recorded its first success on the Indian market when they were awarded a prize for the most attractive stand at both the fairs. That was the first step in a broader strategy, which is now being developed. A Czech Tourism office in India would make it easier to reach the Indian traveller and tour operators, so this idea is now under consideration.

Why is the Czech Republic a value for money destination for Indian travellers and what is the range of experiences one can have during the visit to the country?
"Value for money" can be understood in different ways depending upon the social status of the visitor and his/her financial possibilities. Some customers may look for the highest possible comfort and standard with best services and will be ready to pay a higher price to satisfy his/her wishes. Others may prefer family type accommodation close to cultural events or shopping malls or in the middle of nature. The Czech Republic can satisfy all such requirements and more. The Czech Republic can be rightly called a melting pot of European civilization. The country is located in the middle of Central Europe and prides itself on thriving trade and industry, magnificent scenery and an immensely rich cultural heritage, including pure gems of architecture and sophisticated art. The concentration of so many tourist attractions in such a small area is unique even in the European context. A belt of extensive mountain ranges surrounds the country and the majority of its frontiers runs along this natural boundary. Although in the terms of size (less than 79 thousand square kilometers) and number of inhabitants (10,3 million) the Czech Republic ranks among the medium-sized European countries, her territory is a diverse mosaic of regions. Moreover, travelling will not take much time as one can reach one border of the country from the other one in a few hours. The fact that many foreigners have chosen this country as their temporary or even permanent homeland bears witness that the Czech Republic is a pleasant country to live in. The Czech Republic’s greatest asset is the high quality of service which can satisfy even the most demanding and sophisticated travellers. With a very well functioning and relatively cheap public transportation between and within a strong network between various cities, a visitor to our country can conveniently reach a place of interest even at night without the need to call a taxi. Affordable prices with accommodation options across all levels makes our country one of the preferred destinations for visitors to Europe. And now that the Czech Republic is part of the Schengen countries with one common visa, visitors to Europe can visit the Czech Republic along with other neighbouring countries.

Prague is considered the Heart of Europe. Tell us what are the activities worth doing and experiencing in Prague?
Throughout the history of the European Continent it was believed that he who ruled over Prague ruled over Europe. Her geographical location on the crossroads of the routes connecting East with West and North with South destined Prague to become a centre of culture, trade and power. Therefore, throughout centuries Prague became one of the most wanted towns by different emperors, rulers and dictators. Every building, every corner, every street, every stone in the historical centre of Prague breathes history. This trail of meticulous craft and industry in the service of ambition and glory-seeking constantly added to her beauty and unique spirit. Typical of Prague are winding lanes and buildings in every possible architectural style, some sumptuous and magnificent, some simply charming. Because of this rich heritage, Prague has received several nick-names by which she is referred to: “Mother of Cities" (Praga mater urbium), "City of Hundred Spires" (that is rather understated since the actual number of spires and towers accounts to 500) and "Golden City”. Since 1992 her historical centre has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The magnificent landmark of the city is the Prague Castle that according to the Guinness World Records is the largest ancient castle in the world. It is the seat of the President of the State. Down across the river from the Prague Castle and The Lesser Town below, one can enjoy a walk over the world famous Charles Bridge, begun in 1357, where an array of 30 aerial baroque statues on the balustrade stand in stark contrast with the stately medieval Gothic Bridge. The uncannily beautiful Charles Bridge appeared in many action films like Mission: Impossible, XXX and several others. The historical centre of the city is the Old Town Square (among others with the world unique Astronomical Tower Clock). During the tourist season it becomes an oasis for travellers from all over the world. The St. Wenceslas Square, with the equestrian statue of Wenceslas I, Duke of Bohemia (Saint Wenceslas, known as “Good King Wenceslas” in a Christmas carol) and the Czech patron, on its upper part, has got a symbolic significance for the Czech nation since in important historical moments it served as a public gathering place. Across the Vltava River facing the Prague Castle there is the Vysehrad Castle that was a seat of the Czech rulers before the Prague Castle was built. Situated within the castle is the Cathedral of Saints Paul and Peter, as well as the Vysehrad Cementary “Slavin” that is the final resting place of honourable Czech composers, artists, sculptors, writers, and those from the world of science and politics.

A walk through the gas-lit narrow roads and streets of the Old Town, enjoying traditional food and handicrafts markets at the Old Town Square, sightseeing at Prague Castle by the replica of a steam locomotive train, a kiss under a blossoming tree in a Baroque garden, a cruise aboard a historical steamship on the Vltava River, night time at a romantically illuminated castle or chateau, a ride on a steam train, a wedding in a chateau park or a Gothic cathedral; all of these are ingredients in the cocktail that is Prague. And visitors can mix their own cocktails freely. For those who prefer contemporary architecture the Dancing House of a very non-traditional design built in 1996 in downtown Prague, on the roof of which a restaurant offering magnificent view of the city may attract their attention. To those who would rather enjoy shopping and gourmet food, a number of department stores and shopping malls (some of the best in Europe!!) can offer a wide variety of products, including famous Czech crystal glass, modern and traditional jewellery, celebrated Czech beer and Moravian wine, natural cosmetics, traditional Czech cuisine and other, more exotic culinary delicacies, all these come with a guarantee of quality and at a very reasonable price. Lovers of technical inventions will appreciate a ride on the funicular railway 510 metres long to the top of the 130 metres high hill of Petrin built in 1932, where the 60 metres high Petrin Lookout Tower, resembling the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, built in 1891 allows a fantastic view of the surrounding city and a beautiful landscape. Prague, home to world famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonin Dvork and Bedrich Smetna who composed and directed their most famous works here, is a city of European culture with a tradition of, among others, festivals of classical music. Outstanding performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles of the world take part in these events while music fans from all over the world overflow the city. Families with children can spend time in the Prague ZOO that occupies 45 hectares (111 acres) and houses about 4600 animals representing 630 species from all around the world.

Earlier this year the Forbes Traveller Magazine listed the Prague ZOO as the 7th best in the world. Talking of the Heart of Europe, it is worth remembering that in the1990s Prague, with its legendary hipster and bohemian scene, began to attract crowds of entrepreneurial and adventurous foreigners, mostly Americans, much like Paris in the 1930s.They mixed with Prague artists and intellectuals, who had taken active part in what was dubbed “velvet revolution”- a soft transition from Communism to freedom- Czech style. The city figures prominently in many famous films like “Amadeus” by Milos Forman, the genial movie on the life and art of W. A. Mozart. To sum up, Prague is a city of many pleasures and pastimes, a place that once seen, makes people long to come again. The memory of Prague can be haunting. A few days spent there may be just enough to get a glimpse of its multiple charms, but many would come again to leisurely savour the atmosphere of its old neighborhoods and listen to the lively and humorous chatter of old beer-house patrons- or tune in to the jazzy chic of its fashionable nightclubs...For many the Czech Republic is Prague and Prague is the Czech Republic.

Tell us about the other exciting places worth visiting in the Czech Republic besides the Capital.
You are right. The confusion and mixing of the Czech Republic and Prague goes so far here in India that recently I have seen in the renowned papers a table showing some economic results of countries in alphabetical order and the Czech Republic was listed as Prague between Portugal and Russia; a bit sad for the country. Outside the splendid metropolis, which willing or not, epitomizes the Czech country, lie the lands of spa, wine, glamorous castles, joyful natural landscape, numerous recreational facilities (the Czech love outdoor activities and are famous for making the most of their countryside), not to mention the old, well developed and constantly modernizing industry. Twelve of the sites located in the Czech Republic have been placed into the UNESCO World Heritage List; several other sites have been nominated.

The Czech Republic historically consists of two Lands - Bohemia and Moravia - which are at present divided into thirteen regions and the District of Capital.
Each of the regions is characterized by its peculiarity, and all are distinguished by the joviality and hospitality of their inhabitants to foreigners. I shall mention just some of the areas, which do not necessarily match with the administrative regions and are highly worthwhile to visit and enjoy. In Central Bohemia a large recreation area extends south of Prague along the rivers Vltava and Sazava. Many Praguers spend their weekends and holidays in their private weekend houses situated here. This area is also popular with hikers and fans of waters sports, from canoeing and kayaking to windsurfing. Two of the most beautiful Bohemian castles - Karlstejn and Krivoklat - are centrally located in the two most significant natural reserves of the Central Bohemia, the protected landscape parks “Cesky kras“ (Bohemian Karst) and “Krivoklatsko”. The chateaux Konopiste, Dobris, Cesky Sternberk and Horovice are also located there. Southern Bohemia is the land of manmade fish ponds and natural lakes, forests, and small farm houses with particular architecture scattered around its territory. The landscape is nearly untouched by modern civilization. In winter, Sumava Mountains offer resorts with excellent conditions for winter sports. Around mountain stations, such as Zelezna Ruda, Spicak, Zadov, Churanov, Nove Hute or Kvilda, there are several well-maintained ski slopes and tracks for cross-country skiing. There are many historical towns such as Ceske Budejovice, Cesky Krumlov (UNESCO), Jindrichuv Hradec, Trebon, Slavonice, Prachatice and Tabor.

Apart from these places there are numerous historical sites such as the castles of Hluboka nad Vltavou, Blatna, Cervena Lhota, Zvikov and Orlik. All of them are architectural jewels. The so-called "Rustic Baroque" is a very particular local folk architecture school, which has left a remarkable imprint in the village square of Holasovice (UNESCO). Plzen (Pilsen) Region can offer plenty of beautiful natural areas, including manmade ponds and lakes, historical landmarks, picturesque little villages as well as technical monuments. Its administrative centre is the town of Plzen (Pilsen) where in 1842, “Mestansky pivovar” brewery was established and since then has been brewing its now world famous beer Pilsner Urquell. In towns of Klatovy and Domažlice visitors will be delighted by fantastic homemade round cakes with characteristic sweet fillings. The UNESCO biosphere reserve “Krivoklatsko” is located in this region, and is well suited for recreational, family or professional tourism. West Bohemian Spas are destined for relaxation and health improvement. A unique natural area is covered with forests, meadows, rock formations, mineral springs and gas geysers. Its underground network of hot and cold mineral springs has made Karlovy Vary one of the largest spa treatment centres in Europe. Marianske Lazne and Frantiskovy Lazne are other famous old spa towns with carefully manicured parks, woods and historical architecture. Tourists may enjoy spa treatment also in the spa towns Kynžvart and Konstantinovy Lazne that hosted its first patients in the mid 19th century. In the town Jáchymov the world's first radium spa was established by the Nobel Prize laureates Marie and Pierre Curie.The Northern Bohemia territory can be considered a paradise for skiers, hikers, and lovers of nature.

The whole region is crisscrossed with a network of biking trails. The protected landscape areas of Jizerske hory mountains and Luzicke hory mountains and National Park of Krkonoše, which are situated in this mountainous region are dotted with wooden folk houses. Stone lookout towers have been preserved in many places. Machovo jezero lake and the area of Holanske rybniky ponds can be recommended to fans of water sports. Bohemian Paradise - Cesky raj is an area of dramatic landscape dotted with fantastic and bizarre rock formations and castles provoking romantic and lyric fantasies. You may find there a monumental “rock town” Prachovske skaly with the sandstone rock plateau and basalt hills and formations resembling human figures or mythical creatures, and also several castles and chateaux. The area has long been a favourite of artists and often admired by poets and writers.The Czech-Moravian Highlands is one of the least densely populated region and boasts of the cleanest environment in the country. It is a region of rugged beauty and latent romanticism, the atmosphere of which has inspired many artists, painters, sculptors, composers and writers. The region is ideal for active relaxation and recreation. The administrative centre of the region Jihlava, with its underground casemates, the renaissance town of Telc (UNESCO) with its castle, the town of Trebic (UNESCO) with its well-preserved Jewish quarter and the old town and the pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk at Zelena Hora (UNESCO) belong amongst the most popular sights in the region. In Northern Moravia and Silesia the most attractive parts are the three Landscape Protected Areas covering the territory of Jeseniky mountains, Beskydy mountains and the banks of the meandering Odra river. Visitors can find there steep slopes and deep valleys with quiet environment of nature, beauty of wild forests, clear rivers and water reservoirs, specific fauna and flora, number of villages and small towns with the wooden architecture characteristic just for this part of the country. In recent years, bears and wolves have been sighted. As everywhere in the country but here even more the visitors will be invited to enjoy delicacy of the local cuisine. Special treatment can be provided in spa town Karlova Studanka. Those interested in learning more about the life of the Moravian population in the past may visit the Walachia Open Air Museum in Roznov pod Radhostem town.

The remnants of the Neanderthal man were discovered in the Cave “Sipka” near the town and castle Stramberk in the same area. There are many towns in the region with protected historical centres, out of which I would like to mention specifically Pribor, the birthplace of Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis. Southern Moravia represents the crossroad of Europe. Since time immemorial, routes leading from East to West and from North to South have intersected here. In addition to historical sights and natural beauty, visitors will be attracted by the cordiality and hospitality of its inhabitants, who are very proud of their land. The area, associated with vineyards, wine cellars, wine and rich folklore, is evocative of French Provence or South Italy. In Znojmo or Mikulov you may be invited by the local wine producers to one of the hundreds of private wine cellars and treated to their “liquid gold”. High quality of the Czech and Moravian wines again was recognized recently at “Vinalies Internationales”, one of the most prestigious world wine competitions in Paris, where the Czech producers were awarded twenty two medals, leaving behind such wine leaders like Australia and Chile. Apart from wine tourism, visitors may enjoy a bicycle or horse ride. The Lednice-Valtice Complex (UNESCO) of two chateaux has a special charm. Brno with a number of significant historical sites is the centre of the region. Among many interesting buildings you can admire there the famous Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO).

The Czechs used to be referred to by saying "He, who is the Czech, is musician". Tell as about the origin of this saying.
The Czech nation has always been very musical and every village had its own music band playing folk songs or more fashionable music at every social occasion. That environment gave rise to the reputable Czech musical school which produced many famous musicians and composers. The works of Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884), the author of the famous cycle of symphonic poems “My Country” (one of them is the poem “Vltava”) or the opera “The Bartered Bride” and Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904), the author of the symphony “From the New World” (known also as the “New World Symphony”) have got worldwide recognition and are regular features of musical performances at festivals all over the world. The Czech nation gave to the world also names like Leos Janacek (1854-1928), composer particularly remembered by his orchestral piece Sinfonietta, Bohuslav Martinu (1890-1959), composer, Rafael Kubelik (1941-1996), conductor and composer, and many others. Amateur music playing and singing is common. Music seems to be in our blood.

Can you tell us about other famous personalities of the Czech origin?
One of the most famous Czech personalities was Johannes Amos Comenius (1592-1670), worldwide referred to as the “Teacher of Nations” - teacher, scientist, educator, writer and one of the earliest propagators of universal education, The Comenius Medal, one of UNESCO's most prestigious awards honouring outstanding achievements in the fields of education, research and innovation, and the EU school partnership programme “Comenius” has been named after him. In the more contemporary history a very important role in clarification of genetic postulates was played by Gregor Johann Mendel (1822-1884), who is often called the father-founder of modern genetics. The famous shoe empire “Bata “ , one of the world's biggest multinational retailers, manufacturers and distributors of footwear and accessories, bears the name of the Czech compatriot Tomas Bata (1876-1932).The world famous novel “The Good Soldier Svejk “ by Jaroslav Hasek (1883-1923), Czech humorist and satirist, has been translated into sixty languages. Franz Kafka (1883-1924) was one of the major fiction writers of the 20th century. The Czech Nobel Prize winner in 1959 professor Jaroslav Heyrovsky (1890-1967), father of electro- analytical chemistry, received the award for his invention of polarography. Professor Otto Wichterle (1913-1998) was a Czech inventor of modern contact lenses. Among the world famous Czech personalities of present days I can name Madeleine Korbel Albright (born as Marie Jana Korbelova) who was the first woman to become the US Secretary of State; “Oscar” awarded film directors Milos Forman, Jiri Menzel and Jan Sverak, novel writer Milan Kundera, tennis players Martina Navratilova and Jan Kodes, Miss World 2006 Tatana Kucharova and last but not least in India known models Yana Gupta, Eva Herzigova and Petra Nemcova. I could go on by naming famous Czech football and ice hockey players and many others.

Which is your preferred holiday destination in the Czech Republic during summer and in winter?
I have to say the more I travel the more I find my country attractive and there are many places where I like to spend my holiday. Yet, coming from Northern Moravia, that is the part of the country I love best. It is not only because I left my memories there and feel a bit nostalgic when I think of it, but also because it is really beautiful and charming. I particularly like Beskydy Mountains and the area around the village Roznov pod Radhostem where we have our weekend house. Both in winter and in summer, I find I belong there and I find many ways to unwind and relax.

What is the best time to visit the Czech Republic and tell us about the special "Day of Love" as celebrated by the Czechs on the 1st of May every year?
I myself prefer time off during the main tourist season, particularly the months of March, April and May. It is a season of nature awakening after the winter sleep, season of velvet sunshine, burgeoning grass and meadow plants and flowers, season of blossoming trees. The Czechs consider that period of rebirth, revival and rejuvenation of nature to embody the secret of the life circle and therefore have many traditions and habits followed in that time. You may have heard about the typical Easter celebrations, when on Easter Monday men gently whip women with young willow twigs plaited together and decorated with ribbons and scraps of coloured cloth. This whip is called “pomlazka” and this is also the name for the traditional present given for the whipping - Easter decorated eggs. The name is derived from the word rejuvenate (pomladit) since it is believed that by whipping, the power of rejuvenated nature is passed onto human beings. Another tradition that cannot be found anywhere else in the world is the “Day of Love”. It is celebrated on the 1st of May, when usually all trees are already blossoming as a sign of a new life. It is believed that kissing your beloved under the blossoming cherry tree (nowadays, we are more pragmatic and due to the lack of sufficient number of cherry trees we accept any kind of blossoming tree) will guard your love for another year. Moreover, women believe that being kissed under the blossoming tree will preserve their beauty for another year. Thus, visitors in our country may on the 1st of May experience old magic of love, seeing couples of every age kissing under the blossoming trees all over the country.

You have been in India for the last 16 months . Which is your favourite holiday destination in India?
Sixteen months is not much time for getting to know any country and India is no exception. It will take some time to develop my preferences for any particular place. For the time being I perhaps will not be very original by saying that I like Goa, its architecture, good cuisine and warm hospitality of its people. Being a person from a landlocked country I find its clean beaches and warmth particularly charming indeed.

What is the awareness of India amongst people of the Czech Republic?
Even with long lasting bilateral Czech-Indian relations and tradition of cultural ties, India is still for the Czech population a kind of far-away country. That does not mean Czech people are ignorant of Indian reality. Every one in the Czech Republic is aware of the beauty of Taj Mahal and many dream to visit it. Generally, India is seen as a crossroad of different cultural and religious influences, a country of contrasts and enormous diversity, a country with traditional medicine on one hand and modern professional health services on the other, a country with the second biggest population in the world and at the same time with functioning, credible democracy. Every student is likely to know Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Young people will be aware of Bollywood films; gourmets will know the Indian cuisine and a culture of spices. Those, who are interested in spiritual life, will be aware of the origin of meditation and yoga in your country. Those interested in material life will point out that many businessmen of Indian origin are listed among the world's richest hundred. Investments from India have a visibility in the Czech Republic, and a good number of Czechs have been exposed to India while working or travelling there.

Lastly, your message to the readers.
I would like to convey my best regards to the readers of Opportunities Today and whenever they do plan to visit the Czech Republic, I would wish them a happy and successful stay full of rewarding experiences.

CONTENTS | HOME | IMFAA | IHCTM | SCHNELL HANS