Prague Records Nearly 1.7 Million Visitors in the First Quarter of 2026 – Particularly Strong Growth from Ireland and Asia

More visitors, higher spending and growing interest in high-quality services shaped tourism in Prague in the first quarter of 2026. Despite restrictions in international air traffic caused by the conflict in the Middle East, the number of visitors to the Czech capital increased once again.

Prague recorded a total of 1,660,515 domestic and foreign visitors in the first quarter of 2026. According to current data from the Czech Statistical Office, Český statistický úřad, this represents an increase of around five per cent compared to the previous year. The figures confirm the continuing upward trend in tourism in the Czech capital.

According to Prague City Tourism, Prague is increasingly succeeding in attracting higher-spending visitors who are making greater use of premium services in the hotel and gastronomy sectors. At the same time, tourists are increasingly visiting destinations outside the historic Old Town.

Most foreign visitors in the first quarter came from Germany. A total of 178,105 German tourists travelled to Prague. They were followed by the United Kingdom with 117,682 visitors and Italy with 99,755 guests. Czech visitors accounted for around one fifth of all tourists.

Foto: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová | Unsplash

The number of tourists from Ireland increased particularly strongly. In total, 23,071 Irish visitors came to the Czech capital – an increase of 75 per cent year-on-year. Important factors are considered to be the new flight connection between Prague and Cork, which has been operating since autumn last year, as well as the World Cup play-off semi-final at the end of March. In addition, Prague City Tourism launched a campaign on the Irish market under the slogan “Prague – City of Secrets”. The campaign was linked to a new novel by bestselling author Dan Brown, which is set in Prague.

Visitor numbers from several Asian countries also increased significantly. Particularly strong growth was recorded from Japan with 15,732 visitors (+34 per cent), Taiwan with 18,475 guests (+22 per cent) and South Korea with 33,038 travellers (+13 per cent). Despite the tense situation in the Middle East, demand from long-haul markets therefore continues to rise.

By contrast, the conflict had a noticeably negative impact on visitor numbers from Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The number of Israeli tourists fell by 31 per cent year-on-year to 29,874 visitors. From the United Arab Emirates, 3,747 guests travelled to Prague, around ten per cent fewer than in the previous year.

Foto: Repida Mihail | Unsplash

According to Prague City Tourism, Prague is currently also benefiting from the fact that many travellers view European cities as a safe alternative to long-haul travel. In addition, the early Easter period and the improving quality of tourism services contributed to the positive development.

The analyses also point to a high proportion of financially strong visitors. Around 70 per cent of guests stayed in four- or five-star hotels.

At the same time, the city is using the “Enjoy Respect Prague” campaign to raise awareness among visitors about rules in public spaces. The information campaign highlights issues such as night-time quiet hours and alcohol bans in certain locations. Prague also continues to pursue its goal of directing more tourists to less-visited districts outside the historic centre.