Czech Republic aims to attract more tourists through films and TV series

Films and TV series are set to attract even more visitors to the Czech Republic in the future. CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission aim to further develop film tourism through closer cooperation and bring new destinations across the country into the spotlight.

The Czech Republic plans to make greater use of successful films and TV series to boost tourism both at home and abroad. To this end, the national tourism agency CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission have signed a memorandum on closer cooperation.

The aim of the partnership is to strengthen the links between the audiovisual sector and tourism. Film and television productions are expected to play a more systematic role in promoting the Czech Republic as an attractive destination for both filming and holidays. The initiative will focus not only on well-known landmarks, but also on lesser-known regions across the country.

Foto: Karlštejn | NPÚ

“A successful film or TV series can showcase the Czech Republic in an authentic way. When audiences are inspired by a place they see on screen, they often want to visit it themselves,” said František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism. He also highlighted the economic importance of international productions, which create jobs during filming and involve numerous businesses in the regions.

Veronika Slámová, Director of the Czech Audiovisual Fund (Státní fond audiovize), also emphasised the economic benefits of international film productions. She said they bring investment to the Czech Republic, create jobs and help promote the country's landscapes, towns and cultural landmarks around the world.

Joint promotion of film and travel destinations

The cooperation will include joint marketing campaigns for film tourism, the exchange of information and the development of themed content centred on filming locations in the Czech Republic. The aim is to increase interest in visiting filming locations and attract new visitors to lesser-known regions.

Foto: Český Krumlov | Mike Swigunski | Unsplash

Films inspire travel

According to CzechTourism, almost one in two visitors to the Czech Republic in 2024 visited at least one location that had served as a filming site for a film, fairy tale or television series. Particularly popular were castles and châteaux such as Hluboká nad Vltavou, Bouzov, Červená Lhota and Karlštejn, as well as the historic centres of Český Krumlov and Prague.

Film tourism is also becoming increasingly important internationally. According to this year's Screen Tourism Forecast Index, the Czech Republic ranks among the ten countries with the greatest potential to attract additional visitors through new film and television productions. One of the key drivers is the new series Blade Runner 2099, which was partly filmed in the Czech Republic.

International productions choose the Czech Republic

For years, the Czech Republic has served as a backdrop for international film and television productions. In addition to its historic architecture and varied landscapes, producers are particularly attracted by the country's modern infrastructure and experienced film crews. Productions are filmed for streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV and Disney.

Among the best-known Hollywood productions filmed in the Czech Republic are Casino Royale, Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Gray Man, Nosferatu and All Quiet on the Western Front. Bollywood and South Korean productions are also increasingly discovering the country as a filming destination.

Foto: Charles Bridge Prague | Lachlan Gowen | Unsplash

Higher film incentives to attract more productions

The trend is expected to continue. Since 2025, state film incentives have been increased to 25 per cent, or 35 per cent for animation and digital productions.

Current major projects include the new film What Happens at Night by Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen and Patricia Clarkson. Filming took place in Prague, Úštěk, Žatec and Ratboř Castle.

According to the two institutions, every international production benefits not only the film industry but also hotels, restaurants, service providers and tourism businesses. At the same time, the images seen by audiences around the world are expected to strengthen the Czech Republic's position as an attractive travel destination over the long term.