Israelis Drive Czech Republic's Rapid Tourism Growth and Strengthen Bilateral Ties

The Czech Republic has emerged as the fastest-growing tourism destination in Europe, largely due to a significant increase in Israeli visitors. According to recent data from Amadeus Travel Intelligence and the UN World Tourism Organization, the country saw an 18 percent year-on-year rise in bookings, surpassing popular destinations like Iceland and Denmark. Prague, the capital, recorded over 8.3 million tourists last year with hotel occupancy rates exceeding 60 percent, fueled by a doubling of Israeli tourists from 92,000 in 2023 to 206,000 in 2025.

This surge is part of a broader global trend where travelers seek cooler, less crowded destinations, partly influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Although Israeli tourist numbers dipped by about 30 percent in early 2026 due to rising regional conflicts, Israel remains a key international market for Prague’s tourism sector. Israeli visitors are attracted by the city’s safety, rich Jewish history, and the presence of the Jewish Quarter.

Beyond tourism, the Czech Republic and Israel are deepening their strategic partnership. In July 2026, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macek met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Tel Aviv to launch the Israel-Czech Business Forum, involving over 200 companies to boost cooperation in industry, health, emergency medicine, innovation, technology, security, and infrastructure. Both ministers signed a joint declaration to make this forum an annual event.

The Czech Republic continues to support Israel politically within the European Union and opposes additional EU trade sanctions against Israel. Security cooperation is also advancing, with Prague negotiating with Israeli defense firms to acquire advanced air defense systems such as the "Spyder" and "Arrow" due to their technological capabilities.

This multifaceted relationship highlights the Czech Republic’s growing role as a key European partner for Israel in tourism, economic collaboration, and security.