In 2019, about 25 million tourists visited Czech Republic. But the number reduced to 19.5 million in 2022 due to the global health crisis, (COVID-19). Tourists visit is expected to increase in the coming years with improvement in COVID-19 vaccines and low death rates across the globe.
Life has since returned to normal and even better as I made my first European tour on January 8, 2023.
Time check it was 9pm on that faithful Sunday when I boarded the Turkish airline from Accra to Prague. I transited in Istanbul before I finally arrived in Prague, a stunning city in Czech Republic, at 6:10 p.m on Monday.
The Czech international airport is beautiful and illuminated in and out.
The warm hospitality of the immigration officers was amazing and refreshing.
It left an everlasting impression on me, and a memory to keep for the rest of my life.
After going through the routine immigration process, I proceeded to my hotel to catch some sleep for the next day’s adventure.
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, a landlocked country in Central Europe.
The country is bordered by Poland to the north, Germany to the west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east.
It surprises many people to learn that, people in Prague are extremely friendly. Whereas in other places one might feel a bit out of place to approach, the people here are very welcoming.
I never regretted spending my holiday in Prague.
Before arriving in the premier city, I made diligent research to ensure I live every moment in Prague.
With this in mind, I took note of the countless number of places of interest to visit which were so amazing and gave me a different perspective on life.
The places I visited include Charles Bridge, John Lennon Wall, Dancing House, the Jewish Quarter, Old town Square and Riegrovy Sady.
But for me, Charles Bridge and John Lennon stood out among the rest.
The Lennon wall is a wall in Prague, Czech Republic. This is a wall decorated with love poems and messages of the young Czechs during the liberation struggle. Today, the wall represents a symbol of peace and love.
During my five-day visit in Prague, the most fascinating learning curve for me was the excellent road and public transportation system. Every country that is serious about tourism must invest in the development of an efficient and well-coordinated transportation system. The buses, trams, and metro run 24hrs.
In Prague, the longest wait time to get on a bus or metro is five minutes, and thus make movement to any part of the city more convenient.
Friendly demeanor
The Czechs take pride in their open and welcoming nature. Everyone is prepared and eager to assist a visitor. This is a trait that attracts outsiders to a country.
Security
Czech has low crime rate and it is affordable. This puts the country on a higher pedestal and attractive to tourists.
Technology
The country is digitally connected. It is easier to maneuver your way out using maps on fast speed internet connectivity.
Prague, one of the most popular tourists destinations in the world, is a city with a bustling populace and a diverse worldview.
Prague welcomes all visitors as a multicultural city. It is a city endowed with rich culture and history. There are many things to see, do, eat, buy, and experience.
There is something for everyone, including comedic events, cultural festivals, crazy parties, rooftop pubs, tours of public art installations, food carts, jewelry markets, museums, etc.
The diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the Czech Republic spans more than 60 years
Both countries have engaged in various activities that have contributed to strengthening this relationship over the years.
Just like the Czech Republic, Ghana is one of the most attractive and visited tourist destinations in west Africa. Its attractiveness stems from its welcoming nature. For the past few years a new initiative dubbed ” The year of return,” has influenced a significant annual increase in visitors. In 2022 the country received over one million visitors from all walks of life. That has placed the country a notch higher amongst her peers.
Ghana can learn a lot from the Czech Republic to rake in more foreign exchange from tourism.
Though my stay in Prague was short, I had a wonderful time and a memory that would last a life time.
Prague is a must-visit city. It is a fantastic city with great food and culture.
I bet you would never regret spending your holiday with friends and loved ones in Prague.
Source: Yasin Billy, Freelance Journalist
