Martin Cerha
General Manager DMC Prague, responsible for all operations and sales activities for Czech Republic.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SALES MARKET?
Lately, Russia has been our main sales market. The people we are dealing with are very experienced in organising meetings, incentives & conferences and our cooperation with them is really efficient.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS PLANNING A MEETING IN YOUR DESTINATION?
Combine your meeting schedule with some extracurricular activities, so the participants can enjoy the destination. Make use of the many transfer options like tramways and Czech old-timers like Skoda and Tatra. Avoid regular coaches, which have restricted driving routes through the old town. Plan a private and exclusive black light theatre, opera performance or concert. Visit the workshop of a local artist and experience a glass blowing or painting session. Use the city’s rich culture to create a programme with a theme like “art-nouveau”, history, or famous Czech figures like Kafka, Kundera and Havel. Make the event unforgettable by organising a farewell dinner in an exclusive venue such as the Prague Castle.
HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE COST OF HOLDING AMEETING IN YOUR DESTINATION IN COMPARISON TO OTHERS?
Prague, with respect to volume of bookings, is the most important city in the country. Except during congress periods or other special events such as festivals, Prague offers great value. In the last few years, hotels and other suppliers have made a big effort to adjust rates in order to attract business without sacrificing quality. In comparison to other European capitals, Prague remains an affordable destination.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
Prague is No. 1 for meetings &incentives. There are other Czech cities which have good conference venues, such as Brno or Plzen, but these cities require road transfers from Prague anyway. For Slovakia, Bratislava remains the most attractive city. The Tatra mountains offer a nice setting for special programmes. In Poland, Warsaw and Krakow are top of the list!
WHICH DESTINATIONS ARE IN YOUR OPINION “THE” FUTURE MEETINGS & INCENTIVES DESTINATIONS?
I believe that clients will want to go even farther east: to the Ukraine, Bulgaria and Romania. However, in terms of infrastructure and service, a lot still needs to be done there.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YOUR DESTINATION FOR MEETINGS & INCENTIVES?
Prague is well-linked by air within Europe and flights are not too expensive. Some low cost airlines fly out of the main European capitals. There are also direct flights from the U.S. Overall, the Czech Republic offers great value, a wide range of accommodation and venue possibilities as well as diverse programme options.