Czech Republic Expands Film Tourism Strategy Through New National Partnership Initiative

The Czech Republic is taking a significant step towards strengthening its tourism industry by harnessing the global appeal of films and television series. CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation designed to expand film tourism, promote new destinations and encourage international visitors to explore more of the country beyond its traditional attractions.

The agreement reflects a growing recognition that successful films and television productions have become powerful tools for inspiring travel. By connecting the country’s thriving audiovisual industry with its tourism sector, officials believe the Czech Republic can attract more international visitors while generating fresh economic opportunities across multiple regions.

Under the new partnership, CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission will work together on marketing campaigns, promotional materials and destination-focused projects centred around filming locations. Their joint efforts will not only showcase world-famous landmarks but also highlight lesser-known towns, villages and landscapes that have appeared on screen.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the country’s international image as both a world-class filming destination and an attractive holiday location. Officials say visitors increasingly choose travel destinations after seeing them featured in popular films or streaming series, making film tourism one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry.

František Reismüller, Director of CzechTourism, said successful films and television productions present the Czech Republic to audiences in a natural and authentic way. According to him, many viewers who admire locations featured on screen are inspired to visit them in person, creating long-term tourism benefits for local communities.

He also highlighted the wider economic value of hosting international productions. Large-scale film projects generate employment during production while supporting hotels, restaurants, transport companies, technical suppliers and numerous regional businesses that provide services to cast and crew.

Veronika Slámová, Director of the Czech Audiovisual Fund, echoed those views, describing international productions as important investments for the Czech Republic. She noted that film projects not only create jobs but also introduce the country’s diverse landscapes, historic towns and cultural heritage to millions of viewers around the world.

The collaboration will include the exchange of industry knowledge, coordinated promotional campaigns and the development of themed travel experiences linked to famous filming locations. Tourism officials hope these initiatives will encourage visitors to extend their journeys beyond Prague and discover destinations that have traditionally received less international attention.

According to CzechTourism, the strategy builds upon an already strong foundation of visitor interest. Research conducted by the organisation found that almost one in every two tourists visiting the Czech Republic during 2024 explored at least one filming location associated with a movie, television series or fairy tale.

Historic castles and châteaux remain among the country’s most popular attractions for film enthusiasts. Locations including Hluboká nad Vltavou, Bouzov Castle, Červená Lhota Castle and Karlštejn Castle have all attracted visitors eager to experience places they have previously seen on screen.

The historic centres of Prague and Český Krumlov also continue to draw large numbers of travellers. Their preserved medieval architecture and picturesque streets have made them favourite filming locations for both domestic and international productions over several decades.

Globally, film tourism continues to gain momentum as streaming platforms introduce audiences to destinations they may never have previously considered visiting. This trend has helped place the Czech Republic among the world’s leading emerging destinations for screen-inspired travel.

According to this year’s Screen Tourism Forecast Index, the Czech Republic ranks among the world’s ten countries with the strongest potential to attract additional visitors through new film and television productions. One important contributor to that ranking is the upcoming science-fiction series Blade Runner 2099, which completed part of its filming in the country.

For decades, the Czech Republic has established itself as one of Europe’s preferred filming destinations. Its combination of historic architecture, diverse landscapes, modern production facilities and highly skilled film professionals has consistently attracted international studios.

Streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV and Disney have all chosen the Czech Republic as a filming location for various productions. The country’s ability to offer medieval castles, modern cities, forests, rivers and mountain scenery within relatively short travelling distances has further strengthened its appeal.

Hollywood productions filmed in the Czech Republic include Casino Royale, Mission: Impossible, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Gray Man, Nosferatu and the Academy Award-winning All Quiet on the Western Front. These productions have showcased the country’s architecture and scenery to audiences across the globe.

The country has also become increasingly attractive to film industries beyond Hollywood. Bollywood producers and South Korean studios have expanded their presence in recent years, bringing additional investment while introducing Czech destinations to rapidly growing international entertainment markets.

Government support has also increased to remain competitive in attracting future productions. Since 2025, state film incentives have risen to 25 per cent, while animation and digital productions can receive incentives of up to 35 per cent. Officials believe these measures will encourage more studios to choose the Czech Republic for future projects.

Among the latest high-profile productions is What Happens at Night, directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen and Patricia Clarkson, with filming taking place across Prague, Úštěk, Žatec and Ratboř Castle.

Such productions are expected to generate substantial economic benefits extending well beyond the film industry itself. Hotels accommodate production teams, restaurants provide catering, transport companies manage logistics, while local businesses benefit from increased demand throughout filming periods.

Tourism experts also emphasise the long-term promotional value created by international productions. Every successful film or television series introduces new audiences to the Czech Republic, often inspiring future travel long after filming has ended.

By strengthening cooperation between the tourism and audiovisual sectors, CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission hope to transform cinematic success into sustained visitor growth. Their strategy aims to ensure that iconic landmarks and hidden regional gems alike benefit from the increasing popularity of screen tourism.

With international productions continuing to choose the Czech Republic and audiences increasingly seeking real-world filming locations, officials believe the new partnership will reinforce the country’s reputation as one of Europe’s leading destinations for both filmmaking and unforgettable travel experiences.