Czech Embassy hosts event to boost travel and trade with Kuwait
The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Kuwait, in collaboration with Visit Czechia and Jazeera Airways, hosted a reception on April 8 to announce the relaunch of direct flights to Prague starting June 5.
Dr. Tereza Valášková, Head of the Economic and Commercial Department and Chargé d’Affaires of the Czech Embassy in Kuwait, emphasized the Czech Republic’s global reputation as a top-tier tourist destination.
She highlighted its rich natural, cultural, and historical diversity, advanced infrastructure, and 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites. She noted its strong popularity in Kuwait, especially in medical and wellness tourism, as thousands of Kuwaitis visit annually for its renowned health resorts, reports Al-Anba Arabic daily.
Valášková mentioned that the Czech Tourism Promotion Agency (CzechTourism) promotes all Czech regions, showcasing their traditions, culture, cuisine, and landmarks. She announced a Czech tourism promotional event at the Jumeirah Hotel, the third of its kind since her arrival in Kuwait.
The event aims to strengthen tourism ties and includes business meetings between Czech resorts, hotels, travel agencies, and airlines to foster cooperation.
She added, the embassy issues about 7,500 visas annually, though actual tourist numbers are higher due to Kuwaitis using multi-entry Schengen visas from other countries. She advised early visa applications before peak summer season and stressed the importance of accurate documentation and communication with the embassy for smooth processing.
Valášková underscored that sustainable tourism is a Czech government priority. This includes preserving natural resources, promoting eco- and rural tourism, and reducing overtourism in cities like Prague. Strategies involve partnerships with local governments and funding for environmental tourism projects.
She highlighted growing cultural exchange between Kuwait and the Czech Republic via university partnerships, cultural events, and artistic collaborations, supported by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Regarding investment, Valášková said the Czech Republic offers a strategic location, open economy, EU market access, a skilled, cost-effective workforce, and strong research-industry links. It’s highly industrialized, leading the EU with 27.7% of GDP in manufacturing, and ranks 30th globally in innovation.
Key investment sectors for Kuwaitis include industrial real estate, strategic industrial production, software & IT, data centers & cybersecurity and defense industries.
She noted that Kuwaiti investments mainly focus on real estate, particularly in spa towns like Teplice, where they buy land and homes. Investments are also seen through international funds.
Valášková cited the Palladium shopping center in Prague, currently for sale, as an example of business opportunities. She said the embassy supports investors by connecting them with Czech partners and agencies like CzechInvest.
