Prague will, once again, have a direct connection with China.

Effective 24 June, Hainan Airlines is resuming its direct route to Beijing, which the carrier will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Flights will be served by an Airbus A330.

Praha opět získá přímé spojení s Čínou 🥳🇨🇳! @HainanAirlines od 24. června obnoví svoji přímou linku do Pekingu, kterou budou provozovat třikrát týdně vždy v pondělí, ve středu a v pátek. Lety do čínské metropole bude obsluhovat Airbus A330 s kapacitou pro 292 cestujících ✈️. pic.twitter.com/vDDSnBqPWx

— Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) April 3, 2024

Flights will depart Beijing at 2:30 am, arriving in Prague at 6:45 am. The return flights will leave Prague at 2:00 pm, touching down in Beijing at 5:20 am the following day.

Ticket sales are yet to be announced.

Hainan Airlines holds the distinction of being the first Chinese carrier to connect Prague with Beijing. The inaugural flight took place in September 2015.

Then-President Miloš Zeman hailed the route’s launch as a significant achievement of Czech-Chinese relations. Initially, due to passenger loads, the Airbus A330-300 deployed on the route continued onwards to Belgrade after serving Prague for three years.

Prior to the pandemic, other Chinese airlines operating flights from Prague to China included Sichuan Airlines (Chengdu) and China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai and Xi’an).

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has declared a smog situation in several regions due to high concentrations of dust particles linked to Saharan sand.

The affected areas include the Moravian-Silesian Region, South Bohemia, Brno, and Vysočina.

Authorities advise residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity due to potential breathing difficulties caused by the dust.

The Czech Hydro-Meteorological Institute said the sand, which increases the concentration of dust particles in the air, may be present in Czechia until Monday.

As of Sunday morning, data from the institute’s website revealed dust levels exceeding 100 micrograms per cubic meter in several locations across the country.

ČHMÚ declares a smog situation when at least half of a region’s monitoring stations record a 12-hour average PM10 concentration exceeding 100 micrograms per cubic meter, with no improvement expected within the next 24 hours.

“The situation’s development remains unclear,” ČHMÚ stated on Saturday, acknowledging the unusual nature of the event.

ČHMÚ urges residents, particularly older adults, young children, and those with respiratory illnesses or heart conditions, to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the smog event.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

One of the Czech Republic’s most captivating observation towers, Dalimilova rozhledna, reopened its doors to the public on Saturday, March 23rd, after a winter hiatus.

Visitors can now enjoy its stunning vistas until late autumn.

Perched atop Větrov Hill at an elevation of 918 meters, the tower boasts a recent construction date, having opened in the summer of 2021. Its unique design, characterized by its isolation and charming appearance, has drawn comparisons to the tower featured in Disney’s Rapunzel.

The lookout tower is made of cast concrete and stone and consists of two towers that are closely adjacent to each other. Their total height is 34 m, with the upper viewing platform at 28 m and the lower one at 17 m. 170 steps lead to the top.

A restaurant and hotel apartments are located on the ground floor in an adjacent building.

How to get to the lookout tower?

The site is only accessible on foot. Motorists can drive from the Old Town to the parking lot in Velké Vrbno at the lower station of the cable car to Paprsek, from where it is 1.5 km to walk, or to the parking lot at the mountain hotel Paprsek (1010 m above sea level) and from there follow the green sign for 2 km.

The railway line 294 from Hanušovice also ends in Staré Město pod Sněžníkem. From the local railway station it is 5 km to the lookout tower by the green mark with an elevation of 400 m.

Currently, the tower is open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (including Easter) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. These hours will be extended later in the summer season.

The entrance fee is CZK 120, with free admission for children under six years old.

More information can be found on the official website

 

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

The Czech Republic will have a brand-new free-to-air TV channel next month as Warner TV launches on 2 April.

It will be managed as part of the local Czech linear Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio.

Vaclav Palecek, Distribution and Business Development at Warner Bros. Discovery in the Czech Republic & Slovakia, said:

“Starting April, Czech viewers will be able to enjoy the wide range of content, including movies and series, on Warner TV. We are close to launching our first free-to-air channel in the market and we will bring a great content library on-air for all the viewers, from classical films to popular series.”

Warner TV’s television signal will be distributed by Ceské Radiokomunikace.

In the Czech Republic, Warner Bros. Discovery operates 18 pay-TV linear channels (Discovery, Eurosport 1, Eurosport 2, Eurosport 4K, HGTV, TLC, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, CNN, Food Network, Animal Planet, HBO & HBO 2 & HBO 3, Cinemax & Cinemax 2) and the HBO Max streaming platform.

Last March, Radiokomunikace started broadcasting the AMC channel and later the domestic channel A11. In December they launched Hit TV and Sporty TV.

Currently, České Radiokomunikace operates over three dozen TV channels.

Prague City Council recently unveiled a CZK 22 million investment in targeted marketing campaigns aimed at boosting inbound tourism.

This strategic initiative seeks to attract both international and domestic visitors, diversifying the city’s tourist landscape.

A significant portion of the budget, CZK 2 million each, is dedicated to commemorating two cultural milestones: the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death and the 200th anniversary of Bedřich Smetana’s birth.

Jiří Pospíšil, Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Culture, emphasized the success of established campaigns like “At Home in Prague” and “Enjoy Respect Prague.”

The former targets domestic tourism, encouraging Czechs to explore their own capital, while the latter promotes responsible visitor behavior, ensuring a positive experience for both tourists and residents.

Among other things, the capital continues to support congress and event tourism in the metropolis. Prague is planning to launch a contract for the promotion of congress tourism between July 2024 and June 2027.

“Prague collected almost CZK 800 million in overnight stay fees in 2023. Of this amount, the memorandum with the Association of Hotels and Restaurants committed to invest up to CZK 130 million back into the development of tourism in Prague. I am very pleased that we have approved part of this investment of CZK 22 million to provide marketing campaigns to promote inbound tourism,” added Pospíšil.

The winning company will provide services related to the promotion and development of congress tourism in Prague, in particular, the provision of candidacy campaigns, the acquisition of new applicants for congresses and other similar events in the metropolis.

Approximately 100 people congregated outside the Israeli embassy in Prague yesterday evening (February 14th), voicing their opposition to the Israeli offensive against Palestinians.

The demonstration, organized by the “Not in Our Name!” initiative, saw protesters carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like “Free Palestine” and “Hands off Rafah.”

During the rally, a concerning incident unfolded as a participant doused himself with flammable liquid and attempted self-immolation.

Fortunately, swift intervention by vigilant police officers prevented him from succeeding.

“Police officers supervising the announced rally in Prague 6 swiftly intervened when a participant poured flammable liquid on himself and attempted to set himself alight,” authorities stated on the X network.

“The Department of Extremism and Terrorism’s criminal investigators will handle the incident, and the individual was transferred to medical professionals for treatment.”

Several speakers addressed the gathering, emphasizing the plight of Gaza civilians caught in the crossfire of the Israeli response to Hamas attacks in October 2023.

Particular attention was drawn to the dire situation in Rafah, the primary refuge for those fleeing war-torn areas. The speakers condemned Israel’s actions, labeling them as “genocide.”

Across the street, a smaller group of pro-Israel supporters gathered peacefully. No altercations between the opposing groups were reported, with police maintaining a watchful presence throughout the demonstration.

The Israeli offensive, launched in response to Hamas attacks that claimed 1,200 lives and abducted over 200 individuals according to Israeli authorities, has resulted in heavy civilian casualties in Gaza.

In a planned protest blocking the Prague D1 highway on Monday, February 19th, Czech farmers aim to draw attention to their struggles and demand the Czech government’s withdrawal from the European Union’s Green Deal.

Up to 1,000 tractors and other agricultural equipment are expected to participate, adding their voice to similar actions across Europe amid rising costs and regulations.

While large industry organizations like the Agrarian Chamber and Agricultural Union are holding off on protests until negotiations with the government, organizers Bohumír Dufek and Zdeněk Jandejsek are calling for a strong show of force.

They predict 600 to 1,000 tractors arriving in Prague on Monday, converging from various points like Panenský Týnec, Lovosice, and the D1 on-ramp near Benešov.

The planned action promises significant traffic disruptions. At 6:00 AM, the machinery is expected to block the motorway in both directions for several kilometers, impacting not only the immediate area but also the broader Prague surroundings and potentially access routes from Central Bohemia Region. Public transport may also be affected.

Farmers’ grievances boil down to two main points:

Discontent with the Green Deal: Jandejsek calls the agreement a “harmful policy for people” and argues it disproportionately burdens Czech farmers, already facing the lowest EU subsidies and declining national support. They believe the Green Deal undermines self-sufficiency in basic commodities and demands greater investment in new farming methods.

Lack of communication: Dufek accuses Minister Výborný and Prime Minister Fiala of ignoring their concerns. While Výborný refutes this, claiming a recent pre-arranged meeting, the organizers maintain their demand for dialogue and action.

They point to ongoing protests in Germany and France as potential precursors to larger demonstrations if talks with the Czech government do not yield results. Dufek further claims a decision on future protest forms will be made on Monday evening.

Nestled behind the bustling commotion of Palladium, are a few side streets that ooze with Prague’s distinct culture as a city, where each store holds its own specialty and a new way for customers to connect with the city.

In these side streets, you’ll find MyFlorist, a unique floral boutique that stands out not only for its stylish arrangements but also for the personal touch of its owner, Katka.

MyFlorist caters to a diverse clientele, thanks to Katka’s fluency in English. In a city teeming with expatriates and tourists, this skill is invaluable.

“Speaking English is very handy when it comes to dealing with customers from various backgrounds, many of them mention that when explaining their ideas, they often encounter a language barrier,” Katka points out.

Originally from Slovakia, Katka moved to Prague 22 years ago to work in the business aviation industry. However, a deep-seated passion for floristry, inspired by her father’s love for gardening, led her to change her path after his passing.

She created MyFlorist, blending her skills in VIP customer service, from her previous career, with her love for flowers.

The commitment to quality at MyFlorist is paramount. “Keeping huge stocks of flowers each day is not crucial, I prefer quality to quantity. Going shopping for the orders I get the previous day ensures that the flowers are always fresh”, she says. “Customers often praise how long they last, it is my way of spoiling them”. This is a cornerstone of MyFlorist’s reputation, proven by many positive reviews.

An integral part of the flower shop is the e-shop – myflorist.cz offering delivery around Prague, and when available, Katka will take the opportunity to deliver the flowers herself, adding a personal touch to each delivery.

This service is particularly valued by her international customers, who make up around eighty percent of her orders. Katka likes to stay in touch with her local and international customers, keeping them updated and involved throughout the order process and customization, which builds trust and a relationship. The shop’s most popular option, the ‘Florist’s Choice’, allows customers to leave the selection to Katka’s expertise.

“People often opt for the Florist’s Choice, trusting me to create something unique, usually with seasonal flowers,” she notes.

Moreover, MyFlorist goes beyond traditional retail, offering bi-lingual workshops for companies and groups interested in learning about floristry.

These workshops provide hands-on experiences in bouquet preparation and flower care, making them popular for team-building events and group activities.

MyFlorist in Prague is more than just a flower shop; it’s a manifestation of Katka’s passion and commitment to her craft. Her personal touch, the popularity of MyFlorist among foreigners, and the unique workshops offered, all make it a wonderful gem in Prague’s florist industry.

With Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, start the 2024 season of love with a new florist, and why not consider MyFlorist when thinking about getting that gift for someone special!

There has been a notable increase in egg prices across Czech supermarkets. This price surge comes as a surprise, particularly in light of the recent three-percentage-point reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) on food items.

Throughout December, supermarkets lured customers with discounted egg prices. However, these same eggs are now being sold at a higher cost per piece.

The earlier Christmas promotions and current seasonal factors, including concerns about bird flu, are likely contributing to this unexpected price hike.

According to the Czech Statistical Office, the average price of eggs in stores at the end of the previous year was 3.70 crowns each. Stores like Albert offered promotions, such as a pack of ten eggs for 29.90 CZK, a deal echoed by other chains.

Following the New Year, the pricing has seen an increase, with Albert pricing the package at 48.60 CZK, Lidl at 43.50 CZK, and Penny at 46.65 CZK. At Billa, a pack of thirty eggs equates to a single egg price of 4.66 CZK.

It’s not only consumers who are closely monitoring these prices; both the Government and the Czech National Bank had pledged a reduction in high inflation.

However, the repricing efforts in January, along with changes in tax rates and energy prices, could potentially impact these goals.

It is evident that food prices have not experienced a significant decrease, and the final impact will only be discerned once statisticians present their findings next month.

After a successful four-year run, Czech carrier RegioJet has made the strategic decision to discontinue its seasonal Prague-Croatia railway service.

Instead, the company is steering its focus to Ukraine, according to statements from the company’s director, Radim Jančura, to Zdopravy.cz.

However, RegioJet is gearing up to enhance its bus services to Croatia, aiming to offset the void left by the canceled trains. Buses from Prague to Split will be in operation daily throughout the summer of 2024.

The transformation began in the summer of 2023, as the company reduced the number of trains to Croatia, reallocating resources to the route from Prague to the Ukrainian border. Jančura stated, “We are now prioritizing year-round connections to Ukraine.”

The Czech private operator aims to start service to Ukraine in January 2024 with an overnight flight from Prague to Chop, operating through the Cerná nad Tisou border crossing in Slovakia.

The new route will utilize a 37-kilometer stretch of standard gauge track from the border to Chop and onward to Mukachevo in Ukraine.

Departing from Prague Main Station at 21:38, the trains will reach Chop at 10:35, with the return journey departing Chop at 17:30 and arriving in Prague at 05:07.

Given that RegioJet lacks a license to operate in Ukraine, the new flight will be a collaborative effort with Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia).

RegioJet introduced a direct train from Prague to Croatia in the summer of 2020, during severe air travel restrictions due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The affordability of tickets and high demand for the destination made this mode of travel popular among passengers.

In the UK and US, people attempt a month without drinking alcohol under the banner of Dry January, but in Czechia, February is the nationally recognized month for abstaining.

In its 2024 edition, the Dry February campaign (Suchej únor) extends its mission beyond alcohol abstinence, urging participants to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

The goal is ambitious—to impact over one million individuals, building on the 14 percent of the population that engaged last year.

For those backing the cause financially, benefits include online workout sessions and monthly memberships to weight-loss apps, to complimentary rides on shared bikes.

“If we take data from the World Health Organisation, we have long been ranked among the top three global consumers. Some 14 litres of pure alcohol are consumed per person per year in this country, which is an enormous number. And that’s after deducting tourist consumption,”  says Petr Freimann of the non-profit organisation behind the campaign.

Looking back at last year’s campaign, expert guarantor Josef Petr said, “We successfully got thousands of people to rethink their relationship with alcohol. More than half of them continued to drink less even months after the Dry February ended.”

However, beer consumption dropped to 135.4 liters per person, which is 4.5 liters less than in 2020.

The Ministry of Health reports that 1.5 million Czechs are at risk due to harmful alcohol consumption, leading to health, social, and economic issues totaling CZK 56 billion each year, according to earlier Ministry reports.

Police are actively pursuing the killer responsible for shooting a two-month-old baby and her 32-year-old father in Klánovické les.

Recent information suggests detectives are searching for a foreigner who may have known the victim.

The tragic incident occurred during a meeting in the forest, ending in cold-blooded murder. Evidence indicates a conflict between the men, leading to multiple gunshots and four fatal head wounds.

The police have created an identikit and are conducting standard criminal procedures, including scene examination and footage analysis, to apprehend the suspect.

A witness, located 200 meters away, attempted resuscitation but couldn’t save the victims. A makeshift memorial has emerged at the crime scene.

“A security search operation is underway in the Klánovický Forest on Tuesday. The right to provide information in the double murder case has been reserved by the Municipal State Prosecutor’s Office in Prague, so we are no longer authorized to provide further information,” the police said on the social network X.

Police spokesman Jan Rybanský also commented to the newspaper on the scene. “At the moment, a security search operation is underway in the Klánovický les (Klánovice Forest), involving 250 police officers. There are officers from the special riot unit, from local departments and also from district directorates.”

Police also appealed to the public for witnesses, mainly to who were driving around the Klánovický les area on Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and had their dashboard cameras on.

On Saturday, December 16th, police confirmed a double murder, with one victim being a child. The case was first reported on Friday after gunshots were heard in the forest near Čmelická Street. Police patrols subsequently discovered two lifeless bodies at the scene.