Czechia reopens Mumbai Consulate to strengthen India travel
With the Czech Consulate General in Mumbai operational once more, Czechia is repositioning itself for deeper engagement with India’s fast-growing outbound travel market. The reopening is anticipated to enhance visa readability and confidence, notably throughout Western and Southern India, whereas supporting Czechia’s broader push to diversify travel past Prague. In a dialog with Barbara Andelova, International Marketing Manager – New Markets at CzechTourism, she outlines how improved entry, evolving demand patterns and regional storytelling will form Czechia’s India roadmap in 2026 and past. Excerpts:
Strategic Boost to Access
The reopening of the Mumbai Consulate marks an necessary step in strengthening travel and mobility between India and Czechia. According to Andelova, it brings higher ease, confidence and consistency to visa processing for Indian travellers. Strategically, it helps progress throughout leisure and MICE segments by bettering readability and entry, whereas reinforcing Czechia’s long-term dedication to the Indian market. It additionally aligns with efforts to place the nation as a year-round vacation spot and encourage exploration past Prague
Growth Expected from Western and Southern India
Western and Southern India already characterize a number of the strongest outbound segments throughout leisure, company and MICE travel. Improved entry to consular providers is anticipated to assist regular progress from key Tier 1 and rising Tier 2 cities. While the rise could also be gradual, Andelova anticipates a constant rise in visa functions translating into larger travel volumes, notably amongst FIT travellers, company actions and evolving MICE demand, together with travel past the capital
FIT and MICE Drivers
Czechia positions itself in India as a culturally wealthy, experience-led vacation spot providing depth throughout leisure, enterprise and MICE travel. Currently, FIT travellers and leisure teams kind the core of demand, whereas MICE and enterprise travel are gaining momentum, supported by infrastructure in Prague and Brno. Looking forward, FIT travel, premium leisure teams and MICE are anticipated to be the strongest progress drivers, as Indian travellers more and more prioritise flexibility and personalised journeys
Beyond Prague: Wellness, Wine and Slower Itineraries
For 2026, CzechTourism’s “Feel Free To” idea will anchor its positioning in India, selling a slower, extra immersive travel model. Key areas embrace Karlovy Vary and West Bohemia’s spa cities for wellness-led travel, South Moravia for wine and gastronomy experiences, Český Krumlov and South Bohemia for heritage stays, and Bohemian Switzerland for nature-driven exploration. The focus is on encouraging travellers to spend extra time in-region somewhat than treating Czechia as a short stopover
Connectivity and a Long-Term India Vision
Direct air connectivity stays an necessary lever for strengthening Czechia’s presence in India, though the medium-term focus is on constructing consciousness and leveraging key one-stop hubs and airline partnerships. CzechTourism, alongside the Embassy and Prague Airport, is aligned on bettering India–Czechia connectivity over time, whereas persevering with vacation spot storytelling and product-led campaigns to construct stronger desire out there.