Accommodation providers in the Czech Republic will be required to register in the new e-Turista system from January next year. The new powers are designed to enable municipalities to regulate short-term accommodation, such as Airbnb, more effectively. The mandatory introduction of the registration system was originally scheduled for mid-2025.
Last year, approximately 22 million tourists stayed overnight in the Czech Republic, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels for the first time. Tourism experts anticipate further growth this year. The majority of tourists, around 8 million, visited Prague. The CzechTourism Agency has new plans to encourage more visitors to explore regions beyond the Czech capital. A recent collaboration with the Michelin Guide aims to better showcase the country’s gastronomic and tourist attractions, which are rich in history and culture.
According to a report by the news channel ČT24, the Ministry of Regional Development plans to invest around one and a half billion crowns in domestic tourism this year—almost double the amount invested last year. Simultaneously, work is underway to finalise the e-Turista system (an online register for accommodated guests in the Czech Republic), although progress has been slightly delayed. While the mandatory implementation of the new system was initially planned for mid-2025, accommodation providers will be able to test the standardised register voluntarily from the middle of the year, before it becomes mandatory in 2026.
The aim of introducing e-Turista is to provide a clearer overview of who is offering which type of accommodation. The change particularly affects listings via online platforms such as Airbnb and Booking. According to the Ministry of Regional Development, up to 70 per cent of providers on these platforms are currently not registered. The new system is designed to level the playing field between hotels, guesthouses, and private accommodation providers.
The short-term letting of flats has faced increasing criticism, especially in Prague. Residents and the city council argue that residential buildings lose their character when converted into tourist accommodation, disrupting normal city life. According to Inside Airbnb, there are currently 10,100 flats available in Prague, with 3,633 located in Prague 1 alone.
Mass tourism is causing rising tensions in many European cities. Local residents in Venice, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Mallorca, and Athens have already protested against the negative consequences, such as rising property prices, noise, and pollution, prompting governments to work on new legislation.
