Tourism boards from Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia landed in Toronto this week to connect with Canadian travel advisors and inspire bookings to Central Europe.
The event kicked off the start of the Discover Central Europe roadshow, which will also visit Boston and Fort Lauderdale.
Hosted at Universal Eventspace in Vaughan, the agenda included a destination panel discussion, networking opportunities with 19 destination suppliers and representatives from Air Canada and LOT Polish Airlines, as well as Central European cuisine.
"We are thrilled to connect with Canadian travel professionals," said Michaela Claudino, USA & Canada Director at Czech Tourism. "Czechia experienced a 20% increase in arrivals from Canada during the third quarter of 2024. We’re optimistic these numbers will climb even higher with the introduction of direct flights next year. Canada is a key market, and this event showcases Czechia’s historic towns, castles, and spa experiences, alongside Central Europe’s diverse offerings."
Slovakia is accessible by direct flights to Vienna with a short transfer with regular connections to the capital Bratislava from Boston, Washington D.C. Chicago and New York, and with one change in Zurich from Boston, Washington D.C. Chicago and New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, American tourists can easily reach the metropolis of eastern Slovakia, Košice.
In 2023, 32% more Americans came to Slovakia than in 2022. In 2023, Americans made 18% more overnight stays in Slovakia than in 2022. Americans travel to Slovakia most often between May and October, with Bratislava and the Bratislava region being the most visited.
Air Canada will relaunch its summer seasonal service from Toronto to Prague on 06JUN 2025, offering year-round connections to Central Europe through its AJV partner Lufthansa. Additionally, LOT Polish Airlines offers nonstop flights connecting Toronto, New York-JFK, Newark, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Warsaw, Rzeszow, and Krakow.
Travel advisors can access the educational program at www.centraleuropespecialist.com to become certified specialists in promoting Central Europe as a seamless, multi-country travel experience.
