Films and television series are becoming an increasingly important factor in how travelers choose destinations, and Czech tourism officials are looking to make greater use of the country’s long history as a filming location. CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at linking the audiovisual industry with domestic and international tourism promotion.
The agreement will focus on joint activities designed to present the Czech Republic as both a film production hub and a travel destination. The partners hope to encourage visitors to explore not only internationally recognized locations such as Prague’s historic center, but also lesser-known regions that have appeared on screen.
The cooperation comes as the Czech Republic continues to attract major international productions, supported by its experienced crews, diverse locations and expanded film incentives introduced in 2025.
Film productions as a tool for destination promotion
The memorandum connects the expertise of CzechTourism, the national agency responsible for promoting the Czech Republic as a tourist destination, with the Czech Film Commission, a department of the State Audiovisual Fund that promotes the country as a location for foreign film, television, animation and digital productions.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will share information, develop joint promotional activities and create educational content focused on film tourism. The Czech Film Commission’s network of regional film offices will also have opportunities to participate in future projects aimed at highlighting filming locations around the country.
“Successful films and series can present the Czech Republic in a way that feels natural and authentic,” CzechTourism director František Reismüller said. “When viewers are captivated by a place on screen, they often want to see it with their own eyes.”
Veronika Slámová, director of the State Audiovisual Fund, said foreign productions provide economic benefits beyond the film industry itself by creating work for local professionals, businesses and regions.
“Every foreign film or series shot in the Czech Republic represents a major investment in the Czech economy,” Slámová said. “It brings work to domestic film professionals, contributes to the development of companies and regions, and at the same time shows millions of viewers around the world the beauty and tourist attractiveness of our cities, countryside, nature and monuments.”
According to CzechTourism data from 2024, 48% of domestic tourists visited a location where a film, fairy tale or television series had been filmed, while 9% specifically sought out such destinations. Popular locations include castles and chateaus such as Hluboká nad Vltavou, Bouzov, Červená Lhota and Karlštejn, as well as historic cities including Český Krumlov and Prague.
Czech Republic strengthens its position as a filming destination
The partnership arrives as the Czech Republic continues to rank among Europe’s most active destinations for international film and television production. A combination of historic architecture, natural landscapes, modern studios and experienced crews has made the country a frequent choice for projects from Hollywood and global streaming platforms.
Recent productions filmed in the Czech Republic include Apple TV+’s Foundation, Netflix’s The Age of Innocence, Prime Video’s Ride or Die and the upcoming series Blade Runner 2099. Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film What Happens at Night, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen and Patricia Clarkson, also used Czech locations including Prague, Úštěk, Ratboř Castle and Žatec.
Earlier international productions filmed in the country include Casino Royale, Mission: Impossible, The Chronicles of Narnia, Spider-Man: Far From Home, The Gray Man, Nosferatu and the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front. Czech locations have also appeared in Indian productions including Superstar, Jab Harry Met Sejal and Bang Bang, helping raise awareness of the country among international audiences.
The Czech Republic’s appeal has been strengthened by changes to its audiovisual incentive system, which increased rebates to 25% for qualifying productions and 35% for animation and digital projects beginning in 2025. Officials say that film production also delivers broader economic benefits, with up to 60% of production spending flowing into industries outside the audiovisual sector, including transportation, construction, hospitality, catering and crafts.
International research has also highlighted the potential of screen tourism. The Czech Republic was recently included among the world’s top 10 destinations with the greatest potential to attract visitors through new films and series, according to the Screen Tourism Forecast Index.
Through the new partnership, CzechTourism and the Czech Film Commission aim to turn the country’s growing visibility on screens into longer-term tourism opportunities, particularly for regions beyond the traditional tourist centers.
