Macro-regions of international tourism in the world economy and the position of the Czech Republic

At the end of 2019, the highly contagious covid-19 disease appeared in China, spreading to other continents in 2020. The tourism sector has become the most affected sector of the economy due to restrictions to prevent faster spread. The main focus of this diploma thesis is to analyse the importance of tourism in each macro-region of tourism and subsequently in selected countries from each macro-region. The first secondary objective of the thesis is to analyse the differences in the importance of the tourism sector in the economies of the different states. The next sub-objective is to identify the importance of tourism for the economy of the Czech Republic and the last sub-objective is to analyse the opportunities that the Czech Republic has in this sector. To meet the objectives, an analysis of international tourism data was carried out using UNWTO and WTTC statistical sources in each macro-region and then in selected countries. All macro-regions and selected countries were firstly described in terms of individual economic indicators and based on these indicators a comparison was made. Within the chapter concerning tourism in the Czech Republic, an analysis of similar indicators as for the macro-regions was carried out and then a SWOT analysis was carried out. The thesis concluded that smaller island and coastal countries with a high share of tourism in their GDP are more dependent on tourism and have endured the situation associated with the covid-19 pandemic less well than economies with greater diversification. After analysing the opportunities of the Czech Republic, the country's potential was identified in its local traditions and folklore, low prices and the high popularity and renown of its capital city in the world.