I’ve been involved in the tourism business for over a decade, which is why the recent discussion about Michelin has caught my attention.
In order for restaurants from all over our country to continue being listed in the prestigious Michelin gastronomic guide, the state treasury needs to allocate several million Czech crowns. In the current times of record budget deficits, budget cuts, and austerity measures, this expenditure might seem like a waste of money at first glance to some. However, I firmly believe that it’s essential to take a second look and step back to see the bigger picture and the benefits of such a public investment.
It’s worth noting that during a period when the entire gastronomic industry in this country has been severely impacted by the consequences of the coronavirus and historically high inflation, any form of assistance would be highly appreciated. After all, this sector directly or indirectly supports tens of thousands of people who form a significant group of taxpayers. Foreign visitors, who have always been a substantial part of the clientele, not only in Prague but also in other tourist cities, have yet to return entirely.
However, this is not merely about the gastronomic sector or, more narrowly, about two Czech restaurants currently featured in the famous guide. Remaining a part of the Michelin family should be a goal for the Czech Republic as a state. This is important not only for enhancing the prestige of our gastronomy but also because it serves as a significant attraction for tourists, business travelers, and culinary enthusiasts from around the world. The combination of cultural heritage, valuable historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and exceptional gastronomy is what can place our country at the top of the list of tourist destinations for high-income clientele. These are the tourists the state should aim to attract. They have the means and will continue to have them even during economic crises. These individuals are happy to spend their money where they can find the first-class gastronomy. And, of course, their expenditures will not be limited to just a visit to a Michelin-starred restaurant but will also include accommodations, transportation, services, and shopping, all of which will contribute to the Czech economy. These contributions will be significantly higher than the mere several million crowns allocated.
Losing the prestigious Michelin recognition, which is a draw for these travelers, would be a major mistake. Especially because several comparable countries have already paid the required fees. It’s not in our interest for affluent tourists to visit neighboring countries instead of coming to us.
Just as we don’t want to be just a “production line,” we also don’t want to be a tourist destination solely for binge-drinkers who come for cheap beer and create disturbances on the streets at night. We should support technological and technical innovations, domestic businesses with potential for growth, and, above all, Czech creativity in all its forms. Culinary art has managed to capture the enthusiasm of many Czechs in recent years, partly due to numerous televised culinary competitions. Their passion and creations are admirable, and it would be a waste not to harness this potential for the development of the Czech economy.
You might wonder what the rest of us will gain from this. Every form of recognition of a country’s culture not only brings prestige but also generates jobs and opportunities for companies and entrepreneurs. Remember how the travel attractiveness of various Czech sites was enhanced by their inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This brought higher revenues to the state budget, which is currently not in the best condition. I recall how, in a certain Japanese restaurant awarded three Michelin stars, a Japanese carpenter worked on the interior design. If he had created furniture for any other space, it would be unlikely that anyone would ever mention it, but in this context, everyone suddenly knew about him. Not only him but also the art of carpentry, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, which attracts many tourists from around the world.
Similarly, this could apply to our growers of ingredients, meat producers, winemakers, or brewers. A unique culinary experience can open the eyes of people from the farthest corners of the planet to the other beauties of the country they visit for good food. A visit to a top-notch “Michelin” restaurant can become a symbol of how something seemingly small or even mundane, such as a culinary experience, can have a massive impact on the perception and attractiveness of a destination.
Yes, we are facing budget cuts, and state subsidies to private entities will be reduced. But it’s crucial to consider whether cutting support for Michelin accolades is necessary. I believe that this would be a very well-spent investment that will pay the state back many times over. Furthermore, it will not significantly affect the budget deficit; if anything, it may positively impact it by increasing tax revenues from all entities benefiting from the growing interest in Czech gastronomy.
Ivana Tykač,
