The Czech Republic has seen a strong rise in foreign visitors over the past 12 months as the country continues to benefit from EU membership.

Figures from the association of Czech travel agencies association ACCKA has revealed that the total number of foreign tourist numbers increased by four per cent to total 6.64 million in 2006, reports the Prague Daily Monitor.

Tomio Okamura, spokesman for ACCKA, confirmed that there has also been an increase in the amount visitors are spending, rising by 1.5 per cent compared to last year.

Prague remains the most popular destination for tourists, with 57 per cent of visitors visiting the city and spending around 80 per cent of the total income from foreign tourists.

It is expected that the number of foreign tourists visiting the Czech Republic will continue to increase in 2007, with many visitors taking advantage of the growing number of low-cost regular flight services to the region from a number of European and international countries.

The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004 and its property market has benefited from membership, especially following the relaxing of regulations for foreign ownership. This has helped to boost the level of overseas investment significantly and made the process of buying property in the region straightforward for EU citizens.

Favourable tax legislation and a highly educated workforce has also helped to develop the Czech Republic's profile as a leading location for many successful international firms as well as ensuring its development as a tourist destination.