How is Nový Máj performing compared to your expectations? Is it profitable? Which floors are the most successful?
Nový Máj has been developing very positively so far – visitor numbers and revenues in key parts of the project have exceeded our original expectations. During the first year of operation, it became clear that the concept we chose appeals to a wide spectrum of visitors and that it works in practice the way we’d hoped. The individual concepts are already generating operational profits, which we see as an encouraging signal for the coming years. The upper floors are the performing best – especially Levels and the rooftop restaurant Fly Vista. Both of them naturally support the attractiveness of the entire building and attract visitors to return repeatedly.
How did you replace the children’s play center?
The Levels concept performed above our expectations after opening, and its expansion to another floor thus became a natural step. Originally, a children’s fun center operated on this floor, which we replaced with another floor of Levels – featuring interactive attractions, a large conference hall, and the largest 4K screen in the Czech Republic. We wanted to respond to visitor interest and strengthen what works best in the building. Levels proved to be a strong and viable concept that naturally attracts a wide spectrum of visitors.
What percentage of visitors are Prague residents? How many of them are foreign tourists and how do you try to reach this segment?
According to our internal data, for example from payment cards, we estimate that approximately half of the visitors are Prague residents. The rest come from other parts of the Czech Republic and from abroad. We try to reach foreign visitors through a combination of online and offline activities – for example, digital campaigns, collaboration with travel-focused influencers, or through presentations in selected locations such as airports and tourist-frequented areas.
What is your strategy for increasing revenue?
The building operates based on long-term rental contracts, so rental income is largely predetermined. Any potential growth could come more from extraordinary activities – for example, short-term rentals of passages or spaces for advertising and event purposes.
With the concepts we operate ourselves (like Levels or Fly Vista), we mainly try to make people want to come back to us. We organize various events, adjust our offerings according to the season, and work to ensure that every experience is worthwhile. The best result is when they come back, and we think they will if they enjoy being with us.
How important are the butterflies by David Černý — and will you be able to keep them?
The butterflies by David Černý are a significant visual element that gives Máj’s facade an iconic character and attracts public attention. At the moment, they are part of the center’s long-term concept, and we are interested in keeping them as part of the building’s identity.
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