Interview with Jaroslav Svoboda: From Hotel Owner to Chess Enthusiast

Title: Czech Inn Hotels Owner and Chess Enthusiast Jaroslav Svoboda Talks About His Love for the Game

Jaroslav Svoboda, the entrepreneur and owner of the Czech Inn Hotels chain, is not only a successful businessman but also a passionate chess player. In a recent interview, he shared his journey into the world of chess and his thoughts on the game.

Svoboda revealed that he learned to play chess at the age of 36, after receiving an email from Vaclav Klaus Junior, the President of a chess club in Prague. Intrigued by the game, Svoboda started playing in tournaments and even traveled to various chess events with his friend Vlastimil.

Despite starting late, Svoboda expressed no regrets about not learning the game earlier. He enjoys playing chess and has a rating of around 1700. When asked about his favorite player, Svoboda mentioned David Navara, a Czech player known for his unique style and humor.

Apart from his love for chess, Svoboda also shared insights into his successful career as a hotel owner. Starting with a small hotel in Harrachov, he now operates 26 hotels with thousands of rooms and employees. Despite the strategic thinking chess teaches, Svoboda believes that life is full of surprises and challenges.

As the owner of the Hotel Don Giovanni, the venue for the Prague Chess Festival, Svoboda expressed his support for the tournament and the game of chess in general. He highlighted the importance of chess in developing critical thinking skills and mentioned his support for the Vlastimil Hort Foundation, which aims to teach young people chess.

When asked about Prague as a city for playing chess, Svoboda praised the beauty and attractions of the city. He emphasized the cultural richness of Prague and its status as a safe and accessible destination in Europe.

Looking ahead, Svoboda shared his dreams of seeing the Prague Chess Festival grow and improve each year. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Svoboda aims to make the festival a premier event in the world of chess.

In conclusion, Jaroslav Svoboda’s passion for chess and dedication to supporting the game through the Prague Chess Festival showcase his love for the game and his commitment to its growth and success.