SPEAKER

Martin Plachý

Chairman of the Board
Royal spa

Martin studied International Relations at the Prague University of Economics and Business. He worked for 6 years at the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including 3 years as Deputy Head of the Czech Embassy in Singapore. As the Honorary Consul General of Singapore in the Czech Republic for 21 years, he has a strong diplomatic background. In 2001, Martin joined the family company, Royal Spa, and took over full management after his father's passing in 2016. Under his leadership, Royal Spa now operates prestigious spas in Luhačovice, Mariánské Lázně, Velké Losiny, and Ostrožská Nová Ves. He is actively involved in the spa industry, serving as Vice-President of the Medical Spas Association and the European Spas Association. Martin held the position of President of the European Spas Association from 2012 to 2016. Martin's dedication to public service also led him to work in the caretaker government as the 1st Deputy Minister for Regional Development from 2009 to 2010. In 2013, he was honored as the "Personality of the Tourism Industry" in the Czech Republic. His exceptional service earned him Singapore's high state award, the Public Service Star, in 2017. In 2019, he was elected as the doyen of the Association of Honorary Consuls in the Czech Republic. Martin's career showcases his commitment to diplomacy, business, and promoting tourism and hospitality.