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ETOA uses 30th birthday to call for joined-up tourism policy
The European Tourism Association (ETOA) has marked its 30th year by calling for a more co-ordinated approach to policy making for tourism.
Guests joined ETOA for its 30th anniversary celebrations in Brussels, which coincided with the opening of the new European Parliament last week.
At the event, Tim Fairhurst, secretary general of ETOA in Brussels said: "As we look ahead to 2030, what will we have done differently to ensure tourism remains a success?
"We call on policy makers at all levels, from EU to city hall, to take a co-ordinated approach to tourism strategy in the long-term interests of destinations, communities and visitors, and the job-generating industry we represent.
"We urge the European Parliament to maintain an ‘intergroup’ on tourism to ensure adequate policy co-ordination and scrutiny."
ETOA CEO Tom Jenkins added: "Thirty years ago, a handful of companies founded ETOA because the interests of a very important group of people needed a strong voice in Europe: visitors who come from around the world. Today, they are just as important, but just as often derided or dismissed.
"We are delighted that we continue to grow ETOA to reflect a fast-changing industry and have built a strong team to support our members.But throughout ETOA’s 30 years, the one constant has been that our members sell Europe in a worldwide market.
"We are constantly reminded that visitors have a choice – and the biggest risk to tourism in Europe is to take them for granted. Together with strategic partners such as ETC, we are here to ensure that tourism receives the recognition and support it deserves."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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