Long haul markets are vital to European tourism

ETOA members bring clients from long-standing markets such as the USA and Japan, and from emerging markets such as India and China. But we should not assume that tourists will naturally gravitate towards Europe.

That is why ETOA is working hard to ensure that Europe remains an attractive and competitive destination by tackling major barriers such as visas and their processing while also providing insight and research into various markets worldwide.

Visas - overcoming challenges

Following the introduction of the new Visa Code in April 2010, ETOA launched a study into the practicalities of visa processing for the Schengen Area, UK and Ireland, and implications for European inbound tourism.

We collected feedback from tour operators and travel agents worldwide. The interim report - published in October 2010 in Brussels - offered a first view of how the new procedures are working across a broad range of origin countries.  

Your professional input is required

ETOA is now working in consultation with the European Commission and with the UK and Irish governments. 

We are now asking tourism professionals who work with markets affected for specific examples of issues encountered in visa processing, as these will add detail to the figures already revealed by the interim report.

To contribute to this project or for more information please contact Nick Greenfield, Head of Tour Operator Relations.