Brussels, 06/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Determined to “promote Europe as a tourism destination” and to strengthen co-operation with the countries of Latin America which have “considerable tourism growth potential”, the European Commission, in cooperation with several European governments, the tourism industry and major airlines, is promoting the “50,000 tourists” initiative, an “innovative” project which aims, over the next two years, to attract 50,000 tourists from Chile, Brazil and Argentina to Europe in the low season (October-March), while at the same time encouraging European tourists to visit Latin America. The announcement was made by Industry and Entrepreneurship Commissioner Antonio Tajani on 1st June, indicating that he would travel to the three countries between 9 and 13 June.
The project follows the Commission's commitment in its latest tourism communication “Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination - a new political framework for tourism in Europe”. A memorandum of understanding was signed by France, Italy, Lithuania and Spain, six major European airlines (and others may join) and the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators' associations (ECTAA). Promotional campaigns will be carried out aimed at Argentina, Brazil and Chile and residents of all EU countries.
The goal of the project, which may be extended to other non-EU countries if it is successful, is to promote tourism between the EU and third countries which have common roots, and cultural, linguistic and educational links and, more prosaically, to make better use of available spare airline and accommodation capacity in the off-season. (F.G./transl.rt)