Brussels, 25/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - To build up tourism flows between the EU and South America in the low season, the European Commission and the governments of a number of Latin American countries will work closely in 2012 and 2013 with the tourism industries and airlines in the two regions on the 50,000 tourists pilot project.
Mexico, which signed a statement of intent on 17 January, and Paraguay, having made enquiries, are expected shortly to join their Latin American neighbours that are already involved - Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay - in the joint initiative with five EU countries - France, Italy, Lithuania, Poland and Spain - which is seeking to increase low-season tourism flows between the two continents. By making use of the spare airline and accommodation capacity, the initiative hopes to extend the tourist season and so boost employment and benefit local host economies.
The 50,000 tourists project involves a number of airlines, including Alitalia, Air France, British Airways, Iberia, Lufthansa and TAP Air Portugal, and tourism industry associations such as the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA).
The initiative will encourage South Americans to visit Europe between October 2012 and March 2013, and Europeans to visit South America between May 2013 and October 2013. Applications are open to residents of all EU countries and the four participating South American countries who have family ties on the other continent, or who want to travel for educational or cultural reasons or who have an interest in gastronomy or religious tourism. (EH/transl.rt)