Brussels, 08/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - The World Tourist Organisation (UNWTO) and the European Travel Commission (ETC) have signed an agreement committed to advancing their joint efforts to address major issues facing the tourism sector. One of the major initiatives under the new cooperation agreement is the establishment of the Global National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) Think Tank. This will provide a forum for the heads of national tourism bodies from all world regions to identify and work together on issues of shared interest, from changing market conditions and trends to new technologies and consumer rights. ETC President, Petra Hedorfer explained: “Europe, as the world's most visited travel destination, stands a lot to gain from this partnership. Research and market intelligence is of critical importance now more than ever, and today's agreement not only strengthens the importance of collaboration at European level, but also on a global level.” (IL/transl.fl)