Communications
28/05/2026 ECTAA Elects New President and Executive Board for 2026–2028
At its 132nd semi-annual meeting held in Prague and hosted by the Czech travel association ACCKA and Czech Tourism, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association elected Heli Mäki-Fränti as President of ECTAA for the 2026–2028 mandate.
As the newly elected President, Heli Mäki-Fränti brings extensive experience and long-standing involvement in the travel and tourism sector at both national and European level. CEO of the Association of Finnish Travel Industry (SMAL), she has led the Finnish association since 2007 and has served as Vice-President of ECTAA since 2022. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in travel policy, sustainable tourism and EU advocacy, contributing to the representation of the sector in key legislative discussions at European level.
10/02/2026 Tourism Manifesto welcomes the first EU Visa Strategy
A smart visa strategy is a pre-condition for the success of European inbound tourism. Increasing international visitor numbers is a core objective of the forthcoming sustainable tourism strategy, essential for supporting year-round travel and ensuring the economic resilience of destinations across Europe.
While the Schengen Area remains the world’s most visited destination, its continued leadership depends on a framework that is modern, efficient, and competitive. A future-proof visa policy must make legitimate travel easier, faster, and more predictable for leisure and business travellers alike.
