Communications
04/03/2025 Launch of Fund-Raising Campaign for Ukrainian Children's Summer Camps in Europe
The European travel industry and New Hope Travel Industry Children’s Fund are coming together to launch a European-wide fund-raising campaign to help organize summer camps for Ukrainian children affected by the ongoing conflict. This project builds on the successful summer camp organized by the Association of Swedish Travel Industry (SRF) in 2024. 43 children aged 8 to 17, accompanied by 5 adults, travelled by coach from Kiev in Ukraine to Stockholm in Sweden for a 10-day adventure exploring cultural landmarks and enjoying recreational activities. This was made possible through the very generous support of industry partners, who offered free accommodation, ferry transport, food, entertainment and other logistical support.
17/09/2024 EU Tourism Industry Coalition - Concerns over Royal Decree 933/2021
Royal Decree 933/2021 is disproportionate and unnecessary in relation to the purpose of the data
collection, as it goes beyond the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Travellers will be reluctant to choose Spanish destinations in the future if such an extensive collection of data is in place and will prefer less burdensome alternatives. The Decree will impose significant and unnecessary additional administrative burden and costs for companies (e.g. hotels, travel agents, tour operators, etc.) de facto increasing the price of holidays in a highly competitive market. It raises the question of how tourism business operators, especially micro-enterprises, will be able to cope with the legal requirements.
Recognising that tourism has been “badly hit” by the COVID-19 crisis, ECTAA is pleased to see that Tourism Ministers are eager to use the EU Recovery Fund for tourism. ECTAA also welcomes their support for a “harmonized solution” for refunding travel packages, including vouchers (link).