ABOUT US


EUROPEAN TRAVEL COMMISSION (ETC)

Presentation on the Work of the European Travel Commission.

WHAT IS ETC

The European Travel Commission (ETC) is the organisation responsible for the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination.

WHICH EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARE INVOLVED?

Thirty-three countries.European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.Others: Croatia, Iceland, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey.

SINCE WHEN?

ETC has been operating for more than 60 years. It was established in 1948, and operates as a non profit-making international organisation.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS?

The National Tourist Organisations (NTOs) of Europe handling national tourism promotion. They elect a President, three Vice-Presidents, a Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Market Intelligence Group and a Chairman of the e-Marketing Network for revolving two years terms.

WHERE DOES ETC OPERATE?

In four major overseas markets: Brazil, Canada, China, USA.

WHAT KIND OF PROMOTION?

ETC undertakes three basic activities: public relations, consumer advertising and trade promotion. Prior market research determines the choice of activities and campaigns in the overseas markets.

HOW DOES ETC FUNCTION?

OverseasThe representatives of the overseas offices of the European National Tourist Offices (NTOs) operating in the various long-haul markets join together to form an ETC Operations Group and elect a Chairman. They decide on a programme of joint activities for the promotion of Europe for the year ahead, propose a budget, and seek local industry support.In EuropeThis programme is submitted for approval to ETC's Members in Europe, who meet twice a year (in Spring and Autumn) for a General Meeting.

WHO PROVIDES THE BUDGET?

ETC is entirely financed by Members' contributions, calculated according to a set of agreed criteria. Additional financial support for specific campaigns is raised overseas. Long-standing local industry support for ETC's activities is proof of its credibility in the field. ETC's seed money is multiplied annually by two, three or even four times.

WHO CARRIES OUT THE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES?

Each Operations Group may hire the services of a public relations agency which is also responsible for raising local industry support. ETC's strength is that it has very low running costs, and can therefore allocate the major proportion of its funds to its overseas activities.

WHAT ARE ETC'S OTHER ACTIVITIES?

ETC provides a Forum for the Directors of the European NTOs to meet regularly and exchange ideas. It is in constant touch with all international organisations and with people working in tourism.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO ATTEND THE TRANSATLANTIC CONFERENCE IN 2014