ETC, Amadeus Ink Partnership

Amadeus and the European Travel Commission (ETC) have signed a strategic partnership to promote Europe as a tourism destination.

The partnership agreement falls within the “Destination Europe 2020” strategy, a joint initiative between the European Commission and ETC to strengthen the image of Europe in long-haul markets through promotional activities and the implementation of new technologies in co-operation with major industry stakeholders. Amadeus announced the provision of the VisitEurope app in November.

Amadeus and ETC will work together to promote Europe aiming at strengthening the European tourism industry’s competitiveness as one of the main engines of economic growth and employment.

Amadeus will contribute with its technology solutions and its knowledge of the European travel industry, whilst ETC will bring in the local knowledge of its 33 National Tourism Organization (NTOs) members.

Amadeus and ETC will co-operate in three main areas:

!!! Technology – Amadeus has developed VisitEurope, a mobile app with innovative search and social media features, to market Europe as an attractive tourism destination. (http://www.amadeus.com/blog/04/03/visiteurope-app)

!!! Joint research initiatives to analyze relevant travel industry trends and market-specific insights.

!!! Organization of seminars and educational programs to realize the potential of the European travel industry to attract more visitors to Europe.

Peter De Wilde, president of the European Travel Commission commented, “We are glad to work together with key industry representatives who share with us our common goal of promoting Destination Europe. I am convinced that this partnership will help us to safeguard Europe’s position as top travel destination with proper knowledge gathering and sharing and skilfully bringing together private and public efforts.”

(http://www.etc-corporate.org)