ECTAA

Join us for a day of discussion and exchange on the future of #travel protection at the ECTAA Travel Protection Summit on 19 February 2025 in Hilton Brussels Grand Place. The travel industry has moved beyond the initial shock of the global health crisis, but its impact can still be felt and challenges remain. Macroeconomic instability, geopolitical tensions, and environmental risks continue to create uncertainty for travelers and businesses. Travel protection plays a vital role in addressing these challenges, but it takes different forms in B2B and B2C contexts. Businesses need to reduce risk and safeguard their partnerships within the travel ecosystem. Travelers need peace of mind and to feel protected in the event of cancellations, medical emergencies, or logistical disruptions. Our event will bring together experts, policymakers, and industry players to discuss the following topics: - Understanding the different travel protection needs for businesses and consumers. - Examining how travel protection reduces risks while managing costs. - Analyzing the role of competition and regulations in the industry. - Exploring innovative solutions to improve travel protection. The following speakers are confirmed Paul van Alfen, Up in the Air Gregoire Toussaint, Edgar, Dunn & Company Frank Oostdam, ECTAA Roberto Da Re, Travelledger Sami Doyle & Will Plummer, Trust My Group Olivier DUGARDYN, OD law firm ... more names to come! Participants can expect a day of expert insights, practical solutions, and constructive dialogue, aiming to address the complexities of travel protection while fostering sustainable growth in the industry. This event represents a unique opportunity in Brussels, serving as an ambitious initiative to shape the future of travel protection through transformative dialogue and collaboration. For more information and registration, visit oud dedicated webpage: https://lnkd.in/ezb9PuS3 #TravelProtection #Travel #Tourism #Innovation #guaranteefunds #payment #insurance #digital #fraud #standardisation #airlines #PTD #PSD3

In April this year 10 leading European travel and tourism associations signed a joint declaration “EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era” in which they commit to taking decisive actions to minimize adverse effects and maximise positive contribution. Today the group convened in the European Parliament for a high-level meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard and other Members of the Tourism Task Force, as well as European Commission and EU Member States representatives. The group contniues with its efforts to foster collaborative dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers, with a focus on advancing the sector's efforts towards enhanced sustainability, resilience and effective climate change mitigation. Commissioner Tzitzikostas supports the initiative and highlighted that the Rhodes declaration sits very well with the political priorities of the European Commission. The sector should get the support that is needed to manage necessary changes. As MEP Attard highlighted, European tourism has to be safe, secure, sustainable and inclusive. Despite feeling the effects of climate change, tourism should not only survive, but thrive. Airlines for Europe (A4E), ACI EUROPE, CLIA, ECTAA, European Exhibition Industry Alliance, European Regions Airline Association, HOTREC - Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés in Europe, IAAPA, IRU, #RURALTOUR

🌍 How Can Small-Scale Travel Agents Champion Sustainability? ✈️✨ Sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility we all share. In our latest Inside Travel & Policy episode, Christina Russe shares insights into how small-scale travel agents can make a big difference. Let’s empower the travel industry to lead the way toward a greener future! 🌱 🎧 Catch the full episode for more tips and actionable insights: YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eAbJp5Eq Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eCETgWXW #SustainableTravel #InsideTravelAndPolicy #TourismInnovation

Why would package travellers not benefit from multimodal passenger rights? We do not understand that proposal of the Council of the European Union either...

The latest episode of Inside Travel & Policy is now live — "Smarter and Greener Travel for a Sustainable Future"! 🌍✨ In this episode, Christina Russe joins us to discuss the importance of sustainability in the travel industry. She covers the impact of climate change on tourism, the critical role travel intermediaries play in promoting sustainable practices, and how businesses can adapt to new regulations and evolving consumer expectations. Don’t miss this important conversation on how the travel industry can lead the way toward a more sustainable future. 🎧 Listen now: YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eAbJp5Eq Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eCETgWXW

🏞️ Throughout the year we have highlighted several different types of well-developed tourist products in Bulgaria. Every time we knew it was the right decision to name Bulgaria the #PreferredDestination for 2024. And today we’re looking into how widespread, and how well has the SPA industry developed various regions in the country. 💦Pavel Banya, with its seven mineral springs, is a hub for rehabilitation and health restoration. Known for treating joint, bone, and muscle conditions, Pavel Banya’s waters offer a soothing, natural remedy. Visitors can combine their wellness treatments with the region’s beautiful landscape, set in the heart of the Rose Valley. 💧 Hisarya offers a mix of rich history and wellness options. The town, just north of Plovdiv, is famous for its ancient Roman baths and over 20 mineral springs. Historically the healing waters have been used to treat kidney and urological diseases and conditions, and those benefits have been known to locals and foreigners for centuries. Here, one can immerse himself in the serene ambiance of the town’s Roman ruins while enjoying the modern luxury of its SPA hotels. 🌿Kyustendil, often referred to as the “town of springs”, is known for its special mineral waters that aid with skin and cardiovascular issues. Set against a backdrop of cultural heritage and peaceful nature, Kyustendil offers an authentic SPA experience. The town’s relaxed atmosphere, combined with its natural resources has transformed the city into a hidden gem for wellness travelers. 🌸 Belchin is located just outside of Sofia, where it offers a little known intimate retreat. Below it deep thermal springs, whose waters can reach up to 41°C, are sources of unique healing waters. The local boutique SPA hotels have sourced the water to create pools, highly effective for alleviating stress and speeding up muscle recovery. With the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, Belchin has become an idyllic setting for unwinding and disconnecting from the big city. ✨ From historic towns like Hisarya and Kyustendil to the tranquil escapes of Belchin and Pavel Banya, Bulgaria’s SPA and Balneo offerings are diverse and plentiful. Each location brings its own flair, making Bulgaria a standout wellness destination. 📅 Be sure to add these SPA centres to your travel list and if you want to know more, follow our coming webinar on 12 December: https://lnkd.in/eXFAKM7W #SpaTourism #BalneoTherapy #PavelBanya #Hisarya #Kyustendil #Belchin #Bulgaria2024 #PreferredDestination

Join our upcoming webinar with Vamoos Travel App to explore how travel companies can better meet evolving traveler needs. Hear from Peyton Labiak, Vamoos Customer Success Graduate, as we discuss: •⁠ ⁠Approaches to enhance client engagement •⁠ ⁠Tools for effective trip planning •⁠ ⁠Ways to improve customer loyalty •⁠ ⁠And more! Date: Tuesday, 21st November Time: 10:00 CET

🌿 Looking towards the end of #2024, and as the tourist flow starts seeking cozier, more wintery options to spend the cold days, it would be a missed opportunity to not present the city of #Velingrad, “The SPA Capital of the #Balkans”. The charming town, deep in the Rhodope Mountains in the south of #Bulgaria, our #PreferredDestination for 2024, offers a perfect blend of nature and modern spa luxury. 💧 With over 80 mineral springs, each offering unique healing properties, #Velingrad stands as a sanctuary for those seeking health, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The mineral-rich waters, renowned for their benefits in stress relief, detoxification, and enhancing joint mobility, are the centrepiece of the town’s luxury spa hotels. These properties offer a wide range of treatments, from therapeutic mineral baths to hydrotherapy massages, all designed to deliver the ultimate balneotherapy experience for visitors. 🌸 More than just a SPA town, Velingrad is surrounded by the beauty of the Rhodope Mountains, offering tourists a chance to connect with nature. After a day of relaxation, visitors can explore the nearby Kleptuza Lake or enjoy a peaceful hike through the lush forests. The blend of tranquility, fresh air, and thermal waters creates a unique refreshing and revitalizing atmosphere. 💆♀️Whether one is planning a quick gateway or a longer wellness holiday, Velingrad is a must-visit this autumn – winter season. World-class SPA experiences in quiet mountainous cities are precisely why we chose Bulgaria as this year’s #PreferredDestination. #Velingrad #SPACapital #Balneo #Wellness #Bulgaria #PreferredDestination #spatourism 

ECTAA Stands with Ukraine – #ForAsLongAsItTakes  As we mark the 1000th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, ECTAA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to standing with the Ukrainian people. Each day, they endure unprovoked aggression and terror, reminding us all of the urgent need to defend Ukraine's security, democratic integrity, and hope for a just and lasting peace. We welcome today’s European Parliament initiative to show its support for the brave people of Ukraine: today, tomorrow, and every day, until this unjust war comes to an end. This milestone is a call for unity and action, ensuring that democracy prevails against the forces of oppression. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues and friends at the Association of Incoming Tour Operators of Ukraine in this shared commitment.  #WeStandWithUkraine #ForAsLongAsItTak