sign in sign up
<<
Home , Eurail, Tour guide, Transport in Europe

SMARTGUIDE TRAVELLING THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HELPS YOU PROMOTE THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE TOURIST DESTINATION

AN INFORMATIVE TOOL INFORMATION AND IDEAS FOR TRAVEL AND PROFESSIONALS PLAN SMARTER BETTER UNDERSTAND REGIONAL TRENDS AND OFFERINGS GET THE EDGE FIND IDEAS TO HELP YOU DIFFERENTIATE YOUR OFFERING CONTENTS EDITORIAL

3.  Europe as a Single Destination Peter de Wilde, President ETC Europe’s New Tourism 4. Fostering Competitiveness in Europe’s Tourism Sector Paradigm Pedro Ortún, For many decades, tourists from all 6.  UNWTO on Europe: corners of the globe have seen Europe as the “ultimate” destination. The fact “An Impressive Performance” of being able to see the many countries Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, and cultures in what is the heart of UNWTO the “Western” world, sometimes even several in a day, is a major draw card for 7.  Accommodation in Europe Europe. In the past, and to some extent still today, 8.  Air Travel in Europe each European country does its own promotion on a global scale, and rightly 10. Rail Travel in Europe so, as each has its own very solid identity and culture. But in the knowledge that 14. Road Travel in Europe foreign tourists see Europe as a “single destination”, the ETC has been working Richard Barnes 16. Cruise Travel in Europe over the past years to underline – or highlight – the actions and efforts being Editor-in-Chief Cleverdis and ITB Berlin News 18. Cycling in Europe made by various receptive organisations to amalgamate and confederate services 19. Youth Travel in Europe and offerings across the union in order to make life easier for visitors and indeed tools to assist them in their planning 20. European Cultural Routes for travel professionals planning their tasks. This SMARTguide, compiled as an itineraries. initiative of the ETC, is one of a number 22. European Gastronomy Surreptitiously, but surely, many factors of steps being made with this very aim. have been changing in such a way as to In this publication, we have attempted 23. Wellness in Europe facilitate travel for foreigners, none the to bring together the key elements that least which was the Schengen accord, but may be used as planning support for you, 24. LGBT Travel in Europe also including deregulation of air and rail the travel professional from anywhere routes, modernisation of infrastructure, around the globe. It aims to give you a 25. Tourism for all in Europe and initiatives to promote such topics as firm overview of the ongoing evolution culture, events, gastronomy and nature. of Europe’s infrastructure, 26.  It is thus becoming increasingly essential as well as a number of new ideas and for the European tourism industry to initiatives, which we believe will result in 27. Practical Information be “up to speed” in terms of giving the improved planning for better targeted, or world’s travel professionals the right more “intelligent” future itineraries. Useful Links

• Publisher European Travel Commission, Rue du Marché aux Herbes 61, 1000 , Tel: +32 2 548 90 00 - Fax: +32 2 514 18 43 - [email protected] - www.visiteurope.com - www.etc-corporate.org

• Edition, produced by CLEVERDIS, 65 avenue Jules Cantini, Tour Méditerranée, 13006 Marseille, Tel: + 33 442 77 46 00 - Fax: + 33 442 77 46 01 - [email protected] • www.cleverdis.com SARL capitalised at Euros 155,750 - RCS Marseille 413 604 471 - VAT FR 95413604471

President & CEO: Gérard Lefebvre, Managing Director: Jean-François Pieri, Production Manager: Jean-Guy Bienfait, Editor-in-Chief: Richard Barnes, Art Director: Hélène Beunat. With the participation of: Bettina Badon, Andréa Hubac, Monia Tazamoucht

• Printing: Claes-Roels, 1600 Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Belgium • On cover: © iStockPhoto.com • Registration of Copyright March 2015

Information presented in this publication is purely indicative in order to illustrate subjects contained therein. No guarantee can be given as to the accuracy of data or content at time of printing and thus the latter should not be used to professional or commercial ends. While all efforts have been made as to accuracy and pertinence of content and data contained in this publication, CLEVERDIS may in no case be held responsible for the consequences, whatever their nature may be, that may result from the interpretation of this data or content, or any eventual errors therein. All rights are reserved. Any reproduction of the content of this publication, even partial, by any procedure whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior authorisation of the publisher. Any copy, whether by photography, photography film, magnetic tape, disc or other means constitutes a forgery, liable to punishment under French law under the legislation of 11th March 1957 covering copyright. All brands cited in this publication are registered trade marks and/or belong to companies which are their respective proprietors. The publishers and editorial staff decline all responsibilty as to opinions formulated in this publication by those interviewed or cited therein. Their opinions are entirely their own, and are included with the understanding that they contain, to our knowledge, no malicious intent. The inclusion of all texts, photographs and other documents supplied by those included in the report imply the acceptance by their authors of their free publication therein. Documents and photgraphs are not returned. It should be understood that this publication contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include assumptions relating to the timing of the record date. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialises or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the expectations outlined in these statements. Cleverdis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements during the period of publication. Photo Credits and Copyright: All Rights Reserved

www.visiteurope.com INTRODUCTION

Europe as a Single Destination Peter De Wilde – President ETC – underlines importance of consolidating global marketing efforts

Europe is one of the strongest travel brands in the world. The ETC is working on reinforcing Europe’s position as the number one

© VisitFlanders travel destination by identifying and clearly defining the values of the brand Europe in order to translate them into pan-European themes and products that are attractive to certain target groups in key markets.

To explain more clearly why we are doing this, currently, half of all international ETC IS arrivals to Europe are generated by only WORKING ON 8 markets – mainly intra-regional – with modest growth rates. This fact points to REINFORCING the potential to attract more visitors from EUROPE’S a larger portfolio of markets, especially POSITION AS THE in the fast growing economies overseas. Some emerging origin markets, such NUMBER ONE as China and Russia, have recently TRAVEL become much more important due to their strong growth in household DESTINATION wealth and spending power. However, these two markets combined still only represented 7% of tourism arrivals in Europe is a marvellous destination 2014. It is therefore vital today to develop to promote to your clients. As ETC, a clear roadmap for the joint promotion we work together with key industry of Destination Europe, capitalising on representatives who share with us a Europe’s common values. common goal in promoting Europe. The “Destination Europe 2020” initiative, We want to be the primary partner of Peter a joint program with the European all relevant public and private tourism Commission, aims to ensure Europe’s bodies when it comes to promote travel De Wilde visibility as a unique destination based to Europe. on market intelligence, industry We are focusing on issues that are President ETC consultation and a greater use of crucial for strengthening the European technology. The programme started travel industry such as travel facilitation, in 2012 and the activities focused, in competitiveness of the tourism industry particular, on a series of start-up actions, and increasing awareness amongst online consumer campaigns and a broad political leaders that the tourism industry industry consultation. The programme is a guarantee for sustainable economic now focuses on the development of and social growth. high-quality audio visual pan-European Together, we can raise the profile of content to be presented in an appealing and promote Europe as a destination, and informative way to visitors from particularly in overseas markets where long-haul markets, mainly through there is growing demand and perception online channels and social media and via of Europe as a single destination and not participation in travel and tourism fairs. as a collection of individual countries.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 3 INTERVIEW

Fostering Competitiveness in Europe’s Tourism Sector The European Commission works towards visa facilitation and improved communication to bolster the industry © European Commission © European

Over the past few years, the European Commission has implemented a Pedro Ortún wide range of initiatives in the field of tourism meant at enhancing the European Commission competitiveness of the sector and preserving the position of Europe as the no.1 world tourist destination. We know tourism is important to Europe … but just how important is it, and what are the Commission’s Director in the European Commission since 1988, since 1st January 2015 plans in tourism field for the near future? We put the question to the Pedro Ortún has taken the role of Commission’s Pedro Ortún … Director in charge of Tourism, of Textiles, Fashion, Design and Creative Europe is the first tourist destination in for tourism to grow in a sustainable and Industries and of Key Enabling the world and has kept its number one responsible manner. The Commission will Technologies and the Digital Economy position in the past years. The EU reached focus on the following main challenges: in the new DG for Internal Market, 456.6 million international tourist arrivals the increasing competition from emerging Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). in 2014, which corresponds to a share of markets, the need for better ICT uptake almost 40% of the worldwide total, and and innovation, as well as for a better scored an excellent 5.3% increase in 2014. promotion of our natural and , and the seasonality with its In order to keep this competitive position in detrimental impacts on the quality of the future, the European Commission will tourism jobs. In order to face these continue focussing on initiatives which can challenges, the Commission intends to foster the competitiveness of the sector propose a set of common actions to be and create a favourable environment implemented in close coordination with

4 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com Fostering Competitiveness in Europe’s Tourism Sector The European Commission works towards visa facilitation and improved communication to bolster the industry

the Member States and in cooperation with the EU tourism industry and other …THE MAJOR FACILITATION private stakeholders. FOR VISA APPLICANTS WE ARE On 1st April 2014, the Commission adopted a proposal amending the current visa PUTTING FORWARD IS THE IDEA provisions. What are the main features OF DIFFERENTIATING THE and objectives of the proposed reforms? The basic ideas of this modernised TREATMENT OF KNOWN, visa policy were already laid out in a Commission Communication in November REGULAR TRAVELLERS AND 2012 focusing on the “Implementation UNKNOWN, FIRST TIME and development of the common visa policy to spur growth”. The recast is very APPLICANTS… ambitious and is articulated around the objective of easing the entire process for both applicants and for consulates. One of the proposed improvements for visa of promotional activities of the Member have very different needs compared to applicants is shortening of the maximum States and the European tourism industry. other visitors, and it is essential to bear deadlines from 15 to 10 days. But the Most importantly, the campaign was this in mind. major facilitation for visa applicants carried out in close cooperation with the we are putting forward is the idea of European Travel Commission (ETC). How do you see the role of the ETC differentiating the treatment of known, Building up on the success of this evolving over time? Will it become more important? regular travellers and unknown, first time first communication campaign, the ETC as the organisation which regroups applicants on the basis of clear, objective Commission envisages conducting a the National Tourism Offices of most criteria. This means, for instance, similar 18-month initiative in 2015 and European countries should have a crucial that frequent travellers will not have 2016. The aim will be to promote the role to play in the promotion of Europe as to present, again and again, the same image of Europe as a collection of diverse, a tourist destination in the future. documents and hence the visa application sustainable and high quality tourist process will be lighter, faster and less destinations and motivate tourists to take The high-level discussions on the expensive. Moreover, under the proposed their holidays in the EU, possibly in more occasion of the European Tourism changes, they will also have easier than one country. This time, the campaign Forum and European Tourism Day in access to multiple-entry visas (MEVs). At will target mainly tourists from European 2014 highlighted that it is important that the moment these proposals are being states, but also, to a smaller extent, from European tourism industry organisations examined by both the Council, composed selected third countries. The focus will be and enterprises at all levels continue by EU Member States’ governments, and on a restricted and cost-effective number to strengthen their collaboration under the European Parliament. of target groups with the highest potential for increasing tourism flows within the umbrella of a common European “Europe – Whenever you’re ready” Europe, in particular during the medium approach and positioning. I do believe that was the first and low season. this would be best done through a joint communication campaign by the initiative of public-private promotion of Commission. What’s planned for the near Do you feel tourism can also play a role in Europe as a tourist destination, through future? developing closer cultural ties, with, say pan-European/transnational tourism Indeed, «Europe – whenever you’re the Chinese people? products. ETC could therefore be the ready» was the Commission’s first I am absolutely convinced that this is the best placed organisation to lead on the international communication campaign case. The very essence of the concept of implementation of such an initiative in for the promotion of Europe as a top «people-to-people» contacts is getting to close cooperation with the European tourism destination. This communication know, understand, and ultimately respect Commission and the Member States and was merely complementing the thrust each other. Obviously the Chinese tourists their NTOs.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 5 INTERVIEW

UNWTO on Europe: “An Impressive Performance” Secretary-General Taleb Rifai outlines current tourism scenario in Europe

© UNWTO © UNWTO Taleb Rifai Secretary-General, UNWTO

How is the industry changing to adapt to new requirements of these new Chinese visitors? Chinese outbound travel is indeed a global phenomenon - growing from 10 million tourists in 2000 to 109 million in 2014. China is also the world´s highest spender, with a record US$129 billion in Europe continues to be the world´s most visited region. In 2014, international tourism in 2013, increasing Europe´s international tourist arrivals grew 4% with an additional eightfold since 2000. 22 million visitors – an impressive performance in spite of the persisting In response to this, many destinations economic challenges in the region. We asked Taleb Rifai, Secretary- around the world have taken proactive General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to tell us more measures to attract more Chinese tourists about his organisation’s research. by easing visa procedures for Chinese nationals, while and luxury shops Among subregions, AMONG are facilitating the language barrier by and Southern and Mediterranean Europe SUBREGIONS, introducing Mandarin-speaking staff. led with 7% growth. With the region´s Mature tourism destinations worldwide consistent growth, tourism continues to NORTHERN have responded by improving their visa be a key sector supporting Europe´s still EUROPE AND facilitation schemes, including Australia, fragile economic recovery and create so the UK and most recently, the United much needed jobs. SOUTHERN AND States. UNWTO welcomes these measures MEDITERRANEAN as they are vital to ensuring destinations What are the trends in terms of source can benefit from such an important and markets for Europe? EUROPE LED rapidly growing source market. Globally, traditional source markets such WITH 7% as France, and the GROWTH Which kinds of tourism are evolving the have been rebounding, which compensates fastest and why? for the slowdown in the emerging source has been growing markets that have been driving growth over recent years, particularly as this in previous years, such as the Russian corresponds to tourists´ increasing quest Federation that declined by 6% last year, important globally and to Europe. That for authenticity over traditional travel and Brazil which slowed down to 2% said, we must always remember that 80% itineraries. This kind of tourism embraces growth. China is still the world’s largest of all international tourists in Europe come a wide range of attractions, including outbound market and spender since it from the region itself and that it is thus gastronomy, the arts, architecture, topped the world rankings in 2012 and we fundamental to promote intraregional heritage, traditions and music – elements expect this marketing to be increasingly tourism. that distinguish the tourism experience.

6 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com ACCOMMODATION IN EUROPE

ETOA - YOUR

© Stutterstock UNIQUE NETWORKING PLATFORM

ETOA, the European tourism association, is the leading trade association for tour operators and suppliers with business in European destinations. Over 700 members contribute more than E12bn of business within Europe and include tour and online operators, intermediaries and wholesalers; European tourist boards, hotels, attractions and other tourism suppliers. ETOA aim to be the most influential driver for growth in European tourism and a trusted resource for policy makers and businesses. They want to improve the regulatory environment for European tourism; provide valuable services and Harmonising Classification expertise to their members & partners and design and deliver market-leading Streamlining the accommodation market trade events and seminars. in Europe ETOA offers an unparalleled networking/ contracting platform for tourism professionals organising B2B events. Their flagship workshops include: With more than 200,000 hotels in Europe, the past decade has seen major • HEM - Hoteliers European Marketplace. changes across the content and UK with regard to the streamlining of This is a one day workshop at which classification systems. European hotels and chains meet contractors from around the world. Since 2004, HOTREC1 and its associations STARS ARE IMPORTANT • MAMA – March Marketplace consists of two days of business meetings dedicated have been working on bringing the hotel According to a recent survey on behalf to selling the British and Irish product. classification systems in various European of the DEHOGA (German) national • City Fair – gives European destinations countries closer to one another. Under the association on the relevancy of varied and suppliers the opportunity to meet patronage of HOTREC – Hospitality Europe, sources of information for choosing a selected travel buyers in a productive business environment. the hotels associations of , Czech hotel, 47% of private travellers surveyed • Showcase.Travel Digital – brings Republic, , , , orientate themselves towards the technology buyers from tourism business and thus created the official star classification, a rise of more to meet technology providers. • GEM Hotelstars Union. Since then, the following than 6 percentage points compared to – Global European Marketplace brings together international travel countries joined the star family: the TNS survey of 2008. In the same buyers and European suppliers for one (2011), (2011), (2011), period, online reviews expectably rose day of pre-scheduled appointments. Last (2011), (2012), Belgium to the second most popular source of year 700 delegates attended with over 14,000 meetings scheduled across the (2013), (2013) and (2013). information for hotel guests following day. 15 countries are now participating. The personal recommendations of friends and The organisation also provides: joint hotel classification is a dynamic acquaintances. Tour ID cards to its member’s system. Its criteria and procedures are to support the freedom of tour guides working in Europe to deliver checked regularly and developed further More information on Hotelstars Union: cultural commentary to tourists in public according to the expectations of the www.hotelstars.eu places without interference. guests. For example, as customer needs Advocacy support on a European level, and technologies develop, aspects such high profile industry Campaigns and B2B marketing representation opportunities; as internet accessibility are becoming all in order to promote Europe as the increasingly important alongside the world’s number one tourism destination. more traditional ones, e.g. comfort of For more information: www.etoa.org sleep. The revised and tested criteria for hotels in all categories are gradually being 1.HOTREC represents the hotel, and café implemented in the individual Hotelstars industry at European level, bringing together 42 national associations representing the sector in 27 Union member countries from 2015 different European countries. onwards.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 7 AIR TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Removing the Bottlenecks Air evolves – with new efficiencies and higher levels of comfort

The liberalisation of the air across the industry communities. At time new techniques, passenger throughput transport industry in Europe of writing, in Europe there are 4 airlines can be increased back to the levels that in the early 1990s created a officially engaged in NDC pilots: Aer were achieved prior to 9/11 and the boom in air connectivity as new Lingus, British Airways, HeliAir Monaco subsequent tightening of regulations. airlines entered the market and and SWISS. Mr Schvartzman says results are highly traditional players increased encouraging: “It is about future-proofing their efficiency. That boom has Rafael Schvartzman, IATA Regional Vice the system so that if new regulations continued: travellers now have President, Europe explains that “New and checks are required, the system can unprecedented options for Distribution Capability will facilitate cope without the bottlenecks of the past. business, leisure, and meeting more efficient and comprehensive In time, we also hope that new Smart family and friends. The number airline distribution in the travel agent Security technologies will be able to mean of city-pair connections is double channel through the development passengers no longer have to remove that of 20 years ago – more than and market adoption of an XML- laptops, divest clothes, and other such 16,000. based data transmission standard for inconveniences.” communications between airlines and New Distribution Capability (NDC) is travel agents.” Meanwhile, Europe’s “Fast Travel” now transforming the way air products program responds to passenger demand are retailed to corporations, leisure and SMART SECURITY is another factor that for a more seamless travel experience and business travellers. IATA has announced will influence transits through European more control through six time saving, self- collaboration with a coalition of national airports. Schiphol and Heathrow airports service initiatives. They are: travel agent associations on a study to are running trials combining technological Check in: allowing passengers to receive look at options that could benefit the travel advances with process improvements and their boarding pass via self-service agents as NDC is now widely accepted a risk-based regulatory approach. Using channels (web, kiosk, mobile phone or

8 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com © Shutterstock Europe’s Airports …Adding new value for the traveller

Air transport in Europe continues to boom – in pace with tourism …DIGITAL growth, with a rise in traffic in 2014 TECHNOLOGIES of around 5%. Olivier Jankovec – ARE HELPING Director General – Airports Council AIRPORTS BE MORE International (ACI), says Europe is, together with Asia, the most “IN TOUCH” WITH advanced region in the world when it PASSENGERS… comes to working on the “passenger experience”. He says now the experience is being customised to give it a local flavour: “Airports have moved from being “Examples include mere infrastructure providers Schiphol airport, where one can to fully-fledged and diversified find an annex of the Rijksmuseum; businesses,” says Mr Jancovec. Removing the Bottlenecks Charles de Gaulle airport in has an annex of the Rodin In a recent report, the ACI outlined Air Transport in Europe evolves – with new efficiencies and higher levels of comfort ; while Athens airport is the fact that digital technologies are presenting Greek antiquities in the helping airports be more “in touch” terminal. Other initiatives include with passengers. “Of course with all Munich airport with its on site the social applications like Facebook automated), avoiding long lines at check-in brewery, Helsinki with a book-swap and Instagram, and how airports Bags ready-to-go: enabling passengers centre for passengers, Charles are using these to establish direct to deliver their bags tagged and ready for de Gaulle airport is developing connections with the passengers, acceptance to an airline representative or a signage and services in Chinese, this is something that didn’t – or self-service bag-drop Heathrow is developing couldn’t – exist five to ten years Document scanning: allowing passengers ‘personal shoppers’ who accompany ago. It places the airport-passenger to scan their travel documents at kiosks passengers through their visit.” relationship on another level.” for data verification and compliance with destination and transit requirements Flight rebooking: allowing passengers MAJOR NEW TERMINAL OPENINGS / EXPANSION to get proactively rebooked and obtain A new Terminal 2 satellite is In Oslo, there is 1.7 billion Euro their new boarding pass via a self-service opening in Munich in 2015; investment, with a new Terminal 2 channel such as kiosks in case of delays or A connector-building linking the under construction - due to open cancellations and so avoiding long lines two terminals in Brussels is a in 2017; Self-boarding: allowing passengers to self- major change to the passenger … and Helsinki is investing around scan their boarding token to gain entry to experience there; 800-million Euros into upgrading the aircraft, potentially using automated Terminal expansion is under way its airport facility. boarding gates similar to a train or metro at Riga airport; station There is major ongoing “We have seen in recent years a shift Bag recovery: enabling passengers to report refurbishing at Paris Orly; from spending money on developing a missing bag via a self-service channel Paris Charles de Gaulle is capacity, to spending money on instead of waiting in line at a baggage claim investing heavily in the quality of improving the quality,” underlines service counter its facilities; Mr Jancovec.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 9 RAIL TRAVEL IN EUROPE

European Rail Travel – Arrive Relaxed Europe’s high-speed train services “go international” – as “modal interfacing” becomes the order of the day © Rob van Esch Shutterstock.com © Rob van

Rail infrastructure has been developed in Europe since the 19th – Figueras – Perpignan link, which gives century and still prevails as one of the safest and most important passengers the possibility to travel from modes of communication across the continent from north to south Paris to Barcelona in four hours. and east to west. According to Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, There are more than 350,000 km of veritable “European system”. This is Director-General of the International railway lines in Europe today. In the 37 because all the domestic networks, Union of Railways (UIC), this has changed countries of Europe there are 120 railway which have been developed since the the transport paradigm in Europe: “This operators – with 8-billion passengers first TGV service began in 1980 between would probably not amount to more carried annually. Many investments Lyon and Paris, have now become an time than travelling from central Paris are being carried out to create new international network. Today, high-speed to one of its airports, queuing to check infrastructure, new links and renovate trains run across France, the UK, Italy, in, going through security, flying to the rolling stock, both for intra-city , Germany, and others. Barcelona, waiting for one’s baggage, and inter-city services, and there is a High-speed services now run for example then taking transport into the city. The growing number of international links… from London to Madrid, from Paris to Milan-Paris link is much the same, as which can be very interesting for visitors cities in Germany and Italy, and even are links to Geneva or Zurich, Brussels from outside Europe. The European further afield, with good connections to or Amsterdam. From Germany, many Commission is working hard to increase or the southeastern countries of services now continue on the Poland, the market share of rail, shifting from Europe. Austria and other destinations.” road and air transport. Advantages Thanks to efficient connections between Of course new projects are seeing the include safety and sustainability, but in the networks, high-speed train links light of day on a regular basis, and over addition to this, visitors are better able to run virtually from one side of Europe to the next years, many more links will be discover the landscape and cities at their the other. One such union, which was added – with projects including Budapest, leisure. launched in 2014, was the link between Vienna, Bucharest and Warsaw. An important factor is the high-speed the Spanish high-speed and French For travel professionals, it’s important network, which is now becoming a high-speed services, with the Barcelona t note that profound changes have

10 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com European Rail Travel – Arrive Relaxed Europe’s high-speed train services “go international” – as “modal interfacing” becomes the order of the day © Stutterstock

occurred in the European rail transport says Mr Loubinoux, along with the proper scene in recent times that will no doubt information in all languages, will give play out and have an affect on travel visitors from outside Europe very easy planning. access to all modes of transportation for “We are seeing the arrival of much more their visit. The easy interface between of what we call ‘modal interfacing’, modes is increasingly being implemented explains Mr Loubinoux. “The vision of in Europe’s train stations – just like in rail as a sole mode of transport belongs Europe’s airports. THE VISION OF to the last century. Today, rail is a RAIL AS A backbone of transportation, taking you E-TICKETING FOR TRAINS: CHANGING quickly and comfortably to a number of THE WAY PEOPLE ORGANISE THEIR “SOLE” MODE places, where of course there is a lot of TRAVEL PLANS… complementarity with other modes. If It started with the airline business in OF TRANSPORT you want to visit the small villages in the 80s with the Global Distribution BELONGS TO the Lubéron, or in , in the Baltic Systems, but now European railways countries or Spain or the UK, of course, have similar systems for reservations THE LAST you may need buses, coaches, cars and for ticketing and information, which are bikes. This is actually an advantage that to some extent interconnected thanks CENTURY rail has understood, in equipping stations to European partnerships, such as a more and more in complementarity with recent one in which Russia is able to other modes such as car rentals, intra- transmit information and ticketing via the city subways or coaches, or even bikes, French system and vice-versa. There are which makes access much easier for all many such bi-lateral and multi-lateral travellers.” partnerships that give outside visitors, This modal complementarity in Europe’s through web interfaces, the possibility to railway stations is something, which, prepare their travel in advance.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 11 RAIL TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Eurail. All of Europe in One Pass Passes are the best and most environmentally friendly way to see Europe © Eurail

SEVEN REASONS TO TRAVEL DISCOVER EUROPE WITH EURAIL offer unlimited travel for 15 days, 21 days, WITH EURAIL Eurail has become a symbol of unlimited one month, two months or three months 1) FREEDOM: Eurail Passes are rail travel throughout Europe. Providing and are suitable for people who wish to synonymous with borderless travel. access to more than 230,000 km of travel a lot with maximum flexibility. Passholders can travel whenever they interconnected railways, Eurail now offers Flexi Passes, on the other hand, offer want, wherever they want, throughout 28 its customers the opportunity to travel in unlimited travel for 5 days within 10 days, European countries. 28 different countries with an even greater 10 or 15 days within a 2-month period 2) FLEXIBILITY: Passholders can create number of transport organisations. Eurail and are ideal for travellers who have their own itinerary and they make multiple Passes are used by over 300,000 non- already planned their trip. The Eurail train journeys in a travel day. European residents of all ages every year, Select Pass allows the traveller to discover 3) VARIETY: Eurail is a gateway to and are available as a Global Pass, Select four bordering countries of their choice, exploring the geographical, historical and Pass, Regional Pass and One Country Pass. while Regional Passes allow rail travel cultural richness of Europe first-hand. in two bordering countries (or country 4) ENVIRONMENTAL-FRIENDLINESS: INTERRAIL – PASSES FOR combinations) and the One Country Pass Trains are often seen as one of the most EUROPEAN RESIDENTS gives unlimited travel in a single chosen environmentally friendly means of transport Interrail Passes are aimed at European country. 5) AUTHENTICITY: Travelling by train residents of all ages and are available as instantly immerses the traveller in the a Global or One Country Pass. Interrail WHAT’S NEW IN 2015? cultural fabric of Europe. Passes are sold by local European railways 6) EXTRA BENEFITS: Travellers are and at www..eu. For further EURAIL GLOBAL PASS entitled to an array of exciting Pass benefits information about Interrail Passes please ADDS NEW COUNTRIES including a variety of discounted and free visit: www.eurailgroup.org/interrail Four new countries join Eurail’s Global transportation services, ferry crossings, Pass offer in 2015. The additions of accommodation, attractions and city tours. TYPES OF EURAIL PASS Bosnia-Herzegovina, , Poland 7) MEETING NEW PEOPLE: Trains are the Offering unlimited travel in 28 different and bring the total to 28 countries perfect way to meet new people, travellers countries, the Global Pass provides an that can be explored with the . and residents alike, from all over the world extensive amount of choice to any traveller. The border connections created by this - a great additional dimension to the overall The Pass is available as a ‘Continuous’ expansion add even more possibilities to travel experience. Pass or a ‘Flexi’ Pass. Continuous Passes the already vast itinerary options.

12 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com SMARTguide Commercial Content

Eurail. All of Europe in One Pass Eurail Passes are the best and most environmentally friendly way to see Europe

NEW EURAIL GLOBAL PASS: with the introduction of the 1 st-class the international port of Patras to the FIVE DAYS WITHIN TEN DAYS Youth Pass. This pass which, was only domestic port of Piraeus. Eurail has added a new pass validity as available in second class prior to 2015, is well. Catering to the fact that not all now for sale at a 20% less than the cost RAIL PLANNER APP - DESIGNED travellers have an abundance of of the Adult 1st Class Pass. So everyone TO ASSIST RAIL TRAVELLERS days to explore 28 countries, the 5 in 10 can enjoy the journey together in 1st-class ON THE MOVE Days Global Pass option gives travellers comfort. The Rail Planner is a free and five travel days anywhere within a ten-day convenient app that provides span to visit non-bordering countries of ATTICA PASS: offline access to European their choice. A GREEK ISLAND HOPPING PASS train timetables while avoiding expensive Another way Eurail is giving customers roaming costs. With the app, travellers can CHILDREN TRAVEL FREE more options is with the Attica Pass, use the «Trip Planner» feature to organise With the new Children Travel Free initiative, a new One Country Pass to the Greek their travel in advance, or in Europe at children aged four to eleven can ride islands by ferry. With two international the train station, or even in the train for free with a family member or friend trips, travellers can use Italy as a itself. Passholders can find the nearest travelling on an Adult Eurail Pass. Up to jumping-off point. train stations using a built-in augmented two children per adult can travel for free. It offers six ferry crossings within one reality feature and see extra discounts and month: two international trips between benefits such as boat and ferry trips, hotels 1ST CLASS YOUTH PASS Italy and Greece and four domestic and . Travelling with children or friends in the trips for island hopping, and takes 12-to-25 age group has become easier care of travellers with a transfer from

EURAIL GLOBAL PASS

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

SWEDEN

IRELANDRELANDRELAANDND DENMARKENMNMARK

TTHEHE NETHERLANDSTHHERERRLANLALANDSNDDSS

BBELELELGIUMG UM GERMANY POLAND

LULUXEMBOURGUXEUXUXEMBOURGBBOOOUUURRRGG SLOVAKIAAKIA FRANCE SWSSWITZERLANDWITZERLAWITZWWITZEITZERZERLAERLARRLLAANDNDND AUSTRIA HUNGRIA SSLLOOOVOVENIAVEEENNIA

PORTUGALTTUGUGALUGAUGGAL BOSNIA- SERBIA HHERZEGOVINAERRZZ ITALY SPAIN MONTENEGRON O

TURKEY Valid for Global Pass GGRGREECRREECE

Valid for Global Pass from 2015 2014

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 13 ROAD TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Coach Travel in Europe Safe, reliable and efficient, it’s a highly economical form of getting around…

Travelling by coach in Europe is a

way of combining all the benefits © Stutterstock of car-pooling with comfort, safety and access to a professional service.

The lower cost of bus fares means travellers can cross Europe even on the tightest of budgets… and seeing Europe by coach gives them a freedom and flexibility often not offered other forms of travel. The largest regular coach network in Europe is known as Eurolines. Created in 1985, the Brand name Eurolines in fact groups 29 independent coach companies into Europe’s largest regular coach network. This network connects over 600 destinations, covering the whole continent. Every year, the Eurolines network 3.5 million of passengers to more than 600 destinations across Europe. Importantly, Eurolines hosts a website dedicated to travel agents that allows them to book, print and send by email a Eurolines ticket, manage their bookings, “seamless, cost effective and get a free quotation for a group, or comfortable transport alternative to THE “EUROLINES download timetables as well as General travel across Europe. Available in France, Terms and Conditions of Sale. the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, PASS” ALLOWS FOR The “Eurolines pass” allows for unlimited Spain and Germany, iDBUS reaches UNLIMITED coach travel between 41 destinations in 19 European destinations. iDBUS has COACH TRAVEL 21 countries on the Eurolines network. It been offering free Wi-Fi services to its is only valid on international journeys and passengers across its fleet thanks to a BETWEEN 41 travellers are not allowed to repeat any partnership with mobile operator Orange. DESTINATIONS IN route while using the pass. It is reported that already 50% of iDBUS 21 COUNTRIES “Busabout”, meanwhile, is Europe-wide customers regularly connect to the hop-on hop-off bus network designed internet during their trips. for backpackers. The network comprises According to Laurent Lenoir, Director a number of interconnecting bus routes of Information Systems at iDBUS, IMPORTANT: connecting the major cities with a few “Remaining connected while travelling When buying a bus or coach ticket, out-of-the-way destinations thrown in. has become a necessity, and Wi-Fi travellers may not be charged a higher The network comprises travel to around availability is among the top criteria for price because of their nationality or the 30 destinations in nine countries. choosing our company”. Electrical power place in which they are buying the ticket. Meanwhile in 2012, the French (until sockets are also available for travellers in Passenger rights are firmly protected in then) rail operator SNCF launched out order to use their laptops or charge other Europe. Links to information can be found into road transport with iDBUS, as a mobile devices. in the “Practical Information”, page 27.

14 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com ©Kushch Dmitry Shutterstock.com

is just “blocked” – not withdrawn from their account. Travellers should check Travelling before leaving home that their card limit is sufficient for this. The card must be in the name of the person driving the vehicle, who must also of course have a valid driver’s by Automobile licence and . Even if travelling as a couple, it is not possible to use a credit card other than that of the driver for the deposit (even if the rental is prepaid). This in Europe often catches travellers unaware, and is important to remember.

Making it to the “harder to get-to places” ROAD SAFETY While Europe allows free passage between “Schengen” countries, the basic road rules in each European country differ in terms of European roads are for the most part of a very high, if not exemplary speed limits, alcohol tolerance, accident standard, with freeway systems criss-crossing the continent and the UK. reports, and so on. It is therefore essential Car rental is thus often an option chosen by travellers from overseas. for travellers to know and understand the rules before taking to the road. Ignorance CAR RENTAL IN EUROPE In general, cars in Europe are smaller of the law is not an excuse to break it, and Europe’s car rental infrastructure is than in the US (as are the streets!) and local police will remind travellers of this excellent. Renting a car can be the best generally come with manual transmission. in no uncertain terms. You will find a link way to travel around the back-roads and Automatic cars are quite rare, and are in the “resources” section (Page 27) to sinuous coastal or mountain routes that rented at a premium. Europe’s online “Road Safety” guide. may not otherwise be reached by public transport. While it may seem obvious, It is very important for renters to remember ROAD SAFETY APP travellers are strongly recommended to to include their flight details on their What is the speed limit on Spanish reserve in advance. This assures not only a reservation, as if their flight is delayed and motorways? Do I need to wear a helmet better price, but is also wise due to the fact they have not done this, they may find their when I cycle in Sweden? Travellers are now that at various times of the year (not only in reservation is no longer valid. able to download a free European Road summer), rental agencies may be sold out. Renters will generally be asked for a valid Safety App that contains all important It is recommended to choose a company international bankcard (even if they have road safety rules and some fun games. It that has agencies in all areas that will be prepaid) for the security deposit, which is recommended that tourists travelling to visited, as in case of breakdown it will be varies depending on the type of car and Europe download it before leaving home, in much more convenient to change vehicle. from whom they are renting. The deposit order to save on roaming charges.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 15 CRUISE TRAVEL IN EUROPE The European Cruise Market Smaller ships get into new, undiscovered locations… while massive new vessels offer unmatched services

Lucerne, Switzerland © Shutterstock

While the Caribbean, according to the Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA), remains the world’s premier cruise destination, with 37.3% of …LUXURY global share in 2014, the Mediterranean (18.9%) and Northern Europe (11.1%) together account for 30%. AND NICHE LINES ARE For mainstream cruise lines, big ships P&O Cruises’ new 3600-passenger have become the name of the game over Britannia will be the biggest ship ever built EXPANDING the past years, luxury and niche lines are for the British market. The ship features expanding their small-ship offerings. “very British” interior design and features. THEIR SMALL- In 2015, Viking Cruises launches its Royal Caribbean Lines’ massive Anthem SHIP OFFERINGS… new “Viking Oceans” division, debuting of the Seas – a sister ship of Quantum of the 930-passenger Viking Star. France- the Seas – will feature more activities than based Ponant launches Le Lyrial, a anyone could hope to do during a cruise, and 264-passenger ship. These ships will another new factor that will please travellers Compagnie du Ponant and Hapag- take travellers off the beaten track to is “no set dining times” – a departure from Lloyd Cruises all offer trips to the Arctic, smaller, less trafficked ports, such as common cruise practice. Labelled a «smart passing through Spitsbergen, Iceland those offered in the “Best of Croatia” ship», she will be equipped with true high- and Greenland to view the bright scenery, tour with Le Lyrial, visiting ports such as speed Internet, RFID wristbands to open polar bears and walruses, to name but Sibenik, Pula, and Hvar. cabin doors and to make purchases, and a few. Cruises include the Disko Bay Other new cruise ships being launched an entertainment space, called Two70, that area with giant icebergs, fjords, wildlife in the Mediterranean include the seamlessly integrates technology with live and spectacular landscapes and various 2500-passenger Mein Schiff (eds: My performances from singers, dancers and ashore with kayaking and Ship) 4, which becomes the fourth ship acrobats. hiking. in German-based TUI Cruises fleet. The line caters to Germans, with German the NEW CRUISE IDEAS IN EUROPE Camping in the Arctic: Travellers can primary language spoken onboard all Tui Arctic Wilderness Adventure: For a more grab a taste of real Arctic exploration ships. ‘sub-zero’ nature experience, Hurtigruten, and join members of the Hurtigruten

16 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com The European Cruise Market Smaller ships get into new, undiscovered locations… while massive new vessels offer unmatched services

Lisbon () © © European

expedition team for a night camping and destinations include the Danube, DEVELOPMENT ashore in Spitsbergen, the largest and , Main, Moselle, Seine, Rhône and only permanently populated island of the Saône rivers. Increasingly, passengers OF CORE PORTS Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway. are able to arrive at their departure city WITHIN THE EU This cruise offers passengers the by high-speed train, rather than flying, as chance to be part of a Polar Bear watch, trans-European rail links are constantly Work is underway within the EU to help set up camp and listen to tales of improved. For many European River create more effective and uniform daring experiences by the expedition team Cruise lines, operators include a number corridors for transport of freight and passengers. This is being members. of shore excursions in the price. These are implemented through the Trans- typically guided walking tours or cycling European Transport Network (TEN-T) Glacier hike: For those with an explorer tours. initiative, which will be completed by spirit, experience an intense hike, venturing 2030. onto the glacier as part of a rope team, Europe’s largest River Cruise line, Viking As an element in TEN-T, 83 of the using crampons and a lot of teamwork for River Cruises, set a new “Guinness Book” Union’s 1,200 or so ports have been 1-2 hours. Participants will also be lectured record in 2014, launching 16 new ships in designated as Core Ports. These are on Glaciology in order to better understand one day, beating the company’s previous ports, which, via their geographic location and modern infrastructure, the surrounding nature. record of 10. By the end of 2015, Viking will have the greatest significance in the have a fleet of 50 vessels in Europe. development of the new transport RIVER CRUISING IN EUROPE corridors. European river cruising is riding on the NEW COMPANY ENTERS MARKET Core ports will find it easier crest of a wave – and is now the fastest For the first time in six years, a new river to obtain public support for growing sector of the travel industry. Over cruise company took to Europe’s rivers in investments and development the past few years, over 50 new river ships 2014. Emerald Waterways made its debut projects, e.g. for interlinking rail have taken to the water, and around 20 are on the Danube and Rhine rivers. Ships and road communications or other infrastructure initiatives that will being launched in 2015. The season runs boast an onboard heated swimming pool need to be implemented with from March to November – plus special with retractable roof, which in the evening, more freight being handled in the festive-market and New Year’s departures, transforms into a cinema. company’s facilities in the future.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 17 CYCLING IN EUROPE

On Your Bike Experiencing Europe on two wheels – with 14 Eurovelo Routes

How about travelling across routes, stretching from the © ETC the continent under one’s own Atlantic to the Black Sea, the steam? Thanks to EuroVelo, a Arctic to the Mediterranean, project of the European Cyclists’ each one has something new Federation (ECF), co-financed to offer. In 2015, the ECF by the European Union, cycling is particularly highlighting across Europe is now not only EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean possible, but safe, attractive Route, EuroVelo 13 – Iron and comfortable too. With Curtain Trail and EuroVelo 15 – network of 14 transcontinental Rhine Route.

NEW ROUTES OPENING – AND MORE PLANNED

Incorporating existing and impact of 97.7 million Euro per planned national and regional year when it is fully developed. cycle routes into a single Bearing in mind that the cost of European network, Eurovelo the core activities of the project currently consists of well over are set to total 58.5 million Euro 45,000 km of bike paths… and for the 2014 – 2020 period, it is an thousands of kilometres more investment well worth making. are planned. When completed in Skirting the Mediterranean, 2020, it will total over 70,000 km. Eurovelo8 passes by sparkling EuroVelo 13 – The Iron Curtain emerald seas, kilometres of Trail – connects 20 countries, golden sand, mysterious islands, 3 seas and over ten thousand wonderful food and ancient kilometres of formerly closed cities. Its opening was heralded border. A lighthouse project by Christiano Radelli, the of this scale has a clear commissioner of Italy’s tourism international appeal. By organisation ENIT: “Today sport captivating the imagination of tourism is highly demanded and an international audience it can it is a fast-growing sector of the bring people outside the typical global travel industry. Eurovelo8 cycle tourist profile around to is indeed a great opportunity cycle tourism and cycling more for Italy to fascinate new cycling generally. visitors with major artistic and The project is not only an attempt historical attractions standing to change people’s habits but along the itinerary. We believe makes financial sense too. cyclers will come with high According to the study “The expectations as Turin, Pavia, European cycle route network Ferrara, Venice are only some EuroVelo” commissioned by of the marvellous cities crossed the European Parliament, the by EuroVelo8. To meet their southern section of the Iron expectations we will have to take Curtain Trail (ICT) is expected good care of them providing high to generate 1.5 million daytrips, standard facilities and suitable more than 170,000 services.” trips and have a total economic More info: www.Eurovelo.org

18 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com YOUTH TRAVEL IN EUROPE © Eurail

traveller. Based on ETC’s analysis of TCI Research data, overseas youth travellers are more satisfied with a trip to Europe Youth Travel than both the European and average youth traveller. Their positive impressions stem from Europe’s attractions: its range Why Europe continues to be the number of natural and urban sights, historic one destination for young travellers attractions and leisure activities. Northern and Southern & Mediterranean Youth travellers (15-24 year-olds) are recognised as valuable visitors Europe lead in providing the most satisfying who seek novel and engaging experiences that go beyond leisure. experience in Europe. Although non- European youth travellers’ satisfaction with Juliet Stevens, Marketing Manager, In the framework of the ECM annual their trips relate, Northern Europe trumps World Youth Student and Educational meeting in 2014, ECM and TCI Research with the hospitality of locals, while Southern (WYSE) Travel Confederation recently produced a joint study on the youth & Mediterranean Europe surprises with the declared, “Youth travel is no longer a niche market. Olivier Henry-Biabaud, author of range of leisure activities, accommodation sector; it’s bigger than Facebook, bigger the report, commented: “Young travellers and restaurant options. than McDonalds and bigger than the are enthusiastic with old city centres and Argentinean budget. The global youth travel historical and cultural diversity: 76% of EUROPEAN YOUTH CARD industry is now estimated to represent 200 visitors take time to explore historical Supported by the , the million international trips a year, and the monuments vs. only 56% in non European European Youth Card offers discounts on youth travel industry has grown faster than cities; they find it easy to explore thanks to culture, travel, accommodation, shopping global travel overall. By 2020 the UNWTO accessible public transportation in cities and services in most European countries. estimates there will be almost 300 million offering safe and clean conditions for The European Youth Card Association international youth trips per year.” visiting and opportunities to enjoy days & (EYCA) is a non-profit organisation that night activities, interacting and engaging represents 41 youth card organisations in EUROPEAN CITIES ARE YOUNG PEOPLE’S more with local people” 38 countries across Europe. FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS Anyone under the age of 30 (or 26, European Cities Marketing (ECM), a EUROPE’S DIVERSITY ENCHANTS depending on the country or region) can network of leading Tourist Offices and YOUTH TRAVELLERS become a cardholder – they don’t have to Conventions Bureaux in Europe has added The European Travel Commission (ETC), be a student or a resident of a European youth travel into its strategy, considering identified that the beauty and cleanliness of country. For people coming from outside the opportunity this group present for the Europe’s landscape and the diversity of its Europe, they can buy the card (approx. 5 – 9 leisure and meetings industry. offer especially thrill the overseas youth Euros) online through www.eyca.org.

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 19 EUROPEAN CULTURAL ROUTES European Cultural Routes The soul… and the strongly beating heart of the western world

The Route of Saint Olav Ways (Norway)

Cultural tourism accounts for around 40% of all European tourism, and while culture here dates back many decades, the concept of Cultural THE MEANING Routes was officially spawned by the Council of Europe in 1987. OF MAN IN MANY ROUTES Spain (8.4%), Portugal (5.8%), Germany SOCIETY, IDEAS LEAD TO ROME (5.2%) and (5.2%). The rest In addressing the spirit of a modern of the countries each comprise 2.6% or OF LIBERTY AND pilgrimage, the declaration invited smaller percentages. Europeans – particularly the young – to JUSTICE, AND “travel these routes to build a society THE WAYS TRUST IN founded on tolerance, liberty, solidarity OF PILGRIMAGE and respect for others”. In this way, the From its beginnings, the concept of PROGRESS routes leading to Rome, and from Rome hospitable networks (the Order of Cluny, to Jerusalem, the Michaelic pilgrimages the Knights of Malta or St John) has and the pilgrimages dedicated to St Olav led to the development of a network in northern Europe have progressively of small businesses, initially religious, been added to the first route to create which federated agricultural and the most faithful and coherent image medical “clusters” to feed and care for possible of the great land routes which pilgrims. Today, with the renaissance of have structured the towns and villages of pilgrimages, this spirit of hospitality and MARITIME Europe. welcome has spawned resting points, AND TRADE ROUTES and semi-tourist accommodation The Phoenicians’ routes, starting in the The Cultural Routes programme of the facilities, which contribute to the local Mediterranean and stretching as far Council of Europe now comprises 29 development of the villages and rural as the Isles of Scilly (United Kingdom), certified Routes that cover 70 countries. spaces traversed, creating an entire enable one to analyse the evolution of France (10.4%) heads the list followed by “social economy” linked to a social, the concept of trading posts, and of the Italy (9.7%), supportive and ethical tourism. establishment of platforms for exchanges

20 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com European Cultural Routes The soul… and the strongly beating heart of the western world © Shutterstock

The Hanse (Hamburg, Germany) The Pyrenean Iron Route (Spain)

with local populations. It is equally of evolution in the economic forms of EUROPEAN clear that the towns of the Hansa are work in Europe; not forgetting that they the first example of the creation of an are also examples of a recent form of CAPITALS OF economic network founded on mutual economic innovation: the reconversion CULTURE insurance and risk-sharing. The towns, of an industrial activity into a heritage particularly Bruges, also had links to activity. Another excellent way to take in some culture in Europe is to enjoy the the Medici Bank and the great central European Capitals of Culture. European markets. The Via Regia is also LANDSCAPES This initiative by the European one of the oldest commercial exchange AND CIVILISATIONS Commission is designed to highlight corridors in Europe. The Route enables The Routes of the Olive Tree and the the richness and diversity of cultures one to interpret the geography and nature Iter Vitis Route are particularly relevant in Europe, celebrate the cultural features Europeans share, increase of these exchanges and the creation models for studying the economy and European citizens’ sense of belonging of small and medium businesses from management of landscape as well as the to a common cultural area and foster the age of pedlars to transportation via economic structure of small agricultural the contribution of culture to the articulated lorries on the new east-west businesses before the development of the development of cities. motorways built since the last world war. food processing industries. The initiative was developed in 1985 and has, to date, been awarded to more than 50 cities across the THE CULTURAL ROUTES OF THE EUROPEAN ROUTE European Union. The 2015 European INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE OF HISTORICAL THERMAL Capitals of Culture are Mons The Iron Route in the Pyrenees, primarily TOWNS (Belgium) and Pizen (Czech Republic). designed to present and interpret This Route is particularly suited to European Capitals of Culture have a network of small historic crafts studying the evolution of the tourism already been designated until 2018: enterprises which employed a cross- economy, from spa treatments to the 2016 – Donostia-San Sebastián (Spain) and Wrocław (Poland) border seasonal workforce, and the development of well-being tourism linked 2017 – Aarhus (Denmark) and European Iron Trail in , to the rediscovery of one of the great Paphos () showcasing the great industries of the historic heritages of tourism. 2018 – Leeuwarden (Netherlands) region, are at the heart of the concept More info: www.coe.int/routes and Valetta (Malta)

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 21 EUROPEAN GASTRONOMY

Europe is… Delicious! Gastronomy: one of the most memorable aspects of a European tour

It goes without saying that the extraordinary variety of cuisines from one end of Europe to the other is one of the key attractions for foreign visitors. ©Jakub Dvorak - Trnava Tourism - Trnava ©Jakub Dvorak But the way people learn about where to go is of course changing. Yes, social media plays a big part today in helping people decide which restaurant or bar may be to their liking in the city they’re visiting, it is important for travel professionals to be aware of trends and food-related events in order to point tourists in the right direction. A recent study on food travellers1 reveals that these people are most interested in local and authentic foods and culinary experiences that are different from those they can get at home. Gastronomic consumers are travellers seeking the authenticity of the places… They recognise the value of gastronomy as a means of socialising, as a space for sharing life with others… exchanging experiences. festivals in 36 countries, and a vast range It’s thus fair to say that here is no more of unique travel experiences related AS THE delicious way to experience the “soul of to European cuisine and gastronomic TRAVELLER European culture, history and traditions” traditions. than through its food. As the traveller Routes are suggested, with users able MEANDERS meanders through Europe, he or she will to select countries and regions and a THROUGH EUROPE, find numerous gastronomic fairs, festivals countless array of product categories, such and trails to taste the unique local products as breads, beers, cheese, chocolate, fish, HE OR SHE WILL and dishes. These events are becoming pasta, herbs & spices, wines, oils… the list FIND NUMEROUS more prevalent, in particular in Europe. goes on. As an educational experience for the visitor, GASTRONOMIC IMPORTANT INFORMATION SOURCE by knowing beforehand the traditional FAIRS, FESTIVALS The European Travel Commission and the dishes of the regions they are visiting, AND TRAILS TO European Commission had very recently and thus being able to seek them out launched a website to give travellers and actively, the enjoyment of the visit is greatly TASTE THE UNIQUE tourism professionals a glimpse of what enhanced! LOCAL PRODUCTS fairs and festivals are coming up. Through And once they’ve tested out these new www.tastingeurope.com, searches can be culinary experiences, they are able to AND DISHES. undertaken either geographically, by simply communicate through social media about searching on a map, or chronologically, just what they think about it, using the with a calendar. The new official website #tastingeurope hashtag. for gastronomy events in Europe offers extensive information on food fairs and 1.  http://www.worldfoodtravel.org/new-2013-research/

22 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com WELLNESS IN EUROPE

Szechenyi Thermal Baths, Budapest ©Hungarian Tourism Plc. ©Hungarian Tourism

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Portugal and Romania. “Roman Thermal Spas of Europe” is thus the first project uniting a variety of spas and health across Europe that Just Relax! share a common Roman heritage. The project is co-funded by the European Europe – home to the concepts of spa Union. After completion it will be transferred into a marketing cooperation open to other and wellness travel thermal spas with Roman heritage. But more broadly, what constitutes a In Europe, there are more than 12,000 resorts and facilities operating top quality spa programme? ESPA – the European Spas Association – has launched in health and , varying from wellness to medical spa the international quality seals “EuropeSpa services. Furthermore, there are more than 1,200 spas and health med” and “EuropeSpa wellness” in resorts, which are respected medical centres, forming a powerful conjunction with leading experts to boost economic unit generating significant proportions of the gross domestic international transparency and fairness in product of European Community member countries. competition. The EuropeSpa criteria focus on safety, hygiene and therapy infrastructure EUROPEAN PROJECT ON ROMAN addition, the common communication (EuropeSpa med – for medical spas) and THERMAL SPAS TAKES OFF activities are planned. These include - safety, hygiene and wellness infrastructure The Roman Thermal Spas project was among others - a multi-lingual website, plus service quality (EuropeSpa wellness officially kicked-off in Rome at the end of social media communication as well as – for wellness hotels, hotel spas, thermal 2014. The project aims to explore the entire print publications. The three main partners spas or day spas). potential of the common heritage, to bring of “Roman Thermal Spas of Europe” are The certificates give good spa facilities in the services to an even higher level and to The European Spas Association (ESPA), FIT health- and wellness sector an international draw interest of new guests from Europe Reisen, a specialized in health platform bringing them to the attention and overseas to the unique combination and wellness tourism, and EuropeSpa, of tourists, tour operators and health of health and cultural tourism. During the an international quality and certification insurance companies all over Europe via the kick-off meeting in Rome and Chianciano system for medical spa and wellness. EuropeSpa directory at “www.EuropeSpa. Terme, international travel packages Including Chianciano Terme in Italy there eu”, which lists all the EuropeSpa med and for visitors from Europe and abroad are are eight national spas, health resorts EuropeSpa wellness certified spas. discussed and further developed. In and associations from Bulgaria, France, www.europeanspas.eu

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 23 LGBT TRAVEL IN EUROPE

Lesbian and Gay Holidays LGBT – a “huge” travel market in Europe

GETA - the Gay European Tourism Association recently estimated the

size of the Gay Travel market in © Shutterstock Europe to be over € 50b. In truth, that may well be a conservative estimate, and in all likelihood the amount is growing - and growing fast.

As homophobia recedes in most of , mainstream tourism offices and travel companies are waking up to the fact that gay travel is huge business in Europe - and a huge opportunity. Are gay people travelling more? Probably not… but a larger proportion of their travel time is now “gay travel” time - in greater numbers and at a greater frequency. They’re increasingly tending to go on “gay holidays”, “gay cruises”, participating in “gay events”, and staying in “gay hotels”.

Catering for this, the Gay European Travel Association has developed a web-based Mykonos: The white-washed, laid-back information service1, including a number alternative for gay travellers looking to get MAINSTREAM of Gay Hot Spot Guides, written by gay away from it all. TOURISM OFFICES residents of each city or region, to help Sitges: Nowadays it is a popular visitors get the most out of their trip. Why, destination for gay and lesbian travellers, AND TRAVEL for example, just travel to Barcelona, when as it has become one of the most gay- COMPANIES ARE one can travel to Barcelona to attend gay friendly places in the world. WAKING UP TO THE pride, stay in a gay hotel and meet up with Prague: The Czech Republic has lots of like-minded gay travellers in a gay become a much more liberal and gay- FACT THAT GAY bar? friendly destination in recent years and TRAVEL IS HUGE the Prague gay scene, mainly centred A FEW LGBT HOT SPOTS around the Vinohrady area (close to the BUSINESS IN EUROPE Amsterdam: Petite, friendly and quirky - city centre), is particularly vibrant and - AND A HUGE with a lively gay scene, vibrant cafés and accessible. OPPORTUNITY. impressive historical sights. : Gay and lesbian life in Ibiza: Spain’s clubbing mecca also offers Stockholm is like the city itself: easily golden beaches, excellent food and accessible, hugely fun, highly varied and Europe’s best sunsets. warm and welcoming. Berlin: I am gay, and that’s good the way Vienna: Not too many European cities it is!’ (‘Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch have such a rich gay history as the gut so!’) declared Berlin mayor Klaus Austrian capital. Wowereit in 2001. Over a decade later, Gay emperors, generals or composers of following Wowi’s term of office, Berlin’s days gone by and all the gays and lesbians reputation as one of the world’s most of today convert Vienna into a unique dynamic gay capitals thrives cheerfully. travel destination. 1. www.gaywelcome.com/gay-travel-europe.php

24 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com TOURISM FOR ALL IN EUROPE

Accessibility is Gaining Ground The concept of “tourism for all” is growing fast in Europe

Improving the accessibility of 2012, people with access needs in the EU Key findings of studies by ENAT: tourism services increases the took approximately 783 million trips within Customers with access needs tend to quality of the visitor experience the EU, and the demand was anticipated to travel with 1.9 and 2.5 companions, on for all tourists. It also improves grow to about 862 million trips per year by average. the quality of life in local 2020, equivalent to an average growth rate In mainstream tourism services communities. of 1.2% annually. investment in accessibility results in an Roughly two-thirds of the accessible increase in clients, longer stays, more European destinations are committed to tourism market is made up of seniors, spend and repeat visits. increasing accessibility in tourism through while the rest includes families with small a number of actions, and the European children and people with disabilities or Destinations and businesses that take Commission is supporting projects long-term health conditions. account of accessibility are usually related to the design, implementation, and A driving factor to respond to this market focused on quality of service in general. marketing of itineraries. is the rapid growth in the next few years Successful accessible destinations help ENAT – the European Network for of an aging population. As the number of to build accessible tourism supply chains Accessible Tourism, is a European and potential travellers with accessibility issues by fostering cooperation among service international stakeholder network with is rising, catering for these travellers could providers and developing advisory and about 200 members in more than 50 be viewed as a business opportunity. training services. countries. Its mission is to make European Many tourism and travel businesses tourism destinations, products and services are thus working towards gaining more Brands which focus on accessibility accessible to all travellers and to promote customers in this market by adjusting their emphasise comfort, safety and treating accessible tourism around the world. offers and providing information about all guests equally in their marketing.. According to research organisation GfK, in access conditions.

CURRENT DEMAND AND Current and future demand Pantou.org FORECASTING— KEY FINDINGS for EU’s accessible tourism THE EUROPEAN by EU27 countries ACCESSIBLE (2012-2020) TOURISM DIRECTORY

Pantou.org is a comprehensive online directory developed by ENAT and the European Commission, where you can find suppliers providing accessible tourism services for Europe-inbound customers

For more information on accessible tourism in Europe: www.accessibletourism.org

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 25 SCHENGEN AREA

Opening the Gates Freedom and security for travellers in Europe

Today, most of the territory of the European continent is part of the border-free Schengen Area. The Schengen provisions abolish checks at the Union’s internal borders © Cromagnon in accordance with a single set of rules.

Any person, irrespective of nationality, may cross the internal THE borders without being subjected to border checks. For travellers BORDER-FREE coming from outside Europe, this means one visa, and one SCHENGEN border control – when they enter AREA the first Schengen country on their itinerary. Schengen Area FUNCTIONS encompasses most EU States, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland EFFICIENTLY and , with the THANKS TO notable exception of the United Kingdom and . A COMMON

The border-free Schengen Area VISA POLICY functions efficiently thanks to a common visa policy which facilitates the entry of legal Visitors should apply for a visa visitors into the EU, while from the consulate or embassy strengthening internal security. of the country they are visiting. The EU has set up a common If their visa is from a «Schengen visa policy for short stays, i.e. area» country, it automatically stays up to three months, which allows them to travel to the other is applied through the delivery of Schengen countries as well. For so-called «Schengen visas». In foreign nationals having a valid 2011, the present 26 Schengen residence permit in a Schengen States issued around 12.6 million country, this is also equivalent to Schengen visas. Generally, a a visa. They may need a separate short-stay visa issued by one of visa to visit non-Schengen the Schengen States entitles its countries in Europe. holder to travel throughout the 26 Border officials in EU countries Schengen States for up to 90 days may ask for other supporting in any 180-day period. Visas for documents such as an invitation visits exceeding that period remain letter, proof of lodging, return or subject to national procedures. round-trip ticket. For the precise If a non-EU national wishes to visit requirements, it is best to contact or travel within the EU, they will the local consular services of the need a passport valid for at least 3 EU country in question. months after the date they intend to leave the EU country they are There are a number of countries visiting, issued within the previous whose nationals do not need a visa 10 years, and they may possibly to visit the EU for three months or require a visa. less.

26 Travelling in Europe SMARTguide www.visiteurope.com PRACTICAL INFORMATION

New Tech at the Service USEFUL LINKS of Tourism in Europe ETC - European Travel Commission VisitEurope app earns UNWTO Ulysses www.etc-corporate.org Award for Innovation in Research and Visit Europe Technology www.visiteurope.com

European Gastronomy The 11th UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation www.tastingeurope.com in Tourism 2015 distinguished the VisitEurope iPad application with the prestigious Ulysses Award for European Cultural Routes Innovation in Research and Technology. www.coe.int/routes

Designed as both a tablet app for experience and make it become a European Cities Marketing iOS and a website optimized for real inspirational tool for potential www.europeancitiesmarketing.com any mobile device, the VisiteEurope travellers to Europe, as well as application uses innovative on appropriate marketing and ETOA – EuropeanTourism Association technology to provide travellers with promotional platform. a tool to obtain real-time access www.etoa.org to information across the entire The new website is a state of online travel planning experience; the art platform that engages European hotel classification systems from the initial inspiration phase to a new generation of digitally ec.europa.eu/consumers/ecc/docs/hotel_ the research, booking and sharing sophisticated travellers and establishment_classification_EU_en.pdf processes. drive them to action. It guides The application is available globally them on a journey, beginning Country holidays in Europe and has been optimised at an initial with inspirational imagery about www.eurogites.org stage for the Americas, including a European holiday to planning the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina the trip and sharing ideas. Passenger rights in Europe and Chile, where it is possible to The journey is choreographed ec.europa.eu/transport/passenger-rights compute the price of long-haul according to themes, to ensure flights to Europe. users progressively discover more Road Safety Regulations and more different experiences NEW LOOK WEB PORTAL - that are of real interest to them. europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/safety/ VISITEUROPE.COM road-safety/index_en.htm The «visiteurope.com» portal has been renewed to enhance the user Rail Planning www.InterRail.eu/plan-your-trip/InterRail- timetable and the InterRail Rail Planner VisitEurope App for iOS tablets App are useful sources for checking train schedules and obligatory reservation fees

Listing of European coach line www.busweb.com/european_coach_ companies.asp

Eurolines professional web space www.eurolines.fr/en/travel-agencies

European Ferry Lines www.ferrylines.com

European Accessible Tourism Directory www.pantou.org

www.visiteurope.com Travelling in Europe SMARTguide 27