111th General General Assembly of the European Travel Commission held

The 111th General Assembly of the European Travel Commission (ETC) was held in Boka Kotorska, gathering representatives of European national tourism organizations, partner companies, and leading stakeholders of the tourism sector at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort hotel. As part of the assembly, which was also attended by Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, elections for the organization's leadership were held. Miguel Sanz Castedo (Turespaña) was re-elected as ETC president, while Arnar Már Ólafsson (Ferðamálastofa / Icelandic Tourist Board) was elected as the new ETC vice-president.

"It has been a distinct honor to actively participate in the work of the ETC over the past six years as the organization's vice-president, especially during periods marked by challenging and demanding market circumstances. The Croatian National Tourist Board will continue to follow modern trends and actively participate in joint European initiatives aimed at the sustainable and competitive development of European tourism," commented director Staničić.

Additionally, ETC members adopted, among other things, the 2025 annual report, the auditor's report, and the membership fees for 2027. The admission of new associate members was also confirmed, namely Booking.com, Feratel, GetYourGuide, and Skyscanner, while the planned ETC activities and new projects of associate members were presented.

As part of the program, discussions were held on key issues regarding the future development of European tourism, including financial and statutory topics, the digital transformation of the sector, and current global challenges affecting international travel. Special attention was dedicated to a proposal by Atout France to establish a special chapter dedicated to artificial intelligence within the ETC, further emphasizing the importance of innovation and new technologies for the future development of European tourism.

Participants also held an open discussion on the situation in the Baltics and the Middle East, as well as the potential consequences for the European and global tourism sectors. Hosting the assembly once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation and joint action by European tourism organizations in a period of rapid changes and new challenges for the global tourism sector.

The ETC was founded in 1948 with its headquarters in Brussels, and along with national European tourism organizations, it brings together associate members from the private sector, including agencies, carriers, and other tourism service providers. The main goal of the ETC is to improve tourism policies at the European Union level and further promote Europe as the world's leading tourist destination.

The next ETC General Assembly will be held in Monaco in November 2026.

Source and photo: CNTB (Croatian National Tourist Board)