VIP visit in Switzerland: On 12 and 13 July 2023, the European Tourism Association (ETOA) held its board meeting in Central Switzerland. One reason behind this choice of venue was Switzerland Tourism (ST)’s sustainability initiative Swisstainable. For ST, the meeting was an opportunity to familiarise the ETOA with the idea behind Swisstainable as part of a personal exchange. The association’s Board includes decision-makers from the most important tour operators across Europe, North America and Asia, after all. ST was also able to discuss current challenges and opportunities with them, as well as future travel trends in Europe and Switzerland. The experiences during and after the coronavirus pandemic were also discussed.

The Swisstainable experience

So that the members of the ETOA could also experience Swisstainable live during their visit to Switzerland, ST put together an exciting excursion programme with the support of its partners: the tourism region of Lucerne-Lake Lucerne, Rigi Railways, and Lake Lucerne Navigation. The 20 or so participants enjoyed a visit to Mount Rigi – the Queen of the Mountains, and a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, both of which are part of the Swisstainable programme.

ETOA represents the interests of TOs

The ETOA has been representing the interests of international travel companies, European destinations and tourism service providers since 1989. Its Board is made up of decision-makers from the most important tour operators across Europe, North America and Asia. Members include tour operators – operating both in person and online, agents and wholesalers, European tourist boards, hotels, attractions, technology companies, and other providers of tourism and business services.