ETC to Invite Ukrainian Tourism Agency for a Complimentary Three-Year Membership
In a statement issued on May 19, the ETC also stated that the decision was taken during the 103rd general meeting held on May 18-20 in Ljubljana, organised by the Slovenian Tourist Board, AtoZSerwisPlus.comreports.
“This meeting brought together CEOs of national tourism authorities (NTOs) from across Europe, and ETC associate members from private industry. Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson of SATD, joined the General Meeting remotely as an honorary guest,” the statement reads.
Usually, STAD works to promote and popularise Ukrainian tourism in domestic and foreign markets. However, given the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the SATD’s work program has changed drastically.
In this regard, STAD Chairwoman Mariana Oleskiv shared first-hand knowledge about the devastating impact of the ongoing war on Ukraine’s travel sector.
At the same time, she said that the agency is providing information on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, coordinating the efforts of the Ukrainian tourism community in organising evacuations and temporary shelters, as well as employment opportunities for industry professionals in safe areas.
The ETC expressed its solidarity with Ukraine during the general meeting, where its national members also voted in agreement to extend the complimentary ETC membership to the SATD.
The ETC explained that membership is offered free of charge for at least three years, depending on geopolitical circumstances, with a vision to welcome Ukraine into the organisation permanently.
“This commitment will see ETC support the Ukrainian tourism agency by providing access to all its resources and research data. It is hoped that through this membership, SATD will be better placed to help strategise for the recovery of the Ukrainian travel sector once the war ends,” the statement also noted.
Ukraine’s tourism support is also in line with the ETC’s ongoing missions to strengthen and promote Europe as a destination in foreign markets and establish tourism value for European destinations through cooperation.
It also highlighted that the conflict already impacts neighbouring European countries with Ukraine and Russia and those European destinations that depend on tourists visiting from both regions.
Moreover, commenting on the ETC’s decision, its President said that the European Travel Commission remains steadfast in its condemnation of the Russian military occupation of Ukraine, thus adding that the basic principle of the ETC is to promote travel as a catalyst for peace, understanding, and respect.
According to him, the expansion of complimentary membership in the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine is an act of solidarity.
Among other things, SATD President Mariana Oleskiv also stressed that in these terrible times, when the country and industry are under attack, it is encouraging to receive such strong support from partners across Europe.
