European Travel Commission extends complimentary membership to Ukraine’s tourism agency

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The post European Travel Commission extends complimentary membership to Ukraine’s tourism agency appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily.

European Travel Commission (ETC) has invited the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD) to join the organisation with a complimentary three-year membership. The decision was made during the 103rd General Meeting that took place on 18-20 May in Ljubljana, hosted by the Slovenian Tourist Board.

The membership is offered free of charge for at least three years, depending on the geopolitical circumstances, with a vision to welcome Ukraine to the organisation on a permanent basis. 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 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 State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine typically works to promote and popularise Ukrainian tourism in domestic and foreign markets. However, since February, SATD’s work programme has been drastically altered by the conflict. Mariana Oleskiv shared first hand insights into the devastating impact of the ongoing war on Ukraine’s travel sector. SATD currently provides information about the ongoing situation in Ukraine, coordinates efforts of the Ukrainian tourism community in organising evacuations and temporary shelters as well as job opportunities for the industry professionals in safe regions.

Commenting on the decision Luís Araújo, ETC’s President, said: “The European Travel Commission remains steadfast in its condemnation of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. The founding principle of ETC is to promote travel as a catalyst for peace, understanding and respect. Extending complimentary membership to the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine is an act of solidarity and ETC will do its utmost to support its Ukrainian colleagues.”

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