Global press releases, institutional developments, and market intelligence from the European Tourism Council.
Institutional Alliance
Reinforcing its position as the premier investment hub, EUTOC has signed a comprehensive accord with United Nations authorities. The alliance will streamline funding protocols for crisis-affected tourism economies, granting EUTOC members unprecedented operational clearance in emerging global markets.
Strategic Funding
In a historic move, EUTOC has officially ratified a new €500M financial facility dedicated exclusively to sustainable municipal projects and green hotel infrastructure, aiming to accelerate the industry's net-zero transition by 2030.
Sector Expansion
To meet the rising demand for sophisticated aircraft leasing structures, EUTOC has launched a specialized advisory committee. This body will focus on facilitating export credit guaranteed loans and streamlining fleet expansion for emerging airlines in Asia and Africa.
B.O.T. Projects
EUTOC has successfully finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with key East African municipal authorities to finance and structure a series of B.O.T. (Build, Operate, Transfer) marina and sea port projects, boosting regional maritime tourism.
WTTC Report
The WTTC launched its latest report highlighting how cruise tourism acts as a powerful driver of opportunity, supporting local livelihoods and creating long-term value in coastal and port destinations globally.
Market Recovery
Hong Kong SAR can re-establish itself as a leading global destination by fostering a unified strategic direction and deepening public-private coordination between the HKTB and private sector stakeholders.
Global Summit 2026
The WTTC hosts its industry-leading Global Summit this October in Malta. The event brings together hundreds of chief executives and ministers, with 15 destinations signalling intent for future collaboration.
The Board of Directors of the European Tourism Council announces the appointment of Mr. Gultekin Yalaz as Global Vice President, with executive oversight of EMEA, CIS, and Turkiye.
With over 35 years of executive command in the global tourism, hospitality, and MICE sectors, Gultekin Yalaz stands as a visionary strategic consultant, global business development leader, and aviation brand and sales strategist.
His influence spans a massive geopolitical canvas, directing high stakes international operations across Turkiye, Cyprus, Russia, and the CIS, extending through the UK, Germany, Central Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has orchestrated a legacy of monumental triumphs from commanding state level protocol operations like the NATO Summit and executing colossal international corporate events, to masterminding intricate global charter flight networks and forging new, world-class global brands from the ground up.
Distinguished by his profound mastery in crisis management, elite level contract negotiations, rapid market penetration, and strategic brand positioning, Yalaz continues to reshape and elevate the global tourism and aviation industries through his uncompromising leadership.
Presenting the guidelines, UN Tourism Secretary-General said: “Bulgaria stands out thanks to the huge diversity of its tourism sector. From cultural heritage and nature-based destinations to spa, urban, and year-round tourism – it is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations. And it offers so much more to investors. As our new Guidelines make clear, it shows a commitment to transparency, and competitiveness, supported by a stable fiscal framework and strong European integration.”
Many tend to think of France, Greece, Italy and Spain when booking their ideal European summer destination. But new figures suggest there's a new country on the scene. Easter may now be behind us, but many Europeans are already rushing to book their summer 2026 getaways.
From Portugal to Greece for those seeking the sun, to Ireland for those chasing cooler days, the continent is packed with dream destinations. But one region is rising above them all — and no, it's not the usual heavyweights.
Spain, France or Italy. Croatia's Adriatic region, or Jadranska Hrvatska, is the most popular destination in the EU for holidaymakers, according to Eurostat data analysed by Europe in Motion. Between June and the end of September 2025, it clocked the highest number of hotel bookings of any region in the EU: 34 million nights reserved across Airbnb, Booking and Expedia.