April 2002

With the election of a new government in Poland, a newly elected Minister responsible for Tourism and a new director for the Polish Tourist Organisation in Warsaw, the CECTA summit in Krakow is on the agenda for the autumn.

Delegates will be the Ministers responsible for Tourism together with representatives of the National Tourist Office from the six CECTA countries of Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Poland and Slovakia, selected media and key speakers.  The goal is to further the co-operation between the countries of Central Europe.

CONFERENCES – How to bring in business!
CECTA is joining forces with ITE plc to develop conferences that have a specific relevance to Central Europe with the key topic being “How to Bring in Business”, first used at the Prague MICE conference earlier this year.

Outline plans have been drawn up for the following How to Bring in Business Conferences

Spa Tourism                      Budapest
Eco Tourism                       Bratislava
Culture Tourism                 Warsaw

Working alongside ITE, with their unique knowledge and experience of  travel and tourism industry events, we have a partnership that will strengthen the marketing ties for the whole region and guarantee the success of the conferences.

Conferences are also being planned outside Central Europe to develop incoming business. The first is likely to be in Moscow in 2003.

GERMAN WORKSHOP 6 JUNE
For the first time the GTS 2002 Workshop will feature a CECTA stand with representatives from Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.  The Workshop on the 6^th June 2002 at the Royal Horticultural Halls, Westminster, Greycoat Street, London SW1 is open all day between 10 am and 7 pm.  For further information see www.gts2002.com where CECTA members and partners as well as other interested visitors can register.

SLOVAK DAY
CECTA will be attending the Slovak Evening at the Slovak Embassy, 25 Kensington Palace Gardens, London on 30 April.  CECTA members are invited so please put this in your diary now.  Gill Wilson and Terry Coates will be on the panel so come prepared with questions.   We promise a lively debate, together with a pleasant evening and good Slovakian hospitality. A unique opportunity for CECTA members to meet.

TRAVEL WEEKLY SUPPLEMENT
Plans are developing for a special supplement to coincide with the WTM this year.  If any members would like to take advertising please let us know at the earliest date.

DUBLIN
A high level governmental delegation from Slovakia recently visited Dublin to present the opportunities for inward investment. Gill Wilson was invited to present the benefits that Slovakia had gained from membership of CECTA.   She shared the stand with the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and the Director of the Slovak Tourist Office. The meeting took place in the Mansion House and was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
 

TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN CEE – Prague 21 & 22 May 2002
“Arrivals to Central and Eastern Europe are predicted to grow by an average of 4.6 per cent annually, increasing to 223 million in 2020" (WTO,2002)

Gill Wilson will be chairing and delivering a keynote presentation at the above conference highlighting the rapid prospect for growth and investment within the region which will require the implementation of new strategies and creation of new partnerships.  Further information on www.cecta.org

FIRST FROM ROMANIA
We are delighted to welcome our first member from Romania, Madison Travel.


OVERVIEW
Whilst at the turn of the year the travel industry was still suffering from the events of September 11 the travel picture for Central Europe is beginning to look more optimistic for 2003. The WTO at ITB sounded a note of optimism for the future and WTTC launched their most recent findings all indicating that the travel industry is bouncing back.

Central Europe is a safe haven and with such a diverse range of product offerings have been in a better position then most regions to cope with the global downturn in business. Never the less there is no room for complacency.  Central European countries marketing budgets still lag behind most of the major competitors – those countries who realise the economic impact that tourism has on their economies and employment. CECTA will continue make the case for the CECTA Governments to recognise the value of tourism, and the need to fund marketing activities to a higher level then we have seen in recent years.

Opportunities for tourism into the region from Eastern European countries are very exciting too.  Barriers to travel are slowly disappearing and this trend will accelerate, opening up opportunities for cross border travel the like of which has not been seen before.

CECTA recently had the opportunity of discussing the future of Russian tourism with the Russian Minister responsible for tourism and she painted a very optimistic picture.  She also looks forward to being able to ease the travel formalities for entering and leaving Russia, still a major barrier to opening up this market.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT!   

SPECIAL REPORT

CECTA has produced a Special Report for Central Europe outlining the importance of the UK market to the countries of Central Europe, particularly in the countdown to 2004 when the accession countries of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are expected to join the European Union. It addresses the current difficult situation facing the travel and tourism industry and offers some solutions.

The reason for highlighting the UK in this first CECTA report is the concern, in some quarters, that because travel from the UK is primarily by air, the UK market is less likely to travel.

We must disprove this myth and CECTA will encourage the larger tour operators to take a serious look at this market and specialist tour operators to no longer see this as a niche market.

There is a Window of Opportunity for the countries of Central Europe to increase their market share whilst there is a reluctance to travel far afield to the USA and Far East. The relevant strength of the UK economy - the fastest growing economy in the G7 with low unemployment and low inflation - offers an ideal time to penetrate this market. But this won't last forever. If Central Europe wants to increase its share of the 35 million people that go on holiday from the UK, they must act now!

COUNTDOWN TO 2004

An educational programme is planned to ensure that the trade understands the full impact this will have on travel and tourism to these countries. Borders opening up will mean more freedom of travel, one currency, more investment opportunities and a greater desire for travellers to explore this region of the world.

2002 THE YEAR OF THE CZECH CUISINE - GOOD FOOD WILL MAKE YOU STAY

The CTA has set itself the goal to acquaint visitors to the renowned Czech cuisine and over 100 restaurants will carry a special logo identifying their participation in this project serving meals prepared to traditional recipes and customs. www.visitczechia.cz

ZAGAT KICKS OFF SECOND ANNUAL SURVEY OF EUROPE'S TOP RESTAURANTS

Recognising the need to highlight the quality of national cuisine on the international stage, ZAGAT SURVEYS, the leading restaurant guide in the USA is working in conjunction with CECTA to produce the first Zagat Survey for Central Europe - due to be published at the end of 2002. Dkarlin@zagat.com

EVERYBODY NEEDS A BIT OF TLC!

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Thursday Lunch Club - TLC a two monthly networking opportunity for the travel industry has been inspired by UK CECTA members - this is to be replicated in Prague, Budapest and Warsaw

2nd CENTRAL EUROPEAN TRAVEL CONFERENCE

CECTA, ITE and the CECTA Prague Business Group are spearheading the 2nd Central European Travel Conference at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Prague 6 February 2002, focusing on MICE - How to Bring in Business. International speakers will showcase this $280 billion market and demonstrate what needs to be done!

Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from vast industry experience. International speakers, like Tim Zagat, chairman New York Convention and Visitors Bureau will talk first hand about promoting opportunities and dispelling negative biases about destinations. MPI modules and SITE educational sessions will give practical help and advice - leading experts will have relevant statistics to help you evaluate and plan. For speaker list or to register to participate as a delegate please contact
lucy.fuller@ite-exhibitions.com

CECTA is now offering consultancy to all its members on a wide range of business subjects having gathered together a group of industry experts. CECTA welcomes John Elsom and his colleagues at Arts Interlink, Wendy Walker of Wendy Walker PR and Chris Carroll a Consultant in Business Development and Marketing Services.

Further information from info@cecta.org issued 12 November 2001

Outlook for Travel and Tourism from the UK to The CECTA Countries of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia

A great deal as been written about the impact on the travel and tourism industry since the September 11 events in the USA. This CECTA Special Report does not intend to repeat and go over ground that has already been covered. It is an attempt to set out the facts that need to be considered for marketing Central Europe in the UK and the strategies that need to be adopted.

The reason for highlighting the UK in this first CECTA report is the concern in some quarters that because travel from the UK is primarily by air the UK market is less likely to travel.

Whilst the world currently is filled with uncertainty it is obviously impossible to make accurate forecasts about the long-term future of the travel industry. This report will set out what is forecast for the immediate future and has taken into consideration material that has already been published.

GLOBAL FACTORS

In a report prepared for the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) there are three factors set out that are likely to affect global tourism.

1 The psychological state of travellers, particularly their confidence in the safety and security of air travel and their personal resolve "to get on with life".

2 The overall global security situation, including any ongoing military operations as well as security at home and in destination countries.

3 The state of the global economy and prospects for its revival.

ECONOMIC FACTORS

An extract from The Economist of 1 November highlights the strength of the UK economy against the rest of the world.

"America's GDP shrank in the third quarter at an annual rate of 0.4% the largest fall since the first quarter of 1991 which was the trough of the 91 recession. Analysts predict an even bigger decline in the fourth quarter meeting a classic definition of a recession. Consumer spending which accounts for two thirds of America's GDP rose by 1.2% at an annual rate in the third quarter, its slowest rate since 1993. The Dow has fallen by 2.9%over the past week; but the dollar is back to its pre - 11 September highs."

In the Euro zone the current account deficit narrowed to $37.4 billion the twelve months to August from $44.7 billion in the year to July. In France the INSEE monthly survey of 4500 firms showed business confidence remaining flat in October at its lowest level since 1996. Unemployment rose to 9.1% of the labour force.

Britain's economy remains one of the strongest among the rich countries. GDP grew at an annual rate of 2.2% in the third quarter.

The National Institute of Economics believes that the UK economy will be the fastest growing economy in the G7 this year whilst the economies of France and Germany are falling.

A policy brief from the Institute of International Economics also make the point that European Governments have been planning spending cutbacks to meet pre-planned budget targets. Such actions, the report goes on to say, are a serious mistake and a return to the economics of Herbert Hoover who exacerbated the Great Depression by trying to balance the budget in a massive downturn. Instead the targets of the Stability Pact should be temporarily set aside to allow the automatic stabilisers of fiscal policy to work.

THE UK TRAVEL MARKET

The UK travel market is an extremely affluent one and is number four in the world for outbound traffic accounting for $27.7billion in 1997 and forecast to grow at an ever dramatic pace.

SIZE OF MARKET - figures from ABTA

35 million go on holiday

Total value is £29 billion ($43.5 billion)

50% take a package holiday

Average spend is £500 per head ($740)

Value of package holiday market is £10 billion

In the short term, whilst this growth will be dramatically affected by the current global problems, it will be primarily by the downturn in longhaul air travel between Europe, America and the Far East.

The short haul destinations, though, show a very different picture.

The UK low fare carriers to European destinations are capitalising on the situation and are successfully attracting both the business and tourist traveller. It is now seen as more sensible, cost effective and with no loss of status to travel to a business meeting by Go in a one class cabin than in a scheduled carrier's highly priced club cabin. These low cost carriers continue to be heavy advertisers whilst the national scheduled carriers, such as British Airways, have virtually cut all their advertising budgets which does seem short sighted.

The low fare carriers in the UK are over booked to many European destinations, such as Prague, and short city breaks continue to be buoyant.

Nevertheless every survey that has been published since 11 September shows long haul travel destinations by air suffering a massive reduction in traffic.

So whilst the global picture for the travel industry is extremely depressing there are still opportunities for growth.

CECTA believes that Central Europe has the following opportunities to reposition itself and increase its overall share of the UK travel market

1 To present to the UK traveller a destination where borders are not a barrier to travel

2 To present a destination that, because of its low profile, is a safe haven for the UK tourist

3 To present a destination that offers a better alternative for business conferences and meetings

4 To highlight the Gateway Cities to Central Europe

However, Europe will become, in the short term, a very competitive travel market place. It is anticipated that European countries, because of the dramatic downturn in business from the Far East and the USA in 2002, will have an excess of hotel capacity for the first time in recent history. This will effect prices and competition will become fierce.

The travel plans for 2002 of the majority of UK travellers world-wide are at the moment on hold. The short break markets though is still very resilient

The biggest problem for the industry, though, is that there is very little research and thus knowledge into how people will respond at the turn of the year. But some assumptions can be made

1 The British will still want to go abroad for their holidays.

2 They are likely to travel into Europe rather then the USA and the Middle and Far East.

3 Tour operators who have relied almost exclusively on these destinations will be in trouble and will attempt to enter new markets.

CECTA has discussed these problems with tour operators, travel associations and the trade media and they all agree that whilst destinations nearer to home will be the more popular for 2002 traffic - the British will still want to travel outside the UK.

The National Tourist Offices of many countries, together with the trade associations have recognised this and have already announced plans to mount massive advertising and PR campaigns to get the market moving and motivate the consumer to book for next summer.

Hotel capacity across Europe will be at an all time low and the squeeze will be on prices as travellers from destinations such as Japan and America will stay within their own borders. Bargains galore for the trade and the traveller

THE OPPORTUNITY

The countries of Central Europe need to grasp the nettle and capitalise on the good promotional work and investment that has already gone into the UK market over a considerable period of time.

Central Europe, and in particular Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland are still virtually unknown to the British public compared to countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal and France who have for years heavily invested in advertising and PR campaigns to woo the tourist and built their tourist infrastructure to accommodate their every need.

The countries of Central Europe are low profile and consequently seen as secure and with a safe environment and friendly. Probably perceived as the safest destinations on the continent if not in the world. The CECTA view is that the foregoing is a major opportunity.

This is the time for the CECTA countries to develop their own unique selling proposition. Combining this with the culture and the history of the region will give Central Europe a competitive edge over all other destinations.

Central Europe is still the last outpost in Europe where prices are relatively cheap and competitive. Central Europe is still the destination where the traveller can enjoy new experiences.

Within Central Europe there is also an Eco friendly environment that has not yet been fully exploited.

The CECTA countries have carried out little or no consumer research in the UK and CECTA is urging that this be corrected immediately. CECTA will make recommendations as to how this should be financed and managed. This needs to be qualitative in nature, and ongoing, monitoring trends within the travel trade, consumers attitudes and awareness levels.

Understanding customer needs is key to the countries of Central Europe developing relevant communications that will be better targeted.

The travel industry is also key to the future of travel to the region.

The packaging by the multi-national tour operators as well as the niche players is imperative. The development of new initiatives such as fly/drive holidays and travel through central Europe by train needs more emphasis.

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are accession countries that are now set to join the European Community by 2004.

This needs to be brought to the attention of the Travel Trade who will not appreciate the full impact that this will have. Now is the time for tour operators to prepare for the upsurge in travel that will result.

The countries of central Europe do not advertise to any great degree to the potential British traveller. Targeted advertising that is exciting and motivational is needed NOW!.

New PR initiatives are also essential. This we know will call for more resources, but the market place is competitive, the returns though will be equally rewarding.

SUMMARY

Central Europe has a one off opportunity to really penetrate the UK market with new marketing initiatives. The countries have already shown a great deal of enterprise by working in co-operation through the CECTA network across the whole region. By continuing to innovate and heightening the awareness of the product offerings of the whole region the possibilities are endless in growing this emerging travel destination.

The reports coming in from tour operators is that since 11 September the UK short break market has continued to grow with no signs of a down turn. The Christmas short breaks to destinations such as Vienna, Prague and even Cesky Krumlov are holding strong.

The major airlines are stubbornly holding the strategy of high yield business traffic but this is expected to change as reality sets in. The low fare airlines are growing by offering better value for money. Poland in particular suffers from having no low fare carrier from the UK with a reluctance to offer agents competitive rates. Central Europe also suffers from carriers who do not aggressively market Central Europe. Advertising is product related rather then the promotion of tours and fare offers aimed primarily at the business market.

All these issues need to be addressed, but the main conclusion is that the opportunity for Central Europe to gain a firmer foothold in the UK market is now, and before the traveller finalises their travel plans for 2002. Now is the time to market Central Europe. Now is the time to invest in the UK. The message

VISIT CENTRAL EUROPE

Further information info@cecta.org
Issued 12 November 2001

Central European Travel Association Partners With Zagat To Distribute Questionnaires To Volunteer Food Critics In 30 Major European Cities From Amsterdam to Zurich

New York, NY (November 8, 2001) - Following the release of its first ever guide to Europe's Best Restaurants, Zagat Survey, the leading provider of consumer-based dining, lodging and leisure guides, is preparing to launch its second annual survey of the continent's best eateries. Zagat is currently seeking avid local restaurant-goers to vote on their favorite and not-so-favorite European restaurants.

As part of its efforts to reach a broad European audience, Zagat Survey has partnered with the Central European Travel Association to distribute the 2002 European Top Restaurant questionnaire. This partnership coincides with the celebration of 2002 the year of Czech cuisine.

The new survey will include over 1,250 dining establishments covering 30 major European cities including Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Vienna, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. Participants who rate each establishment visited in the past year for the quality of its Food, Décor, Service, estimated cost of a meal, and comment on the restaurant will receive a free copy of the resulting guide.

Questionnaires are available simply by emailing your request, including your name and address, to: europe@zagat.com.

Started in 1979 by husband and wife attorneys Tim and Nina Zagat, Zagat Survey revolutionized the art of restaurant criticism by allowing consumers to share their dining experiences. Zagat continues to rely exclusively on 'in the know' surveyors as the basis for its content and the reason behind its guidebooks' enormous popularity. Zagat Restaurant Surveys are instantly familiar with their slender, pocket-sized format and burgundy covers.

About Zagat Survey: Zagat Survey is the world's leading provider of consumer survey-based dining, lodging and leisure information with over 200,000 current surveyors. Zagat offers restaurant content in book form, on the Internet at www.zagat.com, on Palm Pilot OS, on mobile phones and on TV/radio, as well as guides covering hotels, resorts, spas, nightclubs, and a host of other entertainment and shopping resources. For more information, visit www.zagat.com.

About the Central European Travel Association: CECTA is an umbrella organization at the heart of New Europe, bringing together the collective interests of Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia the travel industry servicing them. The objective is to encourage people to visit the web site at www.visitcentraleurope.com to build sustainable traffic and help grow the global business and leisure market.

Contact: Contact: Diane B. Karlin (001.212.404.6455) Dkarlin@zagat.com

CORINTHIA HOTELS
    CORINTHIA TOWERS, PRAGUE
    CORINTHIA PANORAMA, PRAGUE

SLOVAKIA HOTEL ASSOCIATION

MALEV AIRTOURS

WARWICK INTERNATIONAL HOTELS
    HENRIETTE HOTEL, BERLIN
    GRAND HOTLE RUSSICHER HOF, WEIMAR, GERMANY
    ANDRASSY HOTEL, BUDAPEST

EUROPE ON RAIL, USA

In addition, you can now link to the USA sites of Czech Tourist Authority, Polish Tourist Oganisation and Hungarian National Tourist Office via their New York Offices

And we have had enquiries about membership from China, Russia, Bulgaria, Indonesia and Ukraine - so the word is spreading!

WELCOME TO KIMBERLY ZIEGLER
Kimberly, who is best known for her activities with ITE Exhibitions, has taken on an additional role and is acting as our first International Marketing Director.

MEMBERS' MEETING
Since our last newsletter, many of you, in the United Kingdom in particular, have asked for a members' meeting - this is being scheduled for September at the Hungarian National Tourist Office, London hosted by our President Mr Gabor Tarr - further details to follow - everyone will be welcome

CHAT ROOM
We have also been asked to look at a chat room facility on the site - so that we can all share ideas and experiences - we will launch this soon

MEMBERS' NEWS
Travel Weekly, our first media partner, have just re-launched their website www.travelweekly.co.uk. Of particular interest is their diary section, which lists conferences and events relevant to our industry - if you have anything to be included - let them know!

Page and Moy have just issued their Christmas collection to include cruising the Rhine, Christmas in Warsaw and Krakow, Historic Bohemia, Vienna and the Blue Danube and Prague www.page-moy.co.uk . The summer program will include Castles and Palaces of the Hapsburgs.

South Moravia has a new focus a new organisation and tourism committee. Liber Opistul is helping to mastermind this operating from his office in Brno. 

Details of other members' programmes can appear in newsletters. Just let us know please, we have no favouritism.

CECTA PRAGUE BUSINESS GROUP (CPBG)
We held our first CPBG meeting in Prague in June during the week of Visit Czechia. The initiative, inspired by the management team at the Prague Inter-continental Hotel is looking at how better to promote the MICE market (Meetings, Incentives, Conference & Events) to Prague and throughout the Czech Republic. Whilst not a new subject the formation of a business group working with both the private and public sector is. Representatives attending the first meeting were from The Czech Tourist Authority, CSA, CEDOK, AVIS, CSA AIRTOURS, NELAHOZEVES CASTLE and COT Business Magazine. The aim is to be innovative, take a positive stance combining the strengths of both the private and public sector and take an entrepreneurial approach to the world-wide marketing of the Czech Republic to the global MICE market.

Which leads nicely on to the 2nd Central European Travel Conference Wednesday 6th February 2002 in Prague, that precedes Holiday World 2002. The conference will focus on the MICE market and give the CPBG an ideal opportunity to air its views. Full details and how to sign up available shortly.

VISIT CZECHIA
The Prague incoming workshop in June was attended by cecta. These workshops are extremely important and very well organised across the whole of Central Europe. Buyers came from all the important markets with a strong contingent from Canada and the USA.

TRAVELMOLE.COM
Travel Mole have now 'locked down' TravelMole news. This means that only registered users who are logged on will be able to access the latest news on the travel and tourism industry. If you are logged on (you need only have logged on once on your computer as it is cookied), your name will be under the TravelMole logo at the top left of the home page and you will be able to read all our news. If it says 'Visitor, Register Now!' then you are not logged on and if you try to read a news story you will be taken to a log on prompt page. 
To log on, go to:
http://www.travelmole.com/login

FORTHCOMING EVENTS 

KRAKOW SUMMIT
The Summit, planned to take place in Krakow in August, has been rescheduled for Spring 2002. The Polish Tourist Organisation in Warsaw, who are eager to host the first summit, have asked for the delay to await the appointment of the new Minister responsible for tourism after their elections in September. We are indebted to the Polish Tourist Organisation for their support and enthusiasm to bring together for the first time the Ministers and the National Tourist Offices of the cecta countries. The revised date will be announced by the Polish Tourist Organsiation at The WTM in London in November.

TOURFILM, KARLOVY VARY
Cecta will be presenting at TourFilm, which takes place every year in September in Karlovy Vary. Terry Coates, who masterminded many of the successful TV campaigns for British Airways, will take the stage with David Winter from UK ad agency Foote Cone and Belding to show how today's TV ads compare with the past. The date is September 25 - 26. Details from Avant Promotions, Americka 42 , 120 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic

Gill Wilson will give a keynote presentation on Travel & Tourism in the new Millennium at a top level briefing to explore latest developments and strategies for profitable participation in the Tourism Industry markets of CEE on 18/19 October in Prague

MADI TRAVEL MARKET - 6-7 November - www.madi.cz/madi-fair.html


OTHER NEWS

CECTA CD

The cecta CD now incorporates Slovakia. Copies from info@cecta.org

ZAGAT SURVEYS
The Zagat Surveys on restaurants and hotels, better known to Americans then to Europeans, is continuing its research in the Central European Market. We will keep you updated on progress.

PRAGUE, HOTTEST HOTEL MARKET 
According to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels recently released Digest Europe, Prague was the strongest performing hotel market in Europe during 2000. The city's quality hotels recorded a phenomenal 33.2% increase in room yield to CZK 3,186 - the "burgeoning leisure market can no longer be fully accommodated in the peak summer periods and the tourist season is being extended to November and starting in early March"

In Warsaw the hotel market is dominated by corporate demand, meaning strong mid-week occupancy levels but the weekend sees demand levels fall. The growth in supply of new hotel rooms is set to continue with Warsaw's increased regional importance as a gateway city. According to the Digest Europe there are currently 1,255 rooms under construction, due to enter the market by 2003 and increase existing supply levels by 16.8% over the next two years.

SCIENCE OPENS A NEW ERA IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
We have been asked to help in the following research programme to see the benefits of matching vacation spots with characteristics that are the most favourable to a traveller - do environmental properties of each locality have specific effects on a human body?

Click for more information.

AWARDS
The Polish National Tourist Office in London has just been voted the travel industries best Tourist Office by the readers of the magazine Selling Short Breaks. Congratulations Poland. 

Look for increased advertising spend by Poland

CHINA WIDE WEB
Cecta met with representatives from the China Wide Web recently, a joint project undertaken by the China Business Network and China Telecom. This is where the travel trade need to be if it is to reach this developing and soon to be affluent travel market. Let us know if you are interested in pursing this market place.

MALEV- MANCHESTER - BUDAPEST
Congratulations on the new air route which started 2 July - and to the Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget which is just re-opening - A Health and Fitness Paradise on Margaret Island in Budapest - special re-opening packages available - e-mail sales@danubiusgroup.com and remember to quote cecta!

Kindest regards - Terry Coates and Gill Wilson
Info@cecta.org

• Budapest Pocket Guide
• Commodore Corporate Travel
• CSA Air Tours, Prague
• Fregata Travel
• GO
• Le Royal Meridien Bristol Hotel, Warsaw
• Mastertours 
• Orbis Travel, Krakow
• Polska Spots Travel, UK
• Via Carpathia, Slovakia
• Zagat Surveys

WELCOME NEW AIR ROUTES!

• Birmingham - Prague CSA
• Manchester - Budapest Malev (1 July)

Another first for cecta. 

THE KRAKOW SUMMIT

Poland has agreed to be the host of our first summit in Krakow in the Autumn 2001. Delegates will include Ministers responsible for Tourism, Directors of National Tourist Offices and the UK steering committee. This conference will set out to develop a global marketing strategy for Central Europe. It will draw attention to the amazing growth in tourism that Central Europe is experiencing and the real potential of the region. Technology will be high on the agenda

cecta is indebted to the POLISH NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE in Warsaw for its support and in particular to Mr. TADEUZ DONOCIK Under Secretary for Trade in the Polish Government and Mr JERZY SZEGIDEWICZ the director of the Polish National Tourist office in London

More details of the summit at a later date but do give us your contributions so that this meeting is both constructive and fulfils its aim of building sustainable travel for the benefit of its members to Central Europe

We have been asked to look at many issues on your behalf including AIRPORT PASSENGER TAX in non EU countries and new VISA REGULATIONS

cecta presented to the POLISH TRAVEL INDUSTRY at the LE ROYAL MERIDIEN BRISTOL HOTEL, WARSAW as part of the hotel's 100 year celebration. It is heartening to see the support that Poland is giving to the development of Travel and Tourism. In a meeting with the PRESIDENT of the KRAKOW CITY COUNCIL we heard of the exciting plans the city has to develop its tourist infrastructure which includes a NEW CONFERENCE CENTRE on the banks of the Vistula river

And another.

WTTC & CECTA JOIN FORCES FOR REPORT

cecta and the World Travel and Tourism Council have reached an agreement to collaborate to produce a special report on THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN CENTRAL EUROPE. These special reports are at the heart of good policy making and business decisions. Co-operation between the countries ensures that projects of this type are more cost effective. 

And another. 

Look out for the first editorial supplement exclusively for Central Europe in TRAVEL WEEKLY and tell us what you think

Plans are well ahead for a Central Europe TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT in the UK edition of TRAVEL WEEKLY. Travel Weekly is preparing a media pack and will be in touch. The objective is to give the travel industry a better understanding of the region, the developments that are taking place and the attractiveness of Central Europe particularly for cross border travel

cecta attended the recent workshop WELCOME TO HUNGARY in Budapest. It was extremely well attended by the travel industry from across the world. The travel shows across Central Europe are becoming a must for anyone doing business in this part of the world. Highlights of the week were a visit to the Parliament and a banquet at the DANUBIUS owned HILTON HOTEL with its magnificent views of the Danube. 

Thank you to TRAVEL IQ who were very supportive of cecta with complete coverage of the International Conference in Prague along with COT and TTG Czech Rep. It was also great to see cecta given pride of place in the Travel IQ Calendar for February. And we must not forget the regular editorial support from TRAVEL BULLETIN with coverage of cecta activities in the current issue. This particular report will make a valuable contribution to the future development of travel in the cecta region. The contribution to GDP from TRAVEL AND TOURISM for the countries of Central Europe is estimated to rise from $208 billion to $537 billion in 2010 - a staggering figure 


ITB - BERLIN

Gill Wilson was a panellist at ITB in Berlin for the INCENTIVE TRAVEL session. There was a very lively debate and it was clear that not only is this segment of the travel market growing but that Central Europe is still lagging behind other countries.


ALAN GODSAVE

Alan Godsave recently appointed director Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia is spreading the good news about cecta and growing the membership. He will be meeting with the HUNGARIAN HOTEL ASSOCIATION, Lake Balaton on 4 May anybody else interested can make direct contact with him alangodsave@pronet.hu or tel 00 361 302 6933

ZAGAT hotel and restaurant guides are known around the world for their invaluable information on the best places to stay and dine. Zagat is joining with cecta to bring Central Europe more into focus. Cecta members will in the future be able to contribute directly to the guide and boost the culinary delights of all the countries of Central Europe for which they are so famous. More details soon!

Whilst on the subject of food it has occurred to us prompted, by Liam Lomasney from PAGE & MOY, that we should feature on the cecta website the best places for SUNDAY BRUNCH in Central Europe. Any suggestions will be welcome

CONFERENCE and INCENTIVE travel plays an important role across Central Europe and cecta recognises this. THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN TRAVEL CONFERENCE already announced for Prague the day prior to the opening of HOLIDAY WORLD 2002 will concentrate on this invaluable market and one that is growing fast. If you have ideas want to make a contribution or deliver a paper please contact us. The conference again will take place at the INTER-CONTINENTAL HOTEL and be in collaboration with ITE who stage and manage HOLIDAY WORLD in PRAGUE

The DUBLIN HOLIDAY WORLD EXPERIENCE this year saw for the first time a cecta stand that was such a success that Germany has agreed to return in 2002. The cecta site will be repositioned to a more central location.

The WTM is moving to EXCEL in London's DOCKLAND in 2002. REED EXHIBITIONS gave a presentation at the last cecta committee meeting and plans are well ahead to ensure that not only are the cecta countries together within the European framework but clearly branded Central Europe. We will keep you updated. 

We will be at the PRAGUE WORKSHOP on 11 June. Let us know if you would like a meeting. 

A reminder that the MADI TRAVEL MARKET takes place November 6 - 8 at a new venue the PRAGUE FAIRGROUND PVA LETNANY

DANUBIUS, THE RENOVATED THERMAL HOTEL IN BUDAPEST WILL RE-OPEN IN JUNE. 

$13.5 million has been invested in a major renovation of the hotel which is located on the Margit Island on the Danube river and is set to become the most modern Spa - Therapy - Activity hotel in Hungary. The renovations have increased the room capacity by 60 to a total of 267 guest-rooms and suites and new packages, aimed at the young guest include 'activities' and 'fitness' programmes

On 8-9 May the EUROPEAN COMMISSION REPRESENTATION in SCOTLAND is organising a series of events aimed at the promotion and enlargement of the EU - we will be there!

So, that is OUR news - but we want to know what is happening with YOU. We are particularly keen to know about new product. And is there any specific information you'd like to receive? 

Go on, e-mail us with your suggestions!

Kindest Regards - Terry Coates & Gill Wilson

Issued 25 April 2001

Issued 9 March 2001
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The Inter-Continental Hotel, Prague 7 February 2001
Excerpts from opening remarks by Gill Wilson

Dramatic changes are taking place in global tourism. The size of the world-wide market is at an unprecedented level and forecast to grow at a rate never seen before. The way the traveller manages his or her travel is undergoing a revolutionary change with the introduction of on-line purchases. The traveller is becoming more discerning in choice and in expectations. Yet, what does not change,  is the desire for new experiences and new destinations.  Central Europe is perfectly placed to capitalise on these new trends and fashions. This conference has been created to examine the opportunities that this growth in global tourism offers the cecta countries and the travel industry serving Central Europe.

Marshall McCluhan, a professor at Toronto University, first coined the phrase the ‘global village’ in the 1960’s. A man before his time, before the Internet was even an embryonic idea. Today the global village is a reality and accepted universally, beyond the point of anything Marshall McCluhan dreamt of.   Businesses across the globe have taken on board the message that co-operation is the way forward.  Major alliances and mergers are common place and the travel industry is no exception. Travel groups are creating near monopolies; it is forecast that Europe will have only four or five companies dominating the low-cost package tour market over the next five years. The airlines have changed their marketing and business arrangements creating just a handful of major alliances. The hotel industry grows organically and has created global reservation systems.

Facing Central Europe is a highly competitive environment in an industry that is dominated by massive marketing communications campaigns to lure the traveller.  There is increased capacity by airlines to every corner of the world and International hotels rising from the ground in all the worlds’ major cities.

cecta, as an organisation, started in the United Kingdom has set out to bring together the countries and the travel industry interested in joining forces to ensure that Central Europe has a place on the Tourism Map  and that the world listens to what we have to say.  To that end, Gill Wilson cecta Chief Executive was delighted to announce two new appointments  – David Hammond as International Director and Alan Godsave as Regional Director.

She said “We are fortunate to have recruited David Hammond. He will be a tower of strength in guiding us into the next millennium.  His wealth of experience in the travel industry brings to cecta a new dimension.  David is an associate director of ITE (International Travel Exhibitions) and Treasurer of the Tourism Trade Fairs Association.  David has created for ITE a global spread of travel exhibitions and has been instrumental in bringing to Prague the First Central European Travel Conference”.

Alan Godsave more latterly with the World Travel and Tourism Council and based in Hungary will represent cecta as Regional Director for  Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic

Alan said “I felt that cecta is designed perfectly to meet the specific needs of Central Europe both in the short and long term. The balance of product development, industry interface and promotional activities is a powerful mix. Another plus is that cecta brings together both the public and private sector which is unique”. 

The recruitment of these two outstanding figures is a feather in our cap and a recognition that cecta will be a powerful force in the shaping of tourism in a part of Europe that has lagged behind most other regions said cecta chairman Terry Coates

By co-operation we can learn from each other and bring a focus to this region that in comparison to many other travel destinati