The Executive Director of the European Travel Commission, Rob Franklin OBE, was awarded the prestigious annual European Tourism Gold Star Award by the members of the European Travel Press (ETP). At a ceremony conducted during the Salon de Vacances in Brussels, Mr. Salvador Alves Dias, President of the European Travel Press, presented the award to Mr. Franklin.

“I am honored and delighted to receive this award from the members of the European Travel Press today, in recognition of the work that has been done by the European Travel Commission. We are a small professional team, and each one of them deserves much of the credit for the achievement of our goals. I therefore accept on behalf of all of them as well,” said Mr. Franklin.

Outlining the vision of ETC to be European tourism’s launching pad for success, Franklin mentioned the recent boost in ETC membership of countries such as Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia and Ukraine, and highlighted the impressive new internet portal visiteurope.com that features Europe’s tourism destinations.

Tourism presents Europe’s face to the world. The ETC’s activities in IT, market intelligence and operational excellence were a tremendous resource for member NTOs, explained the ETC Executive Director, who qualified these as key issues for the success of Europe’s tourism industry in a competitive global environment.

Another ETC initiative to enhance the competitiveness of “Destination Europe” was the creation for the first time of a common brand and logo in the form of a pair of soaring wings that invite guests to experience “Europe - A Never-Ending Journey”.

The European Tourism Gold Stars Awards scheme was created by ETP in 1995, and its aims are to recognize personalities or to support initiatives contributing to the expansion of tourism in Europe.