The 5th European Forum on Tourism, organized by the Finnish Presidency and the European Commission in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, opened its gates today in Limassol under the subject “Tourism in Europe – New opportunities”. Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Antonis Michaelides stated that this is a significant day for the conference tourism in Cyprus since it is the largest meeting of the EU tourist organizations, organized by the European Commission on an annual basis since 2002, within the framework of Lisbon strategic.

“It is an opportunity for the organizations of the tourist sector to exchange views on a European level and take joint decisions that will lead Europe, as a tourist destination, one step further”, the Minister stated.

According to Mr. Michaelides, academics and professionals were urged to state their views in order to develop a fertile and competitive discussion aiming at the increase in competitiveness of the European tourist product against other emerging countries. “Europe, as a tourist destination, must not only safeguard its leading position in the international tourist environment but to boost its competitiveness”, he added.

Finnish Commerce Minister, Mauri Pekkarinen stated that what Europe needs is the development of the new technologies and innovations in the sectors of tourist services. “If we wish to be more competitive in Europe, we must be more productive. If we cannot be more productive, we cannot be competitive and if we are not competitive, the progress will be low”, he noted.

Manager of the Business General Management of the European Commission and responsible for tourism and new technologies, Pedro Ortun confirmed that the Commission supports every initiative, public or private that will lead to the common target, which is the promotion of competitiveness of the European tourism and the strengthening of Europe’s leading role as the richest and more interesting tourist destination in the world”, he said.