Tourism Panel and 16+1 Meeting at Bled Strategic Forum

This year the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia has once again opened a dialogue between politicians and leaders from the private and public sector about the key challenges faced by Europe in the 21st century. Over recent years, the Forum has established itself as one of the most prominent high-level international conferences. Slovenia also hosted an important international event in the field of tourism between 31st August and 2nd September: the Panel on Tourism and the second meeting of Ministers responsible for tourism in Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) and China (Platform 16+1).

The common thread of the 10th Bled Strategic Forum (BSF) was cooperation and integration between countries and companies. One of the main topics was tourism, as one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Leading representatives of international organizations, regional destination organizations and travel agents participated in the discussion “Building New Partnerships For A Strong Tourism Industry". The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Commission, the Chinese National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia emphasised the role of Slovenia in the integration of European countries, while strengthening bonds with distant markets, especially China, the world´s fastest growing market. The Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Mr. Zdravko Počivalšek commented: “We need international and global integration. I believe this event will have an immense impact on increasing our country’s reputation and strengthening bilateral relationships. We expect a bigger tourist promotion and inclusion of Slovenia in the circular travel tours of Chinese tourists travelling around Central and Eastern Europe. Slovenia has set itself the strategic goal to build a bridge between Europe and Asia for the efficient exchange of economic and tourism flows.”

The Platform 16+1 was created by the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) with the aim of connecting Europe with Asia and strengthening the relationship with the China National Tourism Administration. During the Bled Strategic Forum, Slovenia hosted its second meeting. The platform serves as a valuable instrument for achieving better results in the tourism sector. The CEEC countries are orienting towards developing and emerging markets, which represent a challenge to Europe with their visa regimes, air connections, and intercultural differences, while at the same time offering great potential. Together enormous synergy effects can be achieved; one of which being the awareness and perception of Central and Eastern Europe as one destination in the overseas markets. The High Representative of China National Tourism Administration CNTA, Wei Hongtao, mentioned a big change and good results from the first meeting of Platform 16+1, which was held in Hungary last year. By strengthening connections, he hopes for another successful year and looks forward to the 3rd meeting of Platform 16+1.

You can see the STB, UNWTO, PATA and presentations here:

* Presentation of Maja Pak, Acting Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board

* Presentation of Márcio Favilla, Executive Director for Operational Programmes and Institutional Relations UNWTO

* Presentation of Mario Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)

* Presentation of Alain Dupeyras, Head of Tourism at OECD

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