Travel agents and tourism experts from around the world were given a detailed look at the online travel market and the individual needs of the GCC market at a one-day event held in in Geneva this year.

Hosted by Digital Tourism Think Tank, an international knowledge hub that aims to provide thought leadership to the tourism industry in digital marketing best practice, along with Geneva Tourism, the event brought together a range of experts from across the industry to share their insights and knowledge.

The event followed a recent signing between the UAE and the European Union for a reciprocal bilateral short-stay visa waiver agreement, exempting the UAE citizens from Schengen visa.

The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries, including Switzerland. This made UAE the first Arab country to receive such a visa waiver for its citizens, giving them access to 34 European countries, including 26 Schengen States, for stays up to 90 days.

According to a survey conducted by Zurich Insurance earlier this year, Europe came as the most preferred destination for UAE residents who planned to escape the heat this summer. Around three quarters (72 per cent) of UAE residents said they would love to spend the summer season in Europe. “Now with the visa exemption, European countries are expecting a strong boost to further increase their tourism revenues from UAE”, said Nicolas Hall – CEO of Digital Tourism Think Tank.

“Inbound tourism to Geneva from the GCC has witnessed a steady increase over the past few years. With initiatives such as the GCC Market Workshop, Geneva will continue to be the pioneer destination for the region”, added Philippe Vignon – CEO Geneva Tourism and Congress Foundation. – TradeArabia News Service