Miguel Sanz, CEO of Turespaña, has been re-elected president of the European Travel Commission (ETC) for a new three-year term following the organization’s 111th general assembly held in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Sanz, who first assumed the presidency in 2023, will focus on sustainable tourism, balanced distribution of tourist flows, and strengthening cooperation among Europe’s 35 national tourism organizations. Joining the new leadership are Vice-Presidents Arnar Már Ólafsson of Iceland, Lidija Bajaruniene of Lithuania, and Ana Tripkovic Markovic of Montenegro. The assembly also approved four new associate members: Booking.com, Feratel, GetYourGuide, and Skyscanner.
In-Depth:
Miguel Sanz is re-elected president of the European Travel Commission for three years, with a focus on sustainable tourism and cooperation between European destinations.
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The CEO of Turespaña, Miguel Sanz, will continue as president of the European Travel Commission (ETC) after being re-elected this Wednesday for a new three-year term, following the 111th general assembly of the organization held in the Bay of Kotor (Montenegro).
“It is an honor to continue presiding over the European Travel Commission representing Turespaña. Europe must continue to lead the transformation towards a more sustainable, resilient, and balanced tourism model, capable of generating prosperity for destinations and well-being for local communities,” Sanz highlighted in a statement.
Sanz’s proposal has focapplyd on maintaining the line of action developed in the last three years, with an emphasis on consolidating the ETC as a key ally of the European Commission and actively participating in shaping the future European strategy for sustainable tourism.
Among the axes of this new period are the reinforcement of market ininformigence and international marketing campaigns aligned with sustainability objectives, as well as the promotion of a more balanced distribution of tourist flows to reduce concentration and seasonality.
Likewise, Sanz intfinishs to intensify collaboration among all ETC members, with the goal of ensuring benefits for both large and compact destinations and strengthening Europe’s role as a “diverse, sustainable, and high-quality destination.”
In the new leadership, Miguel Sanz will be accompanied by the vice-president elected today, Arnar Már Ólafsson, CEO of the Iceland Tourism Office, and by vice-presidents Lidija Bajaruniene, from the Minisattempt of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, and Ana Tripkovic Markovic, from the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro.
Since assuming the presidency in 2023, the ETC has recognized Sanz’s leadership for his work in strengthening cooperation in European tourism and consolidating the organization as a space for joint work among destinations.
“Under his leadership, the ETC has advanced its priorities in sustainability and advocacy for the sector’s interests, strengthened its commitment to European institutions, and promoted a more balanced and resilient approach to tourism development across Europe,” the organization added.
The assembly of this international organization, which integrates 35 national European tourism organizations, has also approved the incorporation of four new associate members from the private sector: Booking.com, Feratel, GetYourGuide and Skyscanner.
