The European Travel Commission (ETOC) is an international association of National Tourist Organisations (NTA) based in Brussels. It was set up in 1948 as an agency to promote European travel and tourism to long-distance markets outside Europe. The Commission’s remit is to coordinate and promote the development of European travel and tourism through policies that protect the long-term interest of the EU member organisations, their nationals and the wider European community as a whole. Policy makers of the Commission are charged with the responsibility of developing and implementing policies that will make the European continent fit for all kinds of trade, providing new opportunities to European businesses and enhancing the conditions of the European labour market. The main objectives of the European Travel Insurance Regulatory System (CRRIS) are to harmonise the protection policy for travellers across Europe and promote the free movement of people within the EU.
For international travelers, there is no need to take a risk by travelling to another country, which may be regarded as high risk because of its location, climate or security issues. European travel insurance offers protection to those who wish to visit or relocate to other parts of the world. The system of the EU Eurostar bulletins, which connects many countries of the EU, has become very efficient in terms of movement of passengers from departure country to destination country.
This also offers an easy transition for citizens of member states of the European Union traveling from member state to another, if there are no travel restrictions. Traveling within the EU by rail, sea or air becomes much easier and safer. Those who travel from countries outside the EU are required to acquire travel documents in order to travel within the union. Without a valid travel visa, one may be prevented from boarding planes or trains bound for EU countries.
These are just some of the benefits provided by the visa-free travel scheme. There is a lot more to discover when planning to make European travel for Americans visiting Europe. Within 90 days, travelers can find themselves in a different world altogether. No matter if it is a single day trip, part of a honeymoon package or a longer stay, the chances of discovering unique and exciting experiences are higher with visa-free travel to EU countries.