Voice your opinion about visa situation

In 2010, ETOA ran an extensive survey on Schengen, UK, and Ireland visa processing in origin markets across the globe.

In 2010, ETOA ran an extensive survey on Schengen, UK, and Ireland visa processing in origin markets across the globe. The contention was that official approval statistics overlooked loss of business and did not reflect how the visa process acts as a deterrent when visitors are choosing a destination. The survey also looked in depth at which structural factors were most problematic, in order to help the authorities in their stated aim to improve and streamline the process where possible.

Since the results of the survey were published, ETOA has held several consultation meetings with the European Commission, the UK Home Office and Border Agency, and the Irish authorities. The 2010 survey was instrumental in gaining recognition among policymakers that both the reality and perception of the visa process can harm the visitor economy. Just a few weeks ago at the European Tourism Summit in Lucerne, ETOA brought together for the first time, senior figures from both the Schengen and UK authorities.

Now is the time, two years on from the initial findings, to update the visa picture. Today ETOA is launching a short survey looking at the core areas identified in 2010, namely what works, what doesnโ€™t, and what remain the most significant obstacles.

ETOA is asking all tour operators and travel agents working in affected markets to take a moment of their time to complete the survey online. Please go to the following link: http://www.consumerdatasurveys.com/etoa

As in 2010, the survey will be administered independently by Consumerdata, Europe’s leading customer service, operational, and strategic insight provider.

For any queries regarding either the survey or ETOAโ€™s work on visas, please contact Nick Greenfield at [email protected] .

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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