Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Europe Cruise Companies On Issuance Of Tourist Visas

Europe cruises that go through several famous rivers of the continent are becoming extremely popular over ocean cruises these days. More and more tourists visiting Europe are opting for river cruises to explore and experience the real and authentic sides of Europe, which is a big plus for the European cruising industry.


Scenario and issue

Not only the domestic travelers but millions of non-EU visitors also come to this continent each year to get the flavor of its exclusive and rich cultural heritage. But, the burdensome and sluggish procedure of issuing tourist visas to international cruise passengers has been putting negative impact on the entire cruising industry of Europe. The Tourist Visa issuance method that has been followed by the European Government comprises pointless routine steps which is hindering the rate of issuance of visa to the non-EU passengers of Europe river cruises and thus doing a significant harm to the industry as well as the economy of the continent.

Extensive potential

The cruising industry of Europe has shown great potential in recent years. The latest data reveals that the number of people choosing Europe cruises for enjoying a memorable vacation has jumped at more than twice in the precedent decade. As per the findings of the Europe Cruise Council (ECC), the number of cruise passengers was more than 5.6 million in last year, and about 1 million of them are non-EU ones. In addition, travelers spent an anticipated total of €3.5 billion all through their visits to those 250 European port cities which hailed cruise ships in the very last year. Hence, there is no doubt that the cruise tourism of the continent has a big contribution to the economies of it.

Steps need to be taken

According to Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the chairman of the ECC, unlocking this enormous potential of the cruising industry would be very much aided by intercontinental accomplishments to facilitate as well as shorten the practice of issuing tourist visas to travelers around the world wishing to go on cruises to Europe. In order to streamline the entire course of action, all European states need to work together and find an effective way.

However, Antonio Tajani, the commission vice president, have become aware of the circumstances and started doing the needful for promoting Europe cruises. But, political willpower is also equally important to get rid of the situation.

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