The European Tour Operators Association Limited (ETOA) is a prominent trade association representing tour operators and suppliers engaged in European destinations. Established in 2003 and registered in the EU Transparency Register since 2014, ETOA serves over 1,100 member organizations, including tour operators, wholesalers, destination management companies, European tourist boards, hotels, attractions, and other tourism suppliers. Collectively, these members contribute more than €12 billion in business within Europe. ETOA’s vision is to be the most influential driver for growth in European tourism and a trusted resource for policymakers and businesses alike.
ETOA’s mission focuses on championing European tourism at the EU, national, and regional levels by providing valuable services and expertise to its members, organizing market-leading trade events and seminars, and advocating for a sustainable and thriving visitor economy. The association works to ensure European destinations remain attractive for living, visiting, and doing business, thereby supporting sustainable employment in the tourism sector.
Key lobbying priorities for ETOA include regulatory and policy areas such as package travel and digital trading, indirect taxation (tour operators margin scheme), visa requirements, freedom to provide cross-border services, sustainability and capacity management, coach transport and driver regulation, and EU-China and other long-haul market trade initiatives. ETOA actively participates in EU-level discussions and initiatives, including the Tourism Manifesto for Jobs and Growth and various European Commission working groups related to tourism and the single market.
ETOA is unique in its broad membership base, representing a full spectrum of the tourism services supply and buy chain, except for ocean cruising and airlines. It operates mainly through commercially generated income from membership fees, event participation, sponsorships, and services, and since 2017 has also been involved as a paid partner in EU-funded tourism projects.
The association’s headquarters is located in London, UK, and it employs approximately 2.75 full-time equivalent lobbyists. ETOA maintains a strong network with other European private sector tourism associations, notably as a constituent member of NET (Network for European Tourism Associations). It also engages in public-private partnerships and contributes to EU policy development through meetings, events, and consultations.
