The European Tour Operators Association has engaged in a
research partnership with Global Blue, the Switzerland-based experts on foreign
travellers' shopping and spending.
Cooperation between the two organisations will focus on
developing research on incoming markets to Europe ,
based on the globe shopper intelligence from Global Blue and ETOA’s in-depth
knowledge of the inbound tourism industry.
The collaboration between the two organisations will bring
the wealth of data and globe shopper knowledge from Global Blue together with
ETOA’s contextual understanding of visitor flows to Europe . Joint seminars, webinars and briefings are
planned with select data being made available to ETOA members.
Global Blue analyst Simon O’Connell has already participated
in one of ETOA’s seminars at this year’s World Travel Market, entitled ‘The
Growing Pains of Brazil’.
Regarding the partnership Simon said: 'We are looking
forward to working with the ETOA and furthering our connections with its many
important affiliates. I hope that by sharing our globe shopper data and
analysis with ETOA, and by learning from their expertise, both parties will be
able to further their objectives of improving the travel experience for
visitors to Europe .'
Kerstin Bock, who is responsible for producing ETOA’s
Research, said: 'I am very excited about our partnership with Global Blue. The
company’s retail intelligence provides vital information and comprehensive
understanding of global shopping patterns which are often early indicators of
overall market trends. I am very pleased our members will be able to benefit
from this market intelligence and am looking forward to further develop our
partnership with Global Blue.'
Tom Jenkins, ETOA's CEO, added: 'One of the main reasons
people come to Europe is to engage in luxury
shopping; it becomes their principal pastime when not sightseeing. ETOA has
always been interested in luxury shopping: and luxury shops have been central
members of ETOA for almost 25 years. So we are thrilled to be working with
Global Blue on a matter of central importance.'
