Tourism and Travel in Europe

Countries of Europe European Union (Western Europe) “Unclassified”: economic and political partnership between 27 European countries Created in the aftermath of World War II “Unclassified”: Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland want to remain neutral Eastern Europe Turkey is considered part of the middle east due to cultural differences, but has applied to join the EU

Touring the European Union (Western Europe) Leader in world tourism 40% of ALL tourist arrivals per year are to Western Europe Most popular destinations: France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, England Tourism industry employs 9 million people

Touring Eastern Europe Tourism not as popular Many years political differences kept Westerners out For more adventurous tourists since tourism isn’t fully developed and not always up to the best standards

Brainstorm…..get a partner and think….you must share What could Eastern Europe do to help improve its tourism industry?

Tourist Experiences in Europe Most Europeans head to the coasts of the Mediterranean to get away

The City Most non-European visitors go to cities like London, Paris and Rome Why? Historical and cultural sites (temples, churches, museums) romance, shopping, education, and nightlife Brings a lot of money but problems with too many tourists

The Mountains Have become well known through poets, writers, and artists Roads, rail, tunnels and chairlifts have made mountain access easier in the 20th Century Costs lots of money but traveling is now safer, quicker and more comfortable Main attraction is alpine skiing Destruction to mountain landscape

Europe: Tourist Regions

Benelux Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg Originally an economic alliance Similar cultures, language, lifestyle Dutch/Flemish architecture, cathedrals, museums

Iberian Peninsula Spain and Portugal Beaches, wine, food Moorish influence (architecture) Generally less expensive than northern Europe

Scandinavia Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, (Iceland) Outdoors – lakes, mountains, fjords, the sea Popular for Cruises

The Mediterranean Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Spain Beaches, islands, warm weather, food, culture, architecture Also popular for cruises

The Baltic States Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Former Soviet Bloc countries, recent editions to the EU, still “off the beaten track” for tourists Lots of wilderness, unique culture and (some) architecture Very affordable

The Carpathians Named for the Carpathian Mountains the largest mountain range in Europe Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia Former Soviet Bloc countries More affordable than western Europe Countryside, architecture, museums, music

The Alps Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland Very high mountains (80 peaks over 13,000 ft) Popular for hiking in the summer, but mostly as ski resorts in the winter Expensive