Leisure tourism buyers ask information after the municipal disposal.

The international buyers of leisure tourism are asking for information about the new city tax for Florentine hotels. This was the most frequent request communicated to FCB at London City Fair 2011, the ETOA workshops in partnership with European Cities Marketing and supported by Visit London, held on June 20th at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel. During the fair there were concerns about the new tax that the City of Florence introduced with contribution rates from 1 to 5 euros per night, based on the characteristics of each hotel, on July 1st, 2011. Many buyers expressed their fear of a relapse of the tourist flow to Florence due to the new tax. The event brought together more than 500 players in the MICE sector, including tour operators, hotels and Agencies for Tourism. FCB represented the tourism board of Florence.

ETOA is a trade association representing the interests of international inbound and intra-European tour operators and their suppliers. Since its foundation in 1989, ETOA has grown to include over 500 member organisations, of which more than 150 are Tour Operators. ETOA’s calendar of networking events includes GEM, HEM, BIM and now City Fair.

ECM provides a platform on a pan-European basis for cities to perform better in their convention and tourism activities through the exchange of knowledge and best practice within a city marketing framework.