Travel and tourism are new phenomena of this century. Their professional business activities are expanding every year also in our country. This tendency is evident from international travel and tourism trade fairs, that became a steady schedule item over the past years.každého kalendárneho roka.

GO'99 and Regiotour'99

Enormous space of the Brno trade fair grounds is being continually renovated. It is busy throughout the year, and the first public event begins on January 9. This year's trade fair grounds opened their gates for the eight time - and it was worth coming. Regiotour'99 made the impression if vigorous optimism, and each exhibition stand - except for the Slovak ones - gave the same evidence. For several years we have noticed the Trenčín region's presence here, however wishy-washy it might have been, but it is permanently absent at the Slovak travel and tourism trade fairs! The Go and Regiotour should be attended by all those business entities and institutions related to travel and tourism. Endless creative invention, high spirits, quality services, and professional attitude to active and passive travel and tourism are undoubtedly a source of inspiration of the highest value.

SLOVAKIATOUR'99 in a new outfit

This time the Incheba trade fair grounds in Bratislava provided brand new facilities to the travel and tourism exhibitors. This year's Regiotour presented literally a new picture of revival compared to the year before. The top platform of the terraced hall arrangement allowed an overall view of the space with vibrant atmosphere, dance, songs, music, and folk costumes. Apart from Slovak regions we saw that also Czech and Austrian regions were represented, and even the Bratislava twin cities were here. From distant Africa arrived Tunisian exotic dancers and skilled wrought metal craftsman who would engrave your name or words of dedication on a Tunisian souvenir. Spanish, Portuguese, Croatian, Slovenian, Italian, and Slovak exhibits all made dignified presentations.

Holiday World'99

The 8th annual event of international travel and tourism trade fair in Prague was certainly one of the most impressive both in number of participating exhibitions and number of visitors. Diverse national expositions (including Gambia, Africa) and air companies of Seychelles and United Arab Emirates (but not Slovakia!) were a part of the colourful mosaic. The Dutch brought even a wood carver ready to carve a pair of wooden shoes for you or other souvenirs. Holiday World'99 was organised under the auspices of the largest international travel agency association - the ASTA - listing 2700 members. The Slovak Republic had a stately exposition, administered by the Slovak Travel and Tourism Agency. The Slovak exposition became a place of meaningful business meetings, and also a meeting place of diplomats, journalists, travel agency and spa resort representatives - in an atmosphere of kind understanding and professional compliance of the organising team. An opening matinee that took place at the Castle of Prague, with some one thousand guests, added a special touch to this favourite trade fair. Among the matinee guests were also Slovak representatives, journalists, and professional public.

Summary

In response to the survey carried out at these three trade fairs the exhibitors unambiguously stated that these events were an opportunity for them to find new business partners and clients and to open new interesting contacts. Quality information brochures are a must for any relevant business contact. They must be printed in several languages and contain maps to navigate visitors to the specific regions and sites. There is quite a lot Slovakia can be proud of: 13 internationally recognised and listed sites, caves, lovely landscape, historic and cultural sights, museums, galleries, and, primarily, advantageous position at the centre of Europe. More frequent and regular publicity investments, underscored by legislative proficiency, can bring great benefits to this small and interesting country. It is also a part of our effort to stand up and be seen in the international community of the new millennium.