The GO'99 and Regiontour'99 International Tourism Fair took place under the auspices of the European Council this year. This oldest democratic European institution presented itself in their own exhibition stall. But the fair was also an excellent opportunity to invite Lord Russell-Johnston, Board of Culture chairman to the European Council. And the Czech Republic proved to be a worthy host for the pleasant personality.

Upgraded fair

It certainly is an engaging fact that the responsible Czech Republic officials succeeded in upgrading a fair to an extraordinary event. This time it was the GO'99 and Regiontour'99 International Tourism Fair that took place the second week of January 1999, and attended also by Lord Russell-Johnston, presently the highest European Council representative. It is his visit to Regiotour that is a source of excitement to him, responded Lord Russell-Johnston to a journalist asking what had been his source of excitement lately. His good mood cannot be attributed to the famous Becherovka liqueur only, but also to a wonderful atmosphere prepared by representatives of all the Czech regions, playing music, singing, dancing, presenting their wood carved and straw souvenirs, and, of course, high spirits. "It really was contagious, and Regiontour let me experience complete excitement, despite my age", said this charming and distinguished guest.

There is a lot to improve

"Each nation, attempting to present its historical, cultural or tourism features, must think in global terms, and pursue its intention. I saw wonderful information folders in your exhibition stalls, printed on first-class paper, pointing out all kinds of interesting pastimes. Regretfully, maps were not included; how can a foreigner find the place like Prachatice or Karlovy Vary, if he has no detailed guide?"

Another point of criticism was the absence of programme packages for foreigners interested in religious sights, historical costumes, unusual sports, simply optimal active pastime, upgrading their presence in the country to a meaningful holiday.

Quo vadis Slovakia?

The same holds true about Slovakia. There is no need splitting the country into small regional units for a presumed benefit of visitors, as complex historical turns of a small country may be confusing. Let us treasure our precious history, and introduce to the visitors what is best. Not dilapidated and neglected ruins, but inviting and attractive environment as a hallmark of our sacred attitude to all the sights and historical features.

Speak up, stand up, show off

"Do not encase yourselves into a national shell. Let the world know you are here. All those materials I saw at the fair should have been distributed all over the world to specific agencies where interest in specialised tourism is evident", said Lord Russell-Johnston. "Do more tomorrow than you did today, for the sake of a better visibility of your nation. I wish that for you with all my heart.". It is a real challenge for all those involved in tourism and its publicity.

Résumé

According to Lord Russell-Johnston, it is through tourism that people get to know one another, and present their cultural heritage. Europe must be aware of the values it has to offer to the rest of the world. "Europe has also an unbelievable chance for a co-operation throughout its cultural diversity", added Vlasta Štěpková, a European Council Czech Republic representative. "Being good is not enough. It should also be known we are."