Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
investment increased from 22.9% of GDP
in 2000 to 37.2% in 2003 (NBS, 2004).
Foreign investment may facilitate rising
income levels, convergence with EU GDP
per capita levels (at exchange rates), and
increased outbound tourism oriented to
business and leisure purposes. In contrast,
shopping and petty trading continue to
wane, following gradual price convergence
and further integration of retail distribution
systems through the foreign direct invest-
ment strategies of Western European trans-
national companies.
cooperation. Some, such as the Cohesion
Fund, are oriented to improvements of
basic infrastructure. Particular attention has
been paid to the modernization of trans-
European multi-modal corridors. Tourism
has not been a main concern in these
programmes. The Interreg IIIC programme
stated cross-border cooperation in tourism
a priority, but allocated only modest means
to support it. The impact of EU financial
assistance on the cross-border tourist
exchange is likely to be indirect and
reflected, for example, in better quality
roads, higher speed and safety of travel,
and increased numbers of border crossings.
Some inbound tourism may be facilitated
by the EU structural aid which flows into
transport infrastructure, farm tourism,
and environmental and urban assistance
programmes. The volume of this aid rose
significantly, from several million euros in
the early 1990s to billions after 2004.
Some of the EU financial facilities were
specifically aimed at fostering cross-border
●
However, any such change and growth are
likely to be relatively modest in comparison with
the shifts that occurred in the 1990s. The scale,
spatiality and objectives of international travel
have already been reshaped substantially in
anticipation of EU membership.
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