We Must Look At Our Region As A Single Social Cultural Zone, Kassimatis

ISTANBUL - George Kassimatis, chairman of the Greek Central Union of Chambers of Commerce (KEEE), said tourism carries an important role in developing regional cooperation.
Delivering a keynote speech at the beginning of the First General Assembly meeting of Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC) in Istanbul, Kassimatis indicated that "tourism sector grows 3-4 percent annually and contributes to the countries` balance of payments. 5.5 percent of all gross national product in Europe is earned from tourism."
"Tourism will carry the Balkans to the leadership not only in Europe but the whole globe. In order for tourism to develop, we must fulfill certain requirements. We must be more open to each other and ready to work together. We must look at our region as a single social cultural zone," Kassimatis told.
"One of the goals of ABC is to increase the visits of tourists in respective countries. We must diversify products in tourism in order to reach this goal," Kassimatis noted.
"Tourists must be offered holidays with special themes, opportunities for institutional meetings, special tours on local food cuisine, and environmental trips. Touristic activities should take place by paying attention to the preservation of the environment," Kassimatis stressed.
The General Assembly meeting is being attended by chairmen of chambers from Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greek Cypriot administration, Greece and Albania.
Murat Yalcintas, ASCAME`s Term President and President of the Executive Board of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, is among the participants of the meeting. Representatives from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are also among the attendants.
The General Assembly meeting continues and was closed to the press following opening remarks.

(SOL-MS)