EU enlargement is already having a positive impact on the tourism and airline industry in Europe.That's the case at least in Belgium, where the national airline and tour operator have seen a huge growth in business with the new member states who joined in 2004.
The "bloodbath" forecast on European airlines has not dampened SN Brussels Airlines' competitive edge with it projecting an increase in market demand capacity to Prague and Budapest, stating it is offering extra frequencies and seats to these destinations.
"Thousands of extra seats are available on the popular routes to the new EU Member States," SN Brussels Airlines said in a statement.
The airline said an immediate increase in business resulted from the Czech Republic and Hungary's EU ascension last year.
Meanwhile according to the latest figures from the Belgian tour operators association ABTO, the Hungarian capital, Budapest was the number one growth destination during summer 2004.
More and more tourists discover the excellent wellness facilities and the cultural richness of the Hungarian capital.
Prague, already a popular city trip destination for over ten years now, is still booming and welcomed 40 percent more Belgian visitors last year.
By: N. Peter Kramer
