V4 countries launch Gulf charm offensive to promote tourism

Bratislava, Slovakia

Manama: The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have launched a charm offensive to attract tourists from Gulf countries.

Known as ‘Visegrad Group’ (V4), a cultural and political alliance between The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, the four countries have joined forces to promote tourism to the four Central European states among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) visitors.

The GCC, established in 1981, comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The V4 countries said they formed one unique tourist destination boasting numerous unique UNESCO monuments, spas, historical towns and places of natural beauty, gastronomy and entertainment.

The roadshow on November 3-6 covers Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.

“The roadshow events are designed for the GCC travel agents to have a better understanding of the cultural and intellectual values and cohesion of V4 countries,” the organizers said.

V4 countries will showcase three tourist products- Big cities that includes visits, shopping, entertainment and luxury products; Health that includes medical tourism, spa and wellness; and Leisure holidays that includes family travel (exploring nature and local experiences) to boost arrivals.

Warsaw, Poland

According to the organizers, the Visegrad initiative is an expression of the effort to develop the region of Central Europe within the wider framework of Europe-wide integration.

“All four countries share both historical roots and cultural traditions and vividly depict the most common features of the Central European region. At the same time however, each of the member countries has its own unique identity in the field of architecture, art, religion, folklore and traditions or landscape,” they said.