SPATA Convention: European Parliament

For SPATA’s 65th Annivarsary Convention, members who attended were treated to a very special opportunity for a private tour of the European Parliament. This is one of the two legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. It is one of the most important political bodies in the world, representing the whole of the European Union members as the EU’s “first institution,” having ceremonial precedence over the other EU institutions. It controls the EU budget and shares equal legislative and bugetary powers with the European Union Council.

SPATA Zaprasza!

The private tour was arranged by SPATA friend and collaborator, Adjunct-directeur of the Polish Tourism Organization, Andrzej Pawluszek. Andrzej is the Polish representative in the Netherlands for the POT office, and is responsible for a meaningful increase in interest and tourism to Poland from the peoples of the Netherlands. Programs that Andrzej has promoted and been part of have expanded visibility and funding for Polish cultural and educational programs in the Netherlands, and created a space for discussion for the peoples of both countries. Thanks to his effort, Polish and Dutch people can trace their shared history and rise to a higher economic and cultural prosperity.

The tour began with a very special meeting with the Director of the Polish Organization of Tourism in Amsterdam and Brussels (POT), Mrs. Dominika Szulc. Right after, the tour headed into the European Parliament headquarters.

Representing Polish Travel Agents in the United States, SPATA proudly entered the halls where Polish Jerzy Karol Buzek held the title of European Parliament president from 1997 to 2001. Just like Pope John Paul II, SPATA members noted that Polish people have a rich history of being selected as leaders of some of the most important organizations in history. The tour passed through the secured entry and into the main lobby, and included a full lecture on the composition and operation of the European Parliament. A very knowledgeable guide provided a full explanation of these offices and how the Parliament operates. The highlight of the tour was a visit to the main chamber where the EU Parliament meets, and an opportunity for a group photo.

SPATA would like to extend a very special Thank You to our guide, who helped understand the complex process that takes place in these chambers, and the forces that produce the most meaninful decisions for the European Union.

Special USA Premiere!
History of SPATA Exhibition
at the Senior Care, Wellness & Medical Tourism Conference at the Polish Consulate in NYC

Premiering internationally at The Hague, in the Netherlands, and featured at the Kongres Turystyki Przyszłości in Kołobrzeg, and now for the first time in the United States, the History of SPATA Exhibition by Miłosz Pierwoła, Esq., based on archives maintained by SPATA Secretary Zofia Strzałka, honors 65 years of SPATA’s achievements in promoting Poland and Polonia interests in the United States and across the world. The exhibition tells the story of a handful of Polish travel bureaus that created a dream in their bylaws which has manifested through the incredible hard work of hundreds of Polish-American travel agents into one of the most successful and influential Polonia organizations in the world. Learn about the incredible history of this organization as they spearhead the next stage of Polish tourism, medical and wellness services.