Europe is the world’s most popular tourism destination. And 40% of that activity is associated with cultural and historic heritage, thanks partly to several European Cultural Routes.
But how do you turn culture and history into a thriving business?
In September 1944, the Netherlands was the site of Operation Market Garden – the biggest parachute drop in history.
Seventy years on and it has become a prominent feature on the Liberation Route – a tourist route that traces the path the allies took to liberate Europe during World War II.
Several months ago entrepreneur, Bert Eikelenboom invested 11,000 Euros in a 1944 Dodge to ferry visitors on guided tours through the Second World War’s battle fields.
“For 2014, I expect a turn over about 30 to 40,000 Euros,” he says, “And when the business develops I will also get a new car, and a new employee with me, to make the tours.”
To better develop his client base, Bert hooked up with local hotels like Hotel Erica, in front of which is one