## 1 SCOPE AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCUREMENT 

## 1.1 Contracting authority: who is the buyer?` 

This call for tenders is launched and managed by the European Commission, referred to as the Contracting authority for the purposes of this call for tender, assisted by its Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship & SMEs 

## 1.2 Subject: what is this call for tenders about? 

World Bridge Tourism : the subject of this call for tenders is is to increase the flows of visitors from the People´s Republic of China to the European Union as well as to stimulate investment opportunities for EU companies in China where domestic tourism is booming. 

## 1.3 Lots: is this call for tenders divided into lots? 

This call for tenders is not divided into lots. 

## 1.4 Description: what do we want to buy through this call for tenders? 

The services that are the subject of this call for tender, including any minimum requirements, are described in detail below. 

Variants (alternatives to the model solution described in the Tender Specifications) are not allowed. The Contracting authority  will disregard any variants described in a tender. 

## Background and objectives 1.4.1 

## Background 1.4.1.1 

Tourism is one of the sectors with more untapped potential to contribute to President Junker's priority to generate economic growth and create jobs. However, competition from emerging destinations is increasing. In 2000, the EU had 50% of the world's market. The EU share is now around 40% and might be around 30% by 2030. Only 10% of our tourists come from outside the EU, compared to 27% of those of Asia-Pacific, and 25% of the Americas$^{1}$. 

Outbound travel from China has been growing fast and steadily over the past 15 years (more than any other source market), with a steep increase since 2010. Nowadays, China is the growth engine of the international tourism market. 

The EU is attracting many Chinese travellers who are now the third largest group of international travellers behind the US and Russia, spending on average more than American visitors. Over the years 2014-2015, the total number of Schengen visas to Chinese travellers 

