Once East and West Germany were reunited in 1990, money began to be directed toward major construction and development projects. Berlin underwent a large growth cycle not seen since before WWII. This development spread to many other Eastern Bloc countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. Riding on the heels of economic development has come the adoption of a single currency, the euro.
Due to new agreements reached under the direction of the EU, most citizens in Europe are free to travel across many borders without so much as showing a driver's license. This new reality also applies to foreign travelers, who, after their initial arrival within the EU, can travel freely from one country to the next.
Under the heading of "social tourism," EU economic leaders have sought to encourage off-season tourism, visits to places off the beaten track and travel among disadvantaged youth. In general, European leaders believe that tourism can be used to strengthen the local economy and help build prosperity. Once the infrastructure is set up, it can be used to aid local development and help prevent industrial decline.
