Catchy new programme

Date: 13/06/1996

What a pity that a new EU programme to promote tourism has been given a name which sounds like some dreadful disease you catch on holiday.

Philoxenia sounds fine to the Tourism Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, who is Greek, because it means a love of strangers or hospitality.

But for most people, it sounds like something you would avoid like ... well, like the plague.

Students of rare and deadly diseases may wonder whether there might be some connection with a condition called phylloxera, which means 'dead leaf' and which has been known to ravage Europe's vineyards. But there is none.

Philoxenia is no more contagious or harmful than any other Commission programme, so do not panic if you see it emblazoned across a blue sign with gold stars during your summer vacation this year.