EU announces groundbreaking tourism commitment

Gordon Sillence EU insider will discuss this issue exclusively with TravelMole/Vision on Sustainable Tourism webinar attendees this Friday

EU Commission vows to keep Europe the world’s top destination.

Vision will discuss the implications of this groundbreaking announcement with EU insider Gordon Sillence this Friday at 3pm UK, 4pm Europe, 10am EST webinar audience limited. To get a free place email [email protected]

With 370 million international arrivals in 2008, Europe has more than 40% of the global figure – a position which, the EU says, must be retained.

The EU Commission has now outlined a policy that aims at supporting this “essential sector of the European economy” and proposes initiatives to promote its competitiveness, its sustainable and quality-based development and the visibility of Europe as an outstanding tourist destination.

Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, said: “The Lisbon Treaty has for the first time ever set a community framework for European tourism. This gives us the opportunity to work on a policy that exploits the variety that our tourism sector has to offer to European and non-European tourists alike.

“We therefore need to keep Europe’s tourism industry at the forefront of innovative solutions. In return, this will create more jobs and a more sustainable and differentiated tourism offer. It will be hard work, but it is our aim to keep Europe the world’s top tourist destination. Today’s communication lays down 21 actions that will thrust Europe’s tourism industry to the 21st century."

Tourism plays an important role in the EU economy. It comprises 1.8 million enterprises, many of these being small and medium-sized businesses. It also caters for 5.2% of employment and contributes to more than 5% of European GDP.

European destinations face increasing competition from other global destinations. On the other hand Europe can also attract tourists from emerging markets.

The  Commission communication proposes 21 actions including:

• Improve the competitiveness of the tourist sector in Europe.
• Promote the development of sustainable, responsible and quality-oriented tourism (including developing a "Quality Tourism" label)
• Consolidate the image and the visibility of Europe as a set of sustainable and high quality destinations
• Bolster the integration of tourism in the EU policies and financial instruments

More information:

ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/index_en.htm

Valere Tjolle

Valere Tjolle is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite, special offer at: www.travelmole.com/stories/1142003.php