Posts Tagged ‘destinations’
The European Moves in the Field of Tourism
Brussels issued a communication or non-legislative document which proposes up to 21 different actions structured into four areas for the EU, which received 360 million international visitors in 2008 (40% of world total), continue to lead tourism.
EC vice-president and head of European Industry, Antonio Ajani, said in a press conference that some 1.8 million European companies engaged in tourism, employing 5.2% of employees in the EU and noted that this sector accounts for 5% of EU GDP.
The Commission considers that in the coming years there will be new “challenges and opportunities” that require a “concerted European approach”, as is the fact that European destinations are facing increasing competition from other worldwide destinations, or that more and more tourists over.
Combat seasonality
in the first approach the EC suggests improving the competitiveness of European tourism sector expanded, for example, the tourist season to facilitate travel in low season to the young, the elderly, and families with financial difficulties or people with disabilities, so as to combat seasonality.
It also refers to integrating information technology and communication in tourism, so that a mobile phone can become a travel guide.
In addition, the possible creation of a European tourism could help coordinate and analyze tourism in member countries.
“European sustainable tourism brand and quality”
Second axis advocates promote the development of a “sustainable tourism, responsible and quality,” by distinguishing tourism professionals to engage in that sense, or the development of a label of “Quality Tourism” and indicators that reward sustainable management of destinations that respect strict environmental, social and economic.
Consolidate the image and visibility of Europe as “sustainable destination and high quality” is the ambition of the third axis, which proposes concrete actions such as launching a “European framework” that distinguishes the EU from other international destinations, or increase cooperation with tourist organizations worldwide.
Strategies for growth
Finally, the fourth placed here on strengthening the integration of tourism policy and financial instruments of the EU, as is the case of the strategy “Europe 2020″ for growth and employment, or other policies with direct impact on tourism, such as the rights of passengers and the protection of consumers and the market.
Ajani said the tourism sector is “essential” for Europe, “which have to depart early in the crisis” the world economy.
He also recalled that the Lisbon Treaty, which came into force on December 1, gives the Commission new powers in the area of tourism that can bring “added value”, but made clear that the Commission “will not invade “skills that are mostly in countries and regions of the EU.