Brussels, 13/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - European tourism ministers are meeting on Thursday 15 April in Madrid to discuss the future of the sector. During this informal meeting, they will adopt the Madrid Declaration, which will lay the foundations for the future framework of European tourism policy. Prior to this on 14 and 15 April, also in Madrid, the European Tourism Stakeholders Conference will be held. It will be attended by Spanish Industry, Tourism and Trade Minister Miguel Sebastián, European Commissioner for Industry and Enterprise Antonio Tajani, the mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz Gallardón, and the secretary of state for tourism, Joan Mesquida. The Lisbon Treaty acknowledges the importance of tourism since it defines specific European Union competence in this field for the very first time and authorises decision-making by qualified majority.
Tourism is one of the economic activities that will best generate employment and growth in the EU. Like all other economic sectors, it was affected by the recent economic downturn but has nonetheless proven to be one of the most resilient sectors, recently showing muted signs of recovery and return to growth. The European Tourism Stakeholders Forum will explore ways and means to enhance the visibility of tourism at European level and to verify how the actions to promote a competitive EU tourism industry and a sustainable growth of European tourism can be consolidated in an updated EU tourism policy framework. This policy is to be carried out in close cooperation with the regional and national authorities as well as with the private tourism stakeholders in Europe. Specific themes to be discussed include innovation and competitiveness, sustainable tourism and socially responsible tourism, as well as the enhancement of Europe's image as a tourist destination. The conference, to be attended by the ministers and secretaries of state of all member states and candidate countries, will be held just before the informal ministerial meeting organised by the Spanish EU Presidency. (I.L./transl.jl)