Brussels, 22/06/2011 (Agence Europe) -European countries must pool their efforts to improve their image as a quality tourist destination and seriously compete with other world destinations. This is the message sent out in the report by Carlo Fidanza (EPP, Italy) entitled “Europe - number one tourist destination”, which was adopted on 21 June by the committee on transport and tourism of the European Parliament. “Today's vote is an extra step towards a European tourism strategy which promotes Europe as a destination and supports the role of companies active in the tourist sector, as well as investing in the quality of services and what's available”, said Fidanza after the parliamentary committee's vote.
The tourism sector is the third-largest economic activity in the European Union. It employs 5.2% of total labour and generates around 5% of European GDP. This percentage is constantly on the increase. Furthermore, Europe is the world's number one tourist destination, with 370 million tourists in 2008. In the framework of the new competences devolved on the European Union by the Lisbon Treaty, a number of actions are underway at European and multinational level in the field of tourism, aiming to adopt a coordinated approach. In its adoption of the Fidanza report, the transport and tourism committee is, firstly, adopting a “European label for quality tourism” and secondly, targeting regional and local diversity to build a solid “European brand”. At the same time, the very many labels and classifications which already exist in the field of tourism must be moved over gradually to correspond to common criteria. In view of the public interest in tourism based on health and well-being (spa, thalasso and wellness), which is very much on the rise against a backdrop of the ageing population, the report suggests drafting a legislative proposal to give a uniform structural framework to this particular area. Lastly, the MEPs call once again for the revision of the European directive on travel, holidays and package tours and urge the European Commission to work on a proposal for September 2011. Particular attention must also be paid to training and study allowing people to work as a tourism sector professional, in particular the mutual recognition of qualifications by the member states. Lastly, access to tourism by people living with a disability or reduced mobility must be developed further. In conclusion, Carlo Fidanza welcomed the proposals of Commissioner Antonio Tajani who, with his communication on tourism which was published in June 2010, has allowed a coordinated approach to tourism in Europe to emerge, which is likely to help develop competition and sustainable growth. On 20 June of this year, the European commissioner with responsibility for enterprise and industry took part in a conference at London's City Fair, an event which is attended by players in European tourism under the aegis of ETOA (European Tour Operators Association). Tajani took this opportunity to stress the importance of a “European strategy for tourism which does not replace the national strategies, instead offering added value”. He said that Europe must present itself “more clearly and effectively” internationally as a quality global destination, rather than allowing (European) national destinations to compete with each other. Although the sector is prosperous, a lot of potential remains untapped, he said. (I.L./transl.fl)