Brussels, 05/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 4 December, the Competitiveness Council adopted conclusions proposing to strengthen the European tourism sector by making full use of Europe's cultural, natural and maritime heritage. The text seeks, too, to enhance the competitiveness of the sector through the development of sustainable, responsible and high-quality tourism services and promotion of cultural itineraries, and by improving workers' skills.
The importance of synergies between tourism and culture and their contribution to economic growth and jobs was emphasised at the European Tourism Forum, organised by the Italian Presidency in Naples on 30-31 October. At that forum, the Presidency spoke of the importance of making better use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation and innovation to train high-quality staff and of better using more sustainable and more inclusive mobility with the aim of keeping Europe at the top of the list of tourist destinations.
Under the Lisbon Treaty, the EU complements the initiatives taken by member states in the tourism sector, by fostering the competitiveness of companies active in this segment of the economy and by encouraging cooperation between member states. (IL)