16/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - Tourism industry wants “smart” Schengen visa. On Tuesday 15 March, the Network for the European Private Sector and Tourism (NET) called on the European Parliament Civil Liberties and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) to adopt a raft of measures for a “smart” visa. On 16 March, MEPs vote on a range of texts relating to the visa (see other article). Expressing concerns about the shrinking European tourist market at a global level (64% in 1980, 51% in 2010), the NET is calling for the Schengen Code to be revised so that the entry of “legitimate” travellers is facilitated. The industry is particularly keen on adopting the principle of the mandatory granting of “multiple entry” visas. Such a visa would allow tourists from third countries to come to Europe on several occasions. Ultimately, sector professionals would like tourists to be covered by a “touring visa”. Given the current situation, certain quarters regard these demands as somewhat ambitious (see EUROPE 11412). (PH)