Brussels, 24/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - On 19 October, the European Commission published a communication entitled 'Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism,' based on the work of the Tourism Sustainability Group. The document marks the official launch and adoption of a medium-term timetable, with stakeholders being invited to take the necessary measures to boost the contribution of sustainable tourism and boost Europe's competitiveness as the most popular tourist destination in the world.
Pointing out that tourism is one of the economic activities most likely to generate growth and employment in the European Union, directly and indirectly contributing more than 10% of the EU's GDP at present, along with 12% of all jobs, the communication looks at how to expand the tourist industry by ensuring economic prosperity, fairness, social cohesion, protection of the environment and culture. The tourist industry's main aim is to remain competitive, while taking a sustainable approach and being aware that, in the long run, competitiveness will depend on sustainability. Climate change is now seen as a fundamental issue and means the tourist industry will have to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and tourist destinations will have to adapt their offerings and type of tourism catered for in order to match changes in demand, explains the document. To achieve this, the Commission urges all stakeholders to respect the following principles: 1) take a holistic and integrated approach to ensure tourism is well-balanced and integrated with a whole range of activities that affect society and the environment; 2) plan for the long-term to ensure the needs of future generations; 3) achieve an appropriate pace and rhythm of development reflecting and respecting the character, resources and needs of host communities and destinations; 4) involve all stakeholders - use best available knowledge in order to discover the latest and best knowledge available; 5) minimise and manage risk, in other words there should be full evaluation and preventative action should be taken to avoid damage to the environment or society (the precautionary principle); 6) reflect impacts in costs (user and polluter pays); and 7) set and respect limits for the carrying capacity of individual sites and wider areas particularly vulnerable to high volume tourist flows; undertake continuous monitoring so the necessary changes and improvements can be made. Tourism stakeholders are urged to accept their responsibilities and ensure regular, structured cooperation. The Commission itself recognises its responsibility to take action and launch initiatives at EU level based on the recommendations in the communication, which it describes as an 'agenda'. It will be setting up a pilot project known as 'European Destinations of Excellence,' to reward EU tourist destinations striking the best balance between development of tourism and sustainable tourism. The member states are asked to collaborate by drawing up annual reports to guide future tourism policy. The Commission concludes by saying it hopes to receive the backing of other European institutions and will be publishing a progress report in 2011. (I.L.)