Verheugen to unveil EU tourism policy in Malta

Plans by the European Union to draw up a new tourism policy will be unveiled by Commission vice president Gunther Verheugen during a visit to Malta next month.

The EU does not have a policy on tourism as this is regarded as an issue that should be regulated at member state level. However, the boom in the industry and its importance to the EU economy seems to have persuaded the Commission to change its mind.

Speaking at a meeting of the tourism intergroup of the European Parliament, Mr Verheugen acknowledged the challenges facing the tourism industry and the need to promote this high-potential economic sector.

"We need an integrated policy bringing together all competencies in order to get the most out of our potential for flourishing tourism in Europe. The Commission is prepared to work with the Parliament in order to achieve this", he said.

Mr Verheugen said he would present the broad outlines of the action the Commission intends to carry out to this end at the tourism forum, to be held in Malta between October 19 and 22.

The forum, organised by the directorate general responsible for enterprise of the European Commission, will be held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, and will bring together top representatives from the tourism industry, civil society and authorities at all levels from the 25 member states of the EU.

Apart from Mr Verheugen, the list of participants will include Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, UK Tourism Minister James Purnell, Francesco Frangialli, general secretary of the World Tourism Organisation and Istvan Kolber, Hungary's Regional Development Minister.

The forum will focus on competitiveness related to skills and ICT, better regulation, with an emphasis on the proposal of the directive on services, and sustainable development in tourism.

In parallel with the forum, an informal meeting of the European Ministers of Tourism will also take place in Valletta on October 20.