The EU has launched a 21-point action plan aimed at coordinating tourism policies across the Union.
The industry was hardly given any importance in EU circles up to a few years ago and was considered mostly a matter for individual member states. But although there is still no real EU legislation covering tourism, the Commission has now started focusing on getting member states together and coordinating this lucrative industry.
Launching the new action plan, Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani said a new EU tourism policy would now be discussed and possibly approved during a ministerial meeting to be held in Malta in November.
The EU’s plan introduces many proposals, including the establishment of a quality tourism label to be given to destinations providing a quality product, similar to the Michelin stars for restaurants, and the coordination of school holidays among member states in order to streamline the services offered.
With 370 million international arrivals in 2008, Europe enjoys more than 40 per cent of global tourism.
However, according to the Commission, European destinations are facing increasing competition from outside the EU. Moreover, the current demographic trend means that in a few years’ time Europe will have more aged tourists.
“Our tourism products and our infrastructure have to be well catered for this,” Commissioner Tajani pointed out.
Among the 21 ways of helping member states improve the tourist industry, the Commission is also proposing an extension of the tourism season, by facilitating a form of exchange programme for the young, elderly, disabled people and families who have economic difficulties to travel during the low season.