Tourism policy in the European Union
Tourism Division's European Strategy
Tourism Division's strategic aims in the EU are to:
- Benefit the UK tourism sector and wider economy - In particular, through the active promotion of the UK tourism industry, taking opportunities to ensure that programmes developed in the EU further our key priorities as far as possible.
- Ensure that EU regulations allow the tourism industry to flourish - Specifically, working with the Commission and lead Government Departments to ensure that the potential impact on the tourism industry is taken into account in developing new legislation in policy areas that affect tourism, e.g. food labelling, services etc.
- Contribute towards a successful UK Presidency of the EU in 2005 - In particular, by ensuring that a successful tourism event is held during the Presidency.
In achieving these aims we will work closely with partners in other Government Departments, the administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Local Government, regional organisations and the tourism industry.
Current legal base for EU tourism policy
Article 3 of the Maastricht Treaty gives the European Community limited scope to take forward non-legislative measures on tourism, with the aim of improving the productivity of the European tourism industry. All new initiatives and proposals must be agreed unanimously by Member States.
The Tourism Unit
The European Commission's Tourism Unit (part of the Directorate-General Enterprise) is responsible for planning and implementing Community-wide initiatives on tourism. Current projects are aimed at encouraging the exchange of best practice in areas such as skills, sustainable tourism, networking etc.
DCMS sits on the Tourism Unit's Tourism Advisory Committee, which meets approximately twice a year to review the Unit's work programme and consider proposals for new initiatives.
You can find more information about the Tourism Unit on its website at http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/services/tourism/index_en.htm
UK Presidency of the EU
The annual EU tourism forum falls due to be held by one of the EU Member States during the UK's Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2005. Details have yet to be confirmed.
Tourism Unit Work Plan: 2005
The Tourism Unit has not yet published its work plan for 2005, but it is likely that it will focus on sustainable tourism.
The Unit plans to set up a new Tourism Sustainability Group to consider and develop a programme for sustainable tourism in the EU. The Group is likely to include representatives from national Governments, industry, the regions and other key stakeholders. Terms of reference and membership are to confirmed following their discussion at the Tourism Advisory Committee on 11 November. The UK Government is seeking representation on the group.
Future developments
The new EU Constitutional Treaty includes a proposal to add tourism to those areas where the European Community can take 'supporting, co-ordinating or complementary' action.
This new EU 'competence' would give the EU limited powers to legislate in support of existing, national initiatives on tourism, but would not allow it to harmonise national legislation. Any new laws would be subject to qualified majority voting and the co-decision process (joint approval by the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament).
However, the new competence will only come into effect if all 25 Member States ratify the Treaty and this is by no means certain. The deadline for ratification is November 2006. Until then, the EU will be limited to taking forward non-legislative initiatives.
top
|
