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Message of European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen for World Tourism Day 2006___

Tourism is a major source of income for millions of people in Europe and abroad. It is however much more than just an economic sector. Tourism connects people and helps to build better understanding between nations and cultures. Sustainable tourism is also crucial for the preservation and enhancement of the cultural and natural heritage of our planet. For all these reasons, tourism merits our full attention and political support.

Tourism belongs to the most dynamic sectors of the world economy. We need to fully exploit its growth potential in a sustainable way to the benefit of all citizens, in particular in developing countries. Together with its related activities, tourism is also one of the biggest and fast expanding economic sectors in Europe. We can be proud of being the number one destination worldwide and we will aim at safeguarding this position. This would also allow the tourism sector to play a major role in our efforts to create more growth and jobs for European citizens.

Tourism has become the main economic activity for entire regions making its well-thought sustainable development a pre-condition for their lasting economic success. We unfortunately had to experience in recent years, how vulnerable tourist regions can be to natural catastrophes and terrorist attacks. A common engagement against terrorism, mainly through the tackling of its roots, is a major contribution that we can make to the development of tourism.

This year’s celebration of the World Tourism Day around the theme tourism enriches brings new promising perspectives and also important challenges for this dynamic industry. Those call for renewed and stronger partnerships amongst all tourism stakeholders. Through its renewed tourism policy, the Commission is committed to continue to contribute to this process.