Community measures affecting tourism

The Commission has published a staff working paper reporting on the Community measures affecting tourism in the period 2001-2002. It provides an overview of Community policies and programmes which, though not specifically designed in terms of tourism objectives, have had an important influence on the development of the tourism industry.

Document available from ECTAA (secretariat@ectaa.org)


China: approved destination status for the EU

The European Commission and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding granting the European Community an Approved Destination Status (ADS) for Chinese visitors to those countries that are in the Schengen area. Britain and Ireland (currently outside the Schengen area) have also secured an ADS. Previously, any Chinese visitor coming to Europe had to have an ostensible business purpose to their trip (with the exception of Germany and Malta, who had secured ADS individually). In future, a country granted ADS is approved as a destination for leisure visitors from China as well as business visitors.

The Memorandum of Understanding specifies that the Member States must furnish a list of designated tourism service providers to the Chinese National Tourism Authority, which will be responsible for all business arrangements covering the tour in Europe. It is up to each Member State to draw up a list of tourism service providers.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/china/intro/mou_291003_en.pdf