Discussions with EU Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bienkowska focused on NET suggestions on how to unlock the full potential of tourism to foster innovation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
A NET delegation comprising high level representatives from the European Private Sector in Tourism met with EU Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bienkowska to discuss the main challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector.
Tourism is a key contributor to Europe’s competiveness. It is the third socio-economic activity which is mainly composed of small and medium-size enterprises 91% of which are microenterprises. Tourism accounts for 9% of the EU GDP and employs 10% of the total EU workforce. This translates to 13 million jobs. It is also one of the key sectors to further contribute to economic growth and job creation, a President Juncker’s priority.
However, unless Europe is competitive in terms of tax and regulatory regime, destination appeal, perceptions of value and visa facilitation, Europe will continue to lose out. The loss is actual, not potential.
Discussions focused on NET suggestions on how to unlock the full potential of tourism to foster innovation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The Commissioner’s support was sought for:
- Continuing to raise awareness of and support the adoption of a smart Schengen visa policy to facilitate legitimate travellers from important tourism source markets, such as China, India and Russia;
- Adoption of a well-functioning Single Market, with special focus on the Digital Single Market;
- The simplification and streamlining of the regulatory framework for tourism, in particular as regards taxation. Avoid proliferation of taxes at various levels, which render Europe excessively costly and uncompetitive;
- Upgrading skills and competences across the tourism sector in order to enhance the competitiveness of companies and keep on creating jobs.
Said Michel de Blust, Secretary General of ECTAA: “We are pleased about the very open and frank dialogue with Commissioner Bienkowska. NET would like to ensure that tourism remains one of the priorities of the Commission. The issues discussed demonstrate that if Europe’s tourism is to remain competitive, an integrated policy approach is required, covering a wide spectrum of European policy areas such as Internal Market, taxation, home affairs, employment, consumer protection, competition, etc.”
Photo caption: EU Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Elżbieta Bienkowska.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
