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On the occasion of the European Tourism Forum (18-19 November 2010), the Network of European Private Entrepreneurs in the Tourism Sector (NET), represented by Anna Maria Torres, CEO of HOTREC, expressed its full support for the objectives of the European Commission Communication to develop a new political framework for tourism, as the first necessary step towards an ambitious, cooperative and business-friendly European Tourism Policy, for the benefit of industry and tourists.
Ms. Torres emphasized the need for “a dynamic and sustainable tourism industry, which provides for employment and economic growth, which is protective and respectful of our valuable cultural and natural heritage and contributes to the development of our society”.
In order to ensure this development, NET firmly believes that it is necessary to have a favourable regulatory environment to “provide oxygen” to a sector that has suffered a lot from the economic crisis. Therefore, NET urges the institutions at EU, national and regional levels to provide: sound impact assessments on the tourism sector for every legislative proposal – to adhere to “better regulation” principles; tailor-make and simplify rules for the tourism sector; reduction of red tape, particularly for SMEs and micro-enterprises; the creation of a sufficient EU budget line for tourism; improved access to financing of tourism at all administrative levels; lower taxes; and industry-driven solutions.
All these ingredients are essential to promote the competitiveness of European tourism enterprises, which must be “the priority” of all policy makers. In addition, all tourism concerns and interests should be taken properly into account in other policy areas.
As already expressed, NET members are ready to contribute to the practical implementation of the various actions contained in the Commission Communication. For this purpose, NET proposed the establishment of a permanent roundtable of public and private stakeholders, an idea which was much welcome by European Commission Vice-President Tajani. On a daily basis, tourism businesses are in the frontline dealing with consumers of every description across all ages and socio-economic groups: holiday-makers, day visitors, business travellers, and more. From this privileged position they have very valuable experience on the ground to offer to all relevant institutions.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
