Over 20 European organisations have already signed up to the manifesto which seeks to ensure that the continent remains an attractive destination and that the sector continues to make a significant contribution to the EU economy.
BRUSSELS – For the first time ever, Europe’s public and private tourism actors have come together to call for the European Union to do more for this important industry. Published to coincide with the European Tourism Day on Wednesday 16th December, the Tourism for Growth and Jobs Manifesto highlights the key EU policy priorities for the sector in the coming years on topics ranging from skills and qualifications to sustainability and competitiveness of Europe’s tourism.
The manifesto was officially launched at an event held at the Confcommercio Delegation to the European Union on Wednesday 9th December 2015, which was attended by the MEPs Ana-Claudia Tapardel, Claudia Monteiro De Aguiar, Isabella De Monte and Istvan Ujhelyi. The European Commission was also represented by Jakub Cebula, Member of the Cabinet of Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska, and Carlo Corazza, Head of Unit – Tourism, Creative and Emerging Industries.
Speaking on behalf of the MEPs, Mr Ujhelyi said that “It is a historical moment from the point of view of the European representatives of the tourism sector. That is why I supported this initiative and encouraged politicians and the tourism stakeholders to sit on the same side of the table. Together, we can convince the institutions here in Brussels, through concrete actions and diplomacy.” Mr Corazza meanwhile seemed receptive to the manifesto: “We will try to give appropriate answers to the challenges set out in the manifesto.”
Over 20 European organisations have already signed up to the manifesto which seeks to ensure that the continent remains an attractive destination and that the sector continues to make a significant contribution to the EU economy.
Europe is currently the world’s number one tourist destination with a market share of 51% in 2014. The tourism industry generates (directly and indirectly) 9.7% of total EU-28 GDP, a figure which is forecasted to rise to 10.4% by 2025.
In the EU, the travel and tourism sector employs almost 25 million people and visitor exports generate 351 billion EUR per year. The role of tourism becomes increasingly important considering that, by nature, it is a labour intensive sector built primarily by SMEs, and it has high female and youth employment ratios.
This sector stimulates economic growth by generating income, employment, investment and exports. It also generates valuable spin-off benefits, including preservation of cultural heritage, improved infrastructure, local community facilities and stronger awareness of European citizenship.
In times when unemployment rates have increased dramatically, evidence indicates that the travel and tourism sector remains one of the leading job creators both in Europe and worldwide.
Tourism for Growth and Jobs Manifesto
Photo caption: Representatives of the signing parties and of the EU institutions at the presentation of the Tourism for Growth and Jobs Manifesto.
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