The most important tourism matters dealt with by ECTAA concern:
Communication from the Commission ‘Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism’, COM(2007) 0621
The Communication sets out the objectives of a sustainable and competitive European tourism industry. It suggests a holistic approach by setting out responsibilities for action for all stakeholders, i.e. destinations, businesses and tourists, which will be supported by various measures of the European Commission, notably knowledge sharing, promotion of sustainable destinations, raising awareness of EU funding opportunities for sustainable tourism actions and integrating sustainability into other Community areas directly linked to tourism.
Communication from the Commission ‘Basic orientations for the sustainability of European tourism’, COM(2003) 0716 final
The Communication emphasizes the need to ensure the consistency of various Community policies and measures affecting the sustainability of tourism and the industry’s competitiveness. It also calls for pro-active co-operation among all stakeholders to address challenges such as growing demand and changing preferences whilst at the same time increasing revenues.
To stimulate work in the field of sustainability it envisaged the creation of a ‘Tourism Sustainability Group’ (TSG) composed of representatives of all stakeholders and mandated to draft a detailed framework for action in order to provide input to an Agenda 21 process for the sustainability of European tourism. The TSG completed their work in February 2007 and presented their report ‘Action for more Sustainable European Tourism’.
Based on the TSG report, the Commission has launched a public consultation, the outcome of which was used for its Communication ‘Agenda for a sustainable and competitive European tourism’ adopted in October 2007 (see above).
Communication from the Commission ‘A Renewed EU Tourism Policy: towards a stronger partnership for European Tourism’, COM(2006) 0134 final
To respond to modern challenges while making the best use of available resources the Commission proposed a renewed European tourism policy, the main aim of which is to improve the competitiveness of the European tourism industry and create more and better jobs through the sustainable growth of tourism in Europe and globally. It identifies three priorities, notably mainstreaming measures affecting tourism, promoting tourism sustainability and enhancing the understanding and the visibility of tourism.
The International Standardization Organization (ISO) has decided to develop standards for tourism and related services. The scope of the ISO/TC 228 is to develop standards ‘in the field of tourism and related services to provide tourism buyers, providers and consumers with criteria for making informed decisions’.
[ View ECTAA position paper ]
[ View ECTAA presentation to ISO]
Regulation proposal establishing a Community Code on Visas, COM(2006) 403 final
The objective of the Regulation proposal is to consolidate all existing visa rules into one legal instrument, but also to introduce new provisions that aim at enhancing transparency, clarifying existing rules, harmonizing differing practices, etc. The code lays down the conditions and procedures for processing visa applications of third country nationals for stays not exceeding 3 months.
[ View tourism industry position paper ]
Decision 95/553 of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 19 December 1995 regarding protection for citizens of the European Union by diplomatic and consular representations
According to Article 20 of the EC Treaty, every citizen of the Union is entitled, in the territory of a third country in which the Member State of which he/she as a national is not represented, to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any Member State, on the same conditions as the nationals of that State. Decision 95/553/EC specifies what that protection comprises of.
In 2008, the European Commission conducted an information campaign on the rights of European citizens to consular protection. ECTAA cooperated in this information campaign, through the display of posters in the premises of the participating travel agents and tour operators.
[ View information posters ]
Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005 of 26 October 2005 on controls of cash entering or leaving the Community
Travelers entering or leaving the Community and carrying more than €10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) are required to make a declaration to the customs authorities. Failure to do so may lead to proceedings against those persons.
[ View EU information leaflet ]