Tourism is one of the main drivers of EU economy that contributes about 10 % of total GDP and brings together numerous small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Treaty of Lisbon introduced tourism to the common EU policies. According to the Treaty, the EU is obliged to encourage stronger competitiveness of European tourism and create a favourable environment for its development. The Treaty excludes any coordination of laws and other regulations of Member States in the tourism sector. Tourism falls within the scope of work of DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs - DG GROW, i.e., within the framework of the Directorate for Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing, which includes the Department of Tourism and Textiles. The European Commission's Tourism Advisory Committee and the Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth of the European Council are the bodies in charge of implementing common policies.
- European Commission's Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC)
The European Commission's Tourism Advisory Committee (hereafter “TAC” - Tourism Advisory Committee) was established by the Council Decision 86/664/EEC of 22 December 1986. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has been participating in TAC's work since 2008. TAC is composed of representatives of EU Member States who meet several times a year, as appropriate.
The purpose of TAC is to exchange information on tourism among EU Member States and candidate countries, consult and provide opportunities to present the state’s viewpoints by drafting guidelines on the latest European policy on tourism, present Europe as a tourist region, solve the most important questions related to tourism and adopt communications from the European Commission.
The role of the Committee is to facilitate the exchange of information, ensure consultation and collaboration in tourism and provide services to tourists.
The Committee meets twice a year to exchange information, examples of good practice and to propose new and follow-up initiatives (e.g. Transition Pathway for Tourism, European Agenda for Tourism 2030, EDEN-European Destination of Excellence, European Capital of Smart Tourism, cooperation with OECD, UNWTO, ETC and others).
- Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth of the European Council (tourism)
The Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth prepares legislative acts, Council conclusions and recommendations in the areas of competitiveness, single market, better regulation and EU industrial policies.
In particular, the Working Party provides guidelines and support in terms of horizontal and specific issues related to competitiveness and growth in the EU, smooth functioning of the internal market and the European industry. The Working Party is also a forum for exchanging information on national initiatives that refer to competitiveness and growth.
The Working Party on Competitiveness and Growth meets in different formations: better regulation, industry, internal market, public procurement and tourism. The tourism subgroup is responsible for issues related to promoting the competitiveness and sustainability of EU enterprises in the tourism sector by complementing the actions of Member States in this area. It encourages the creation of a favourable environment for their sustainable development and promotes cooperation between Member States.
All decisions are made by the Competitiveness Council (COMPET) which works to promote competitiveness and increase growth in the EU. It addresses four main policy areas: internal market, industry, research and innovation, and the universe. Tourism is also recognized as one of the subgroups of the Tourism Committee.
Depending on the agenda, the Competitiveness Council brings together ministers from all Member States responsible for trade, economy, industry, research and innovation, and space. Relevant European Commissioners also attend those meetings.
Council Conclusions:
The Council Conclusions on Tourism for the next decade: sustainable, resilient, digital, global and social
File number: ST 8475/21
Adopted at the Competitiveness Council on 27 May 2021
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/49960/st08881-en21.pdf
The Council Conclusions on The competitiveness of the tourism sector as a driver for sustainable growth, jobs and social cohesion in the EU for the next decade
27 May 2019; File number: ST 9707/19
The Council Conclusions on The competitiveness of the tourism sector as a driver for sustainable growth, jobs and social cohesion in the EU for the next decade was adopted during BG PRES. These Conclusions provide guidelines to Member States and the Commission on tackling challenges that the EU tourism industry faces, such as digitalization, sustainability and sector-specific skills, and indicate ways to seize new opportunities.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/39512/st09707-en19.pdf
