08/04/2015
The Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Elżbieta Bieńkowska, whose portfolio includes tourism policy, delivered a speech at the ‘Spain Global Tourism Forum’ on 27 January 2015.
In that speech, the Commissioner outlined eight common actions aimed at advancing and stimulating the European tourism industry. One of the common actions related to branding Europe as a top destination for tourists from all over the world.
Along these lines, we believe that a way of achieving this goal is to establish a European Year on Tourism. Such an initiative would promote the diversity of European tourism and help raise the profile of the various players active in the tourism sector.
Given that the last Year on Tourism was in 1990, would the Commission consider designating another European Year on Tourism in its current mandate?
Answer given by Ms Bieńkowska on behalf of the Commission
The idea of a European Year for Tourism could contribute to promoting the diversity of European tourism and help raising the profile of the various players active in the tourism sector. The Commission takes note of the idea of the Honourable Members.
However, it is important to underline that such an initiative requires support and approval both from the European Parliament and from the Member States. Its implementation process is complex as it requires the preparation of a detailed plan of actions to be implemented throughout one year and a sufficient dedicated budget.
Bearing in mind the above, the Commission will reflect on the possibility of having a European Year for Tourism in the future.
