A renewed tourism EU policy: towards a stronger partnership for European Tourism, 2006

Communication from the Commission - A renewed EU Tourism Policy - Towards a stronger partnership for European Tourism ( COM/2006/0134 pdf [156 KB] ).

This document highlights the potential of tourism to generate employment and growth, the two main goals set by the Lisbon Strategy. To this aim, the commission proposes a renewed European tourism policy which involves the Member States' authorities and the stakeholders.

Competitiveness and sustainability are the key-points of the Commission's proposal to meet challenges such as changing demography, external competition and the demand for specific forms of tourism. A more competitive and sustainable tourism industry would contribute to confirm Europe's leader position as tourism destination.

The Commission also considers dialogue and partnership amongst stakeholders and with the public authorities a fundamental tool to implement this tourist policy.

Commission Vice-President Verheugen presented an outline of this policy in his keynote speech at the 2005 European Tourism Forum.

Reactions of other European institutions

Following the commission communication:

the Council of the European Union issued its conclusions on a renewed tourism policy [116 KB] on 25/09/2006;

the European Parliament adopted its resolution on 29/11/2007;

the European Economic and Social Committee issued its opinion pdf - 91 KB [91 KB] on 14 December 2006.