2014/2241(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Angel DZHAMBAZKI, Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI, Andrew LEWER

Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)

-1. Notes that tourism is one of the world's largest industries and Europe is one of the world's major cultural tourism destinations; underlines that tourism is rapidly changing and the tourism industry is constantly subject to evolution, therefore Europe and the Member States need to continuously protect and promote what is truly indigenous by revealing special features and characteristics of natural, cultural and historical heritage;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Emphasises that the potential of sport tourism is not sufficiently exploited and suggests to the Commission to make an assessment and propose an adequate way of improving citizen's benefits;

Amendment 100 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)

5d. Stresses the prospects for sports tourism, which could in future become one of the most dynamic sectors in the developing European travel industry, and calls for the introduction of specific policies to promote and support this development; considers that various types of sports tourism, such as cycling, mountaineering, diving, boating, sailing and fishing, offer active alternatives that could attract tourists to even the most remote areas of Europe; urges the Commission and the Member States systematically to promote tourism involving sports, physical exercise and healthy activities and encourage initiatives relating to traditional sports at national, regional or local level;

Amendment 101 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 e (new)

5e. Notes also the opportunities arising during sports events from the movement of athletes and spectators and the hosting of sports clubs in in the run-up to such events and, in view of its potential wider benefits, calls for measures to promote this particular form of sports tourism and encourage cooperation at European level;

Amendment 102 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 f (new)

5f. Underlines the importance of a highly skilled workforce in the tourism sector and calls for measures to enhance the quality of education through the use of mobility and lifelong learning programmes; calls on the Member States and local and regional authorities to take full advantage of the vocational training tools offered by the ESF and other EU, national, regional and local funds;

Amendment 103 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 g (new)

5g. Stresses the advantages of a ‘dual’ education system in the tourism sector and the importance of combining learning with hands-on work experience, thereby improving both theoretical knowledge and practical skills; considers that EU initiatives such as the ‘Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs' and ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ programmes offer unique opportunities for training and the acquisition of professional skills and should therefore be further consolidated and promoted;

Amendment 11 #

Giorgos GRAMMATIKAKIS, Luigi MORGANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Recognises the crucial role played by European cultural tourism in the regeneration of rural and urban areas, in order to achieve a sustainable local and regional development;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Emphasises the potential of cultural tourism, agrotourism and ecotourism in rural, island and coastal areas; stresses, to this end, the importance of ensuring intermodal connectivity, as a means of enhancing the appeal of such remote tourist destinations;

Amendment 13 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL, Jean-Marie CAVADA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Recalls that Europe has a rich cultural, artistic, linguistic, religious, historical heritage, with natural assets, and a wide variety of landscapes, that need to be preserved and promoted;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Highlights that cultural tourism has an important role in the European economy as it creates millions of jobs and enhances social cohesion; stresses, in this regard, that safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage, in its diverse manifestations, and promoting cultural creativity is essential and should be among our top priorities;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Encourages the development of ecotourism, which is a source of lasting employment, capable of raising the profile of local areas and know-how, and provides economic opportunities for certain regions and sectors which are in difficulties;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Considers EU initiatives such as the ‘European Capitals of Culture’ and the ‘European Cultural Heritage Label’ to be are particularly important for promoting European heritage and therefore calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage the implementation of programmes for the restoration, conservation and protection of sites of cultural and historical interest, with a view to making them more accessible to tourists;

Amendment 17 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL, Jean-Marie CAVADA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Underlines that Europe's diversity and multiculturalism offer great potential for the development of thematic tourism and allows coordinated promotion of sustainable tourism and cultural exchanges;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Emphasizes that cultural tourism can educate local communities and can influence policy-making; points out that cultural tourism is an essential part of many national and regional economies and an important factor for cultural exchange and development; reiterates that tourism should be based on strategies that protect and strengthen both natural and cultural diversities, preserve local cultures, traditions, heritage and environment;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Recalls that tourism relates to Europe’s cultural and historical heritage, but may also draw on traditional and industrial European know-how, thus helping to raise the profile of local areas and jobs;

Amendment 2 #

Dominique BILDE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role European cultural tourism plays in furthering personal development and knowledge and in promoting Europe's rich cultural diversity ~~and strengthening European identity~~;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Highlights that Europe's breadth of languages - official, co-official, minority and lesser-known - form the bedrock of its cultural heritage and this offers additional opportunities in terms of tourism on all levels;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Recalls that tourism generates more than 10% of Europe’s GDP, employs 9.7 million people across Europe and is a major source of income for local economies;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Draws attention to the crucial role played by both formal and informal cultural education in generating demand for high-quality, sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism; ~~calls for better u~~stresses t~~o be made of the opportunities digitisation and innovation affor~~he need to invest in high quality training in order to have a better equipped fwor mkforce ~~effective promotion of European cultural~~in the sub- sector of cultural tourism and to meet the needs of a growing demand for sustainable tourism;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Draws attention to the crucial role played by cultural education in generating demand for high-quality, sustainable and inclusive cultural ~~tourism; calls for better use to be made of the opportunities digitisation and innovation afford for more effective promotion of European cultural tourism~~, religious, educational, sporting, exploratory, gastronomic and ecological tourism and agritourism; calls for better use to be made of the opportunities digitisation and innovation afford for promotion of the above forms of European tourism; stresses the need to extend and consolidate digitisation platforms for cultural resources and archives; underlines the importance of tourism as a means of cultural diplomacy and outreach to other peoples;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Draws attention to the crucial role played by cultural education in generating demand for high-quality, sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism; calls for better use to be made of the opportunities digitisation and innovation afford for more effective promotion of European cultural tourism; is of the opinion that the development a fully functioning digital single market together with more proactive use of social media has the potential of modernizing and developing the tourism industry in order to promote and communicate Europe's cultural and natural heritage around the world;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Draws attention to the crucial role played by cultural education in generating demand for high-quality, sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism; calls for better use to be made of the opportunities digitisation and innovation afford for more effective promotion of European cultural tourism, which takes into account not only the top tourist destinations, but also smaller and less-known sites, not included in the usual tourist routes;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 27 #

Enrico GASBARRA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Draws attention to the ~~cruc~~essential role played by cultural education in generating demand for high-quality, sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism; calls for better use to be made of the opportunities digitisation and innovation afford for more effective promotion of European cultural tourism;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Is concerned with the existing skill mismatches on the labour market in the tourism industry, and with the lack of interest among young people to pursue careers in certain tourism sectors; stresses the importance of investing in education and training, with specific attention to higher qualifications and soft skills development, in order to improve the quality of tourism jobs and job prospects across the sector, and to motivate human resources to consider a career in the tourism industry, through consistent training and other incentives;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role ~~European~~ cultural tourism plays in furthering personal development and knowledge and in promoting ~~Europe's~~ rich cultural diversity, cultural heritage and in strengthening European, national and local identity;

Amendment 30 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Calls for better use to be made of the opportunities offered by digitisation and innovation for more diverse methods of interpretation of cultural heritage, and effective promotion of European cultural tourism;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Highlights the potential of a digital single market to expand, modernize and develop cultural tourism, and to promote and support all tourism services and providers; calls for further development of appropriate infrastructures, and encourages wider use of already existing ones, in order to facilitate the use of digital tools in tourism;

Amendment 32 #

Nicola CAPUTO, Luigi MORGANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Encourages greater use of new technologies at tourist attractions in order to increase interactivity with the public, and in communication relating to these attractions, in order to familiarise the largest possible number of people with Europe's cultural and tourist heritage;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses the importance of youth policies relating to formal and informal learning for the purpose of promoting personal development, social inclusion and employability in the cultural tourism sector;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Believes that better use of innovative products and services in the tourism sector could significantly help tourist companies, especially SMEs, and make them more sustainable; stresses the need to foster innovation and technological development in micro-enterprises and SMEs, and points to the major opportunities for the development of thematic/alternative forms of tourism through use of the Internet and new communications technologies;

Amendment 35 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Reiterates the need for a well-trained, informed, motivated and committed labour force; stresses that more awareness of history and culture by people working in the industry is essential to further promote historical and cultural heritage of tourism destinations;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Recalls that investing in human capital is essential for the quality of tourism services and it is a precondition for sustainable and competitive growth; stresses the importance of providing better targeted training policies in order to ensure the presence of well qualified, service oriented, multilingual personnel;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of~~Highlights the importance of improving accessibility to cultural heritage sites and cultural education for people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that access needs to be ~~made more universal~~afforded to as many people as possible by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly;

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role European cultural tourism plays in furthering personal development and knowledge and in promoting and teaching about Europe's rich cultural diversity and strengthening European identity;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. PConsiders that tourism is an inalienable social right, which should be upheld with regard to all new forms of tourism developed over the coming years; points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly; stresses the need for future tourism policy in Europe to focus on the needs of tourists with disabilities; notes that, in this context, innovative projects, tools and products to facilitate access for persons with impaired mobility should be promoted at European level;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly; suggests to the European Commission and the Member States to examine different possibilities of launching projects and funds to enable the younger population, people with special needs, low-income families and other vulnerable citizens to visit the countries' cultural destinations;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly; bears in mind that information and booking technologies should be easily accessible for those persons; underlines the enormous progress made thanks to the application and use of new digital technologies for giving universal access to paintings, buildings, and cultural sites;

Amendment 43 #

Dominique BILDE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly and systematically including the provision of appropriate access when constructing, renovating or extending tourist attractions where this is legally and technically feasible and financially viable;

Amendment 44 #

Hermann WINKLER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and, in the context of demographic change, older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly;

Amendment 45 #

Luigi MORGANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points out that access needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the specific needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly;

Amendment 46 #

Svetoslav Hristov MALINOV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

~~3. Points out that acc~~(Doess needs to be made more universal by taking into account, in particular, the needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons and adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly;ot affect English version.)

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3а. Points out that encouraging young people’s involvement in European cultural tourism has an extremely positive impact on their education and personal development;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it ~~one of~~ the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage;

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting ~~growth and~~economic and social development and high quality employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage; urges therefore the Commission to adopt the European charter for a sustainable and responsible tourism as a means of giving priority to the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and to the implementation of the social responsibility principle, while furthering tourism development in the EU;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role European cultural tourism plays in furthering personal development and knowledge and in promoting Europe's rich cultural diversity and strengthening European identity, as well as expressing European values such as respect for individual human rights and freedoms in a secure environment;

Amendment 50 #

Giorgos GRAMMATIKAKIS, Luigi MORGANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved ~~and~~, showcased and promoted and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage;

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage as well as Europe's intact nature and landscapes, needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector in an environmentally sustainable manner and protecting cultural heritage and the natural environment;

Amendment 52 #

Angel DZHAMBAZKI, Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI, Andrew LEWER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism, where the touristic sector, accounting for some 1.8 million businesses, primarily SMEs, employs approximately 3.3 % of EU workforce (about 8 million jobs) and generates about 2.9% of EU GDP and the linked to it sectors indirect contribution is even greater, estimated to provide around 8.5% of all jobs (approximately 18.8 million people employed) and generates about 7.9% of the European Union's GDP1 a; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage; __________________ 1aCouncil recommendations on European Tourism Quality Principles

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism and could be instrumental in addressing the current economic and employment crisis, making use of skills and local capacities, while contributing to the development of a sustainable tourism accessible to all; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage; stresses the obligation to support, enhance and promote UNESCO world heritage monuments in Europe and the universal value thereof;

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that the tourism sector employs around 8 million people in the EU and many of these non-offshorable jobs are linked directly or indirectly to cultural tourism; emphasises, all the while, that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage;

Amendment 55 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage, while also recalling that it is vital for Europe to preserve the authenticity of its European heritage even while many items are being destroyed and reconstructed abroad;

Amendment 56 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage so that tourism is developed in a sustainable way to preserve natural and environmental values for the benefit of visitors and host population;

Amendment 57 #

Momchil NEKOV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe'’s cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe'’s cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage; highlights, in this regard, the considerable potential of the Council of Europe’s European Cultural Routes in terms of the development of sustainable cultural tourism;

Amendment 58 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector ~~and protecting cultural heritage~~- by creating new tourist structures or developing existing ones - and protecting cultural heritage especially through the conservation of archaeological and historic sites and monuments;

Amendment 59 #

Enrico GASBARRA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe's cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40 % of European tourism; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage among the new opportunities for experiential journeys and safeguarding and promoting local popular traditions;

Amendment 6 #

Enrico GASBARRA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role European cultural tourism plays in furthering personal development and knowledge and in promoting Europe's rich cultural diversity and strengthening European identity, as well as providing an opportunity for encounter, rediscovery of origins and cultural attractions and networking of people’s own travel experiences;

Amendment 60 #

Hermann WINKLER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that Europe’s cultural heritage makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that cultural tourism, which is of key importance in boosting growth and employment, accounts for 40% of European tourism; stresses the importance of cultural tourism as an economic factor, including in rural areas; emphasises that, in order to maintain current tourist volumes and attract new tourists, Europe's cultural and natural heritage needs to be conserved and showcased and the right balance needs to be struck between expanding the tourism sector and protecting cultural heritage;

Amendment 61 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Underlines the importance of a Council decision on adopting the 'European tourism quality principles' recommendation, in order to help tourism service providers promote the quality of their services and strengthen consumer confidence;

Amendment 62 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls for greater recognition of the vital role played by the voluntary sector in developing and supporting the tourism sector through cultural volunteering;

Amendment 63 #

Giorgos GRAMMATIKAKIS, Luigi MORGANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Welcomes mobility tools, as well as cooperation projects such as "Knowledge Alliances" and "Sector-Skills Alliances" under Erasmus+, as efficient means for tourism staff involved in education and training at all levels to exchange best practices, improve language skills and get practical knowledge in cultural tourism;

Amendment 64 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Urges the Commission to address the negative impacts, and threats to cultural heritage and to natural environment posed by mass tourism, and therefore calls for the promotion of environmentally sustainable cultural tourism, and for measures to withstand the impact of seasonality;

Amendment 65 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Is of the opinion that Europe needs to constantly adapt to the new trends in the tourism industry in order to retain its international competitiveness; Stresses that cultural events are becoming more and more important to tourists and to tourism destinations and therefore there is a need to organise and promote local and international cultural events; Suggests to the European Commission and to Member States to examine the possibility of creating European calendar of events to improve tourism information services, so that travellers can easily find information about exhibitions, festivals, sporting events and other cultural events;

Amendment 66 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL, Jean-Marie CAVADA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Supports the promotion of local and regional initiatives such as European crossborder cycle roads in combination with a sustainable transport strategy with railway networks, the ACCR (Association des Centres culturels de rencontre), the European Capitals of Culture, DestiNet Portals network on best practices examples of sustainable tourism in Europe;

Amendment 67 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Underlines the importance to foster close collaboration and cooperation between culture and tourism in order to support responsible, culturally aware, inclusive and sustainable tourism that contribute to the socio-economic development of host communities, promote cross-cultural exchanges and multicultural understanding;

Amendment 68 #

Elisabeth MORIN-CHARTIER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Supports the development of non- motorised travel routes (for walking, horse-riding or cycling), which facilitate sustainable tourism and create opportunities to discover the diversity of Europe’s regions;

Amendment 69 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the importance of maintaining and preserving Europe’s cultural and historical heritage in order to prevent its deterioration, assigning priority to the quality of the work performed rather than its cost; stresses, in this context, the role of patronage to contribute to the conservation of the European heritage and to compensate for the decline in the public budgets allocated for the purpose;

Amendment 7 #

Momchil NEKOV

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role European cultural tourism plays as a driver of sustainable social and economic development and in furthering personal development and knowledge and in promoting Europe's rich cultural diversity and strengthening European identity;

Amendment 70 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Calls on the Commission to launch a European Tourism Quality Brand to reward rigorous efforts by tourism professionals in supporting the quality of tourism services based on the highest respect for cultural and natural heritage, improving the quality of tourism jobs, enhancing accessibility for all and promoting the cultural traditions of the local communities;

Amendment 71 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Stresses the importance of promoting the "European Capital of Culture" initiative in order to further develop the image of Europe as a high-quality cultural tourism destination, and to attract tourists from European as well as more distant markets;

Amendment 72 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Jean-Marie CAVADA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Points out that cultural tourism in different regions helps diversify traditional economic activities and creates employment, thereby avoiding depopulation and the abandonment and deterioration of many valuable cultural sites, and preventing traditions, and customs from dying out;

Amendment 73 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Points out that host communities and indigenous peoples should be involved in different policies for the identification, promotion, protection, conservation, management, presentation and interpretation of their heritage resources, cultural practices and contemporary cultural expressions, in the context of tourism;

Amendment 74 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Encourages initiatives to connect tourist attractions to one another in order to establish thematic tourist trails on a European, national and local scale, exploiting the complementarity and specificities of the various European tourist attractions so as to provide the best possible experience for tourists;

Amendment 75 #

Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Jana TOOM, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL, Jean-Marie CAVADA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4c. Is convinced that school tourism should be experienced as one of the most meaningful non-formal learning activities related to the school curriculum and not as an exclusive leisure time, and that it should be grounded on the values of 'responsible tourism', as a form of tourism implemented according to the principle of social and economic justice, full respect of the environment and cultures, the centrality of the local host community and its right to be a leader in sustainable tourism development and socially responsible for its own territory;

Amendment 76 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4c. Stresses the potential of cultural tourism for poverty alleviation; calls, in this regard, for fostering the countries' creative industries and rural tourism in order to promote Europe's extraordinary cultural wealth and fight poverty and unemployment;

Amendment 77 #

Angel DZHAMBAZKI, Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI, Andrew LEWER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Asks the Commission to bolster European measures and programmes relating to cultural tourism and cultural heritage that have proved effective, to look into the feasibility of, using a thorough impact assessment, of the voluntary introduc~~ing~~tion of a 'European cultural card' which would offer reduced entrance fees for museums, monuments, archaeological sites, libraries, theatres and so on~~, and to provide targeted financial support under the relevant EU instruments, including the Structural Funds.~~;

Amendment 78 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Asks the Commission to bolster European measures and programmes relating to cultural tourism and cultural heritage that have proved effective, to look into the feasibility of introducing a 'European cultural card' which would offer reduced entrance fees for museums, monuments, archaeological sites, libraries, theatres and so on, and to ~~provide targeted financial support~~ensure the greatest added value for sustainable, cultural and responsible tourism under the relevant EU financial support instruments, including the Structural Funds., whose interventions should be logic, result oriented and consistent with the SWOT and the relevant ERDF investment priorities;

Amendment 79 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Asks the Commission to arrange for the bolstering of existing European measures and programmes relating to cultural tourism and cultural heritage that have proved effective, to look into the ~~fea~~practical possibility of introducing a 'European cultural card' which would offer reduced entrance fees for museums, monuments, archaeological sites, libraries, theatres and so on, and to provide targeted financial support under EU instruments including the Structural Funds.

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the important role played by European cultural tourism ~~plays~~ in furthering personal development and knowledge, and in promoting Europe's rich cultural diversity, contributing to intercultural learning, and strengthening European identity;

Amendment 80 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Asks the Commission to bolster European measures and programmes relating to cultural tourism and cultural heritage that have proved effective, tosuch as European Capitals of Culture, European Heritage Days, European Cultural Routes, European Heritage Label, Creative Europe and the digital platform Europeana; asks, moreover, that the European Commission look into the feasibility of introducing a 'European cultural card' which would offer reduced entrance fees for museums, monuments, archaeological sites, libraries, theatres and so on, following the example of the UNESCO-endorsed ISIC (International Student Identity Card), and to provide targeted financial support under the relevant EU instruments, including the Structural Funds. ;

Amendment 81 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Asks the Commission to bolster existing European measures and programmes relating to cultural tourism and cultural heritage that have proved effective, to look into the feasibility of introducing a 'European cultural card' which would offer reduced entrance fees for museums, monuments, archaeological sites, libraries, theatres and so on, and to provide targeted financial support under EU instruments including the Structural Funds.; stresses also the importance of European routes in highlighting our common European identity and stresses the need to continue funding for the development of new 'European routes' and the conservation of existing ones; calls on the Commission to consider the effective promotion and institutional upgrading of initiatives such as the ‘European Capital of Sport’ and the ‘European Youth Capital’;

Amendment 82 #

Hermann WINKLER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 83 #

Gianluca BUONANNO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 84 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 85 #

Dominique BILDE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 86 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Asks the Commission to bolster existing European measures and programmes, especially cross-border ones, relating to cultural tourism and cultural heritage that have proved effective, to look into the feasibility of introducing a 'European cultural card' which would offer reduced entrance fees for museums, monuments, archaeological sites, libraries, theatres and so on, and to provide targeted financial support under EU instruments including the Structural Funds.

Amendment 87 #

Tonino PICULA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 88 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Considers that the establishment of a European Year of Cultural Heritage, preferably in 2018, along with adequate support to cultural events and arts, film and music festivals, may constitute a significant added value in the promotion of European cultural tourism and in maintaining and reinforcing Europe as the leading tourist destination in the world;

Amendment 89 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Encourages Member States to work together with regional and local authorities in order to maximise the value of tourism and its contribution to jobs and growth, and to integrate the tourism industry within local development strategies;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 90 #

Santiago FISAS AYXELÀ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. whereas gastronomy forms part of our identity and is an essential component of Europeʼs cultural heritage; whereas food tourism needs to be supported to promote development of the sector;

Amendment 91 #

Elisabeth MORIN-CHARTIER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Recalls the important place of sporting activities in making Europe’s regions attractive to tourists; stresses that this dimension must be taken into account in strategies to promote tourism in Europe;

Amendment 92 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Notes the opportunities offered by significant historical events and sites, such as the Sites of Conscience, to address contemporary challenges through sensitive interpretation and educational programmes; encourages the use of cultural heritage and tourism to foster intercultural dialogue in order to bring people of Europe closer together;

Amendment 93 #

Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ilhan KYUCHYUK, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL, Jean-Marie CAVADA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Stresses the contribution of civil society in promoting new forms of tourism, through social networks, voluntary organisations, cultural and sports associations, citizens action groups, and organisations representing young people, women and expatriate communities;

Amendment 94 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Asks the Commission and the Member States to implement the action to protect endangered monuments and sites in Europe in order to safeguard and promote cultural heritage and therefore encourage cultural tourism;

Amendment 95 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Highlights the importance of shaping and promoting sustainable and inclusive forms of tourism which interplay with social, cultural and economic fabric of touristic sites, ensure development of creative and environment-friendly entrepreneurship, human capital and skill development, and bring, together with financial benefits, social and cultural value to the local communities;

Amendment 96 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Takes the view that, in order to differentiate European tourism from that of other countries or continents, it is crucial to develop new thematic forms of tourism, possibly involving cross-border or interregional cooperation; believes that the systematic promotion of thematic (oenological, gastronomic, rural, religious, artistic, visual, cultural conference educational, exploratory etc.) tourism could not only to redefine European tourism as a whole but also play an important role in combating the effects of seasonality;

Amendment 97 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Stresses the importance of policies aimed at funding, preserving, maintaining and restoring cultural heritage sites;

Amendment 98 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Considers it appropriate to develop new forms of tourism in the EU, and for the Commission, Member States and regions regularly to support and promote the organisation of cultural events, music festivals, art exhibitions and initiatives related to culture, food, photography, theatre and cinema; calls on the Commission to step up support for such initiatives under existing programmes such as 'Creative Europe' and consider new ways of providing support;

Amendment 99 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 d (new)

5d. Stresses the importance in preventing cultural discrimination of religious and ethnic minorities;

source: 552.054

2015/06/25 IMCO 456 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth and job creation; but reminds that tourism has been affected by economic crisis, especially by dramatically growing youth unemployment;

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

- having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism’ (COM(2014)0086),

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Draws the attention to the crucial role played by digital revolution in the tourism industry; calls on the Commission to ensure that all tourism sectors and businesses, and in particular SMEs, make the best use of new technologies offered by the internet, in order to expand their electronic commerce in the internal market and move towards higher value digitalised products and processes, whilst at the same time ensuring that citizens and consumers have fair and affordable access to high quality and safe services;

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas tourism is a key sector of the European economy, which generates over 10 % of the EU’s GDP if sectors linked to tourism are taken into account and directly employs 13 million workers;

Amendment 100 #

7b. Considers that it would be advisable to examine ways of supporting SMEs and sole proprietorships in the tourism sector through funding mechanisms to strengthen their liquidity at reasonable cost, provide incentives to invest in the development of their infrastructure and services and cut the red tape surrounding their development;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed, including accessibility; recommends the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities; calls on the Member States to cooperate constructively in order to achieve this objective;

Amendment 101 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Stresses that travellers still have to face to different prices, terms and conditions when booking accommodation or means of transport online; welcomes therefore the Commission Communication A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe; calls on the Commission to adopt a comprehensive proposal to end the unjustified geo- blocking of access to goods, services and the best available rate on the basis of geographic location or country of residence;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed; recommends the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities of this brand in a way that fairly reflects the tourism potential of all Member States; calls on the Member States to cooperate constructively in order to achieve this objective;

Amendment 102 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)

7c. Emphasises that commercial practices between intermediaries, particularly on the Internet, and tourism SMEs should be balanced and equitable;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed; recommends the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities; calls on the Member States, local and regional authorities to cooperate constructively in order to achieve this objective;

Amendment 103 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)

7d. Believes that coordinated promotion of integrated electronic ticket sales systems for various means of transport would simplify travelling and remove obstacles to the completion of the internal market;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed; recommends the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities; calls on the Member States to cooperate constructively ~~in order to achieve this objective~~with regional and local administrations in order to define a tourism marketing plan;

Amendment 104 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 d (new)

7d. Urges the Commission to undertake an initiative aimed at ensuring that a substantial proportion of the value generated by tourism-related economic activity returns to the territories where it was generated;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed; recommends the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities; calls on the Member States to cooperate constructively in order to achieve this objective; calls on the Commission to take account of the opinions of national tourism organisations and the European tourism industry when setting up a Brand manual;

Amendment 105 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 e (new)

7e. Stresses that tourism services should bear in mind the needs of people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility, in particular with regard to the accessibility;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Emphasises the need to promote the cultural, natural, gastronomic and artistic heritage particular to those various sites spread throughout Europe that are, to date, not widely known or easily reachable, in order to achieve high standards of tourism throughout Europe;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls for better use to be made of the opportunities digitalisation and innovation could afford for more effective promotion of European tourism;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls for general consideration of existing European and national brands; thinks that the definition and promotion of clearly defined theme-based European brands would help to clarify the type of tourism products available;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Notes the importance of promoting the preservation and maintenance of Europe’s cultural and historic heritage; in this context, stresses the key role played by sponsorship in maintaining Europe’s heritage and helping Member States with this costly task;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Stresses that the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ should reflect the particular role of regions, including the diversity of their cultural heritage and natural heritage, rather than acting to their detriment, particularly as regards the redistribution of support from European funds designated for the promotion of regional tourism and support for SMEs;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Stresses that, in order to differentiate the European tourism product from that of other countries/continents, it is very important to develop new forms of thematic tourism which can operate on the basis of transnational and/or even transregional cooperation; believes that the systematic promotion of thematic tourism products may not only allow the entire European tourism product to be redefined, but may also be vital in combating the effects of seasonality;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~forecasts see numbers of international tourists arriving in the EU increasing by 140 million each year until 2025~~tourists should benefit of best condition of reservation, accommodation, transport and respect for their rights;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Encourages the use of the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique sales proposal when promoting Europe as a tourist destination (Europe has the largest concentration of heritage objects, in particular cultural, protected by UNESCO);

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Considers that a strict visa policy is a barrier to incoming tourism from third countries. Welcomes the measures put forward by the European Commission in 2014 to issue new tourist visas and facilitate the movement of tourists through the Schengen Area. To this end, encourages the Council to reach a rapid agreement with the Parliament in order for the EU to be able to benefit from a greater influx of tourists from certain third countries with high potential interest in visiting us;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Stresses the important role of sports (whether people are practising them themselves or attending major sporting events) in European tourism;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Views it as essential that one of the key elements of the brand ‘Destination Europe’ is the security of the tourist. In this sense, calls on the authorities of States in close cooperation with the Commission to implement strategies (including tourist information campaigns) with the objective of tourists having the safest possible experience in European tourist destinations;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Welcomes the recent approval by the European Fund for Strategic Investment (in particular the contribution of the European Investment Fund which will provide funding for SMEs) which has included tourism in the areas eligible for this fund, in order to relaunch growth and employment in the European Union. Calls on the Commission, on Member States, regions and authorities responsible for tourism, as well as companies, in particular SMEs, to make the fullest possible use of this new funding too, particularly through national and regional investment banks in order to give a qualitative leap to the EU action in support of tourism;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new transnational European products~~, while taking full account of macro regional strategies~~;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new ~~transnational European~~ products, ~~while~~ taking full account of macro-regional strategies;

Amendment 117 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Pavel TELIČKA, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new ~~transnational~~, internal and external cross-border European products, while taking full account of macro-regional strategies;

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new transnational European tourism products, while taking full account of the role of macro-regional strategies; in their development; notes that macro regions such as the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region offer distinctive natural, cultural and historical bases for development of such products;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new transnational European products, while taking full account of macro-regional strategies; in this context stresses the significance of emerging regional brands in the promotion of tourism products created based on the diversity local cultures, historical and natural heritage;

Amendment 12 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Recognises the importance of tourist development for a living countryside;

Amendment 12 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas Europe is the world’s number one tourism destination holding a market share of 52 %; whereas forecasts see numbers of international tourists arriving in the EU increasing by 140 million each year until 2025;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new transnational European products and services, while taking full account of macro-regional strategies and maritime basins to promote domestic and international tourism;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Takes the view that public and private stakeholders should strengthen their efforts to develop new transnational European products, while taking full account of macro-regional strategies without overlooking the importance of domestic tourism and not just of visitors from third countries;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Stresses that the joint acquisition of travel passes and tickets should be simplified as support for cultural campaigns;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Calls on the Commission to further promote local areas and specialities by encouraging the showcasing and ensuring the protection of local products such as agricultural and non-agricultural PGIs;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Public and private stakeholders of the Baltic, Danube, Adriatic-Ionian and Alpine macro-regional strategy of the European Union are called upon to devise, each in their own area, a joint strategy for the development of tourism;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)

8b. Encourages international cooperation in the creation of transnational thematic itineraries (at the level of a larger number of European countries) in order to amplify experiential elements that motivate visits to certain destinations (defined at the state level), increase the mobility of holidaymakers, achieve higher average spending and broaden the promotional platform (in particular as regards visitors from ‘long haul’ outbound markets);

Amendment 126 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Commission and the members of the ETC to support the existing mandate of the ETC for the purpose of assisting in the development and promotion of targeted transnational and pan-European tourism products~~, inter alia~~ and services, together with Coastal and Maritime Tourism, by means of an advanced Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 128 #

Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. When supplying the tourism services the industry must take into account constraints linked to climate change, scarcity of water resources, pressure on biodiversity and the risks for cultural heritage posed by mass tourism, calls therefore for initiatives which will promote sustainable and responsible tourism;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas forecasts see numbers of international tourists arriving in the EU increasing by 140 million each year until 2025; there is likewise a growing market potential for seniors, who are also able to travel during the low season;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Commission and the members of the ETC to support the existing mandate of the ETC for the purpose of assisting in the development and promotion of targeted transnational and pan-European tourism products, inter alia by means of an advanced Visiteurope.com portal; calls on the Commission to ensure that the Visiteurope.com portal can also be accessed on all common mobile and portable terminals via a specially programmed application (app);

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Calls on the Commission to design the Visiteurope.com portal to be accessible, in particular for people with disabilities (including visual impairment) or no foreign language skills;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Taking into account that today’s consumers tend to search for a tourism experience, rather than for a mere destination, stresses that a successful marketing strategy for the promotion of European tourism products needs to correspond to the needs of different travel segments and markets in third countries;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Calls on the European Commission to identify, within its own financing programme, specific tools for promoting European cultural routes, in collaboration with the Council of Europe;

Amendment 135 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9b. Furthermore calls on the Commission to boost its cooperation with the Council of Europe, the European Travel Commission and the UN World Tourism Organisation, as well as other international partners, in order to strengthen efforts to develop new transnational and pan-European tourism products;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Highlights the increase in international competition, with the emergence of destinations outside Europe. For this reason, it is essential to create more cooperation between European destinations through tourism clusters and networks at local, regional, national and transnational level and within maritime basins;

Amendment 137 #

Wim van de CAMP

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Believes furthermore that targeted tourist products w~~Notes with great interest the current initiative on low/medium season tourism for seniors and young people; agrees with the hicgh offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action underpotential for growth in low/medium season tourism; believes that targeted tourist products to overcome seasonality in Europe should be developed on the principle of ´tourism for all´ in order to benefit to all age groups (e.g. seniors and young people) and should pay due attention to the heterogeneity of travellers´ needs and expectations; calls on the Commission, therefore, to include that dimension into the objectives of the COSME programme;

Amendment 138 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, José Inácio FARIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that targeted tourist products ~~which~~ offering a specific tourism experience ca~~re more promising i~~n help~~ing~~ to overcome seasonality in Europe ~~than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people)~~; calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that there should be a balanced focus on both targeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience a~~re more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe tha~~nd tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people) in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe; calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas forecasts see numbers of international tourists arriving in the EU increasing by 140 million each year until 2025 and whereas statistics show that the majority of abroad trips by EU residents remains within the EU;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that ~~targeted~~ touristm products~~, which offer a specific tourism experience~~ targeted at the specific needs of consumers, including above all religious tourism and spa tourism, are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that targeted and diversified tourist ~~product~~services which offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that t~~argeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in~~here are more experience-based tourist products with a highly innovative technological component which should be incorporated in order to help~~ing~~ to overcome seasonality in Europe t~~han~~ogether with tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to ~~review~~expand the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. BUnderlines that Europe’s diversity and multiculturalism offer great potential for the development of thematic tourism; believes furthermore that targeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); Encourages initiatives to connect tourist attractions to one another in order to establish thematic tourist products and trails on a European, national, regional and local scale, exploiting the complementarity and specificities of the various European tourist attractions so as to provide the best possible experience for tourists; calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 144 #

Pavel TELIČKA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that targeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience (e.g. sports-related activities and events) are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme; and encourages the Member States to make an appropriate use of EU funds to develop such infrastructures and host related events;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that targeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors ~~and~~, young people, disabled people and other less-favoured social groups); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that targeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors, people with disabilities and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Believes furthermore that targeted tourist products which offer a specific tourism experience are more promising in helping to overcome seasonality in Europe than tourism products targeting specific age groups (e.g. seniors and young people); calls on the Commission, therefore, to review the objectives for action under the COSME programme; believes that increased amounts of (co-)funding for sustainable tourism projects must be reserved within the COSME programme;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Recognises the importance of transnational tourism products for the promotion of territorial cohesion; is therefore convinced that initiatives realised within institutionalised cooperation frameworks should be supported through adequate incentives;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Considers the strong potential sport, music and arts festival have to mobilise tourists from Europe and abroad;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the EU should be ready to tap the potential of third countries with a large population and an emerging middle class, particularly the ~~BRIC countr~~new emerging economies, where the number of outbound tourists is rising; points out the need for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and for more flexibility in tourist visa arrangements;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas tourism represents a major socio-economic activity in the European Union with wide-ranging impact on economic growth, employment and social developments and could be therefore instrumental in addressing the current economic and employment crisis;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Stresses that cultural events could contribute to the attractiveness of tourism destinations and therefore there is a need to organise and promote local, regional, national and international cultural events; Suggests to examine the possibility of creating a European calendar of events, integrated on the VisitEurope.com portal, in order to improve tourism information services, so that tourists can easily find information about exhibitions, festivals, sporting events and other cultural events;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Calls on the national tourism organisations to lend adequate web visibility to initiatives and awards in favour of the European heritage and to foster their promotion (such as European Heritage label, European Cultural Routes);

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Calls on Member States to promote new tourism routes by regenerating disused areas, streets, railways, deserted paths and outdated routes;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Considers that the EU should contribute to the development of a policy which allows tourism to be accessible to all social groups, particularly those with greater difficulties. In this connection, recalls the success of the Calypso social tourism initiative which enables certain social groups to go on holiday during the low season and discover a new tourism destination in the European Union. Considers that this programme also allows emerging tourist destinations or those less known by the public at large to become known and also encourages more stable employment, less linked to seasonality. Welcomes the new strategy of the Commission within the framework of the COSME programme and encourages the Commission throughout this multiannual programme to arrange new meetings and deepen this strategy, extending it to other social groups, in order that a greater number of EU citizens may also benefit from the tourist attractions of the EU and at the same time contribute to the economy of this sector;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)

10b. Recognises the diversity of tourism offered by the European Union, ranging from well-established, popular destinations such as coastal tourism (sun and sea) and urban tourism to other less crowded or less well-known destinations such as rural tourism, food and wine tourism, tourism related to the organisation of sporting or cultural events, industrial tourism, theme trails, tourism related to history, legends, etc. which often bring added value to the territory and diversify its economies. In this sense, calls on the Commission and on the authorities of the Member States to take account of this new, less well-known kind of tourism when designing policies to support tourism;

Amendment 155 #

David Maria SASSOLI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. In order to make European tourism accessible, airlines must put an end to the distorted and frequently widespread practice of allocating more space to business classes than economy;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Is convinced that a transition must be made in European tourism from a model of quantitative growth to a qualitative model ~~that points to steady and sustainable development, and that there is, in fact, a need to build a tourist industry that allows more qualified jobs to be created~~, yet remaining capable of quantitative growth and creating such a tourism sector that points to steady and sustainable development, and therefore allows more qualified and newer jobs to be created, including the access of lower qualified people to sectoral workplaces;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Is convinced that ~~a transition must be made in European tourism from a model of~~both quantitative growth ~~to a~~and qualit~~ative model that poi~~y services are importants to steady and sustainable development, and that there is, in fact, a need to build a tourist industry that allows more jobs also including more qualified jobs to be created;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Is convinced that a transition must be made in European tourism from a model of quantitative growth to a qualitative model that points to steady and sustainable development~~, and~~; calls on the Commission, therefore, to commission a study in this regard and to present the results; points out that there is, in fact, a need to build a tourist industry that allows more qualified jobs to be created;

Amendment 159 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Is convinced that a transition must be made in European tourism from a model of quantitative growth to a qualitative model that points to steady and sustainable development, and that there is, in fact, a need to build a tourist industry that allows more qualified jobs to be created, which are properly remunerated;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas tourism policy priorities contribute to, at least, three priorities of the Juncker Commission, namely to ‘Sustainable growth and jobs’, ‘Connected Digital Single Market’ and ‘Deeper and fairer Internal Market’;

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Considers that the initiative of the Hotelstars Union to harmonise gradually the accommodation classification systems across Europe should be further promoted, thus allowing for a better comparison of the accommodation offer in Europe, and therefore contributing to common quality services criteria;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Calls on Member States to invest in high-quality training for tourist guides and encourage a multilingual approach in order to better promote sites of interest to foreign tourists; furthermore calls on the Commission and Member States to define European quality standards for tourist guides, by ensuring compliance with minimum training requirements;

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. TAscertains the difference in standards of service quality in tourism and takes the view that quality standards are important as a means of levelling the playing field for operators and increasing transparency for the consumer; calls on all stakeholders to take further the discussion of how the EU can promote quality standards of services in tourism;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Takes the view that quality standards are important as a means of levelling the playing field for operators and increasing transparency for the consumer, thus helping to increase the confidence of all parties; calls on all stakeholders to take further the discussion of how the EU can promote quality standards of services in tourism;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Takes the view that quality standards are important as a means of levelling the playing field for operators and increasing transparency for the consumer; calls on all stakeholders to take further the discussion of how the ~~EU can promot~~Member States can promote and enforce quality standards of services in tourism;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Calls on the Commission to carry out a study on the impact of taxes and levies raised on tourism products and services at local, regional, national and European level on the competitiveness of Europe as a destination; Calls on the Member States on the importance of reducing VAT rates on travel and tourism services helping develop local economies and sustain growth and jobs, as well as helping Europe remain competitive on the global market;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls on Commission and Member States to collaborate and define together with tourism associations common European system for classification of tourism infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, etc.);

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Call on the Commission to prepare, based on the right of consumer protection, a road map for elaboration of a charter of rights for tourists;

Amendment 169 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls on all professionals in the industry to harmonise rating and evaluation systems so that they are more readily comprehensible to consumers;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the EU should be ready to ~~tap~~foster the potential of third countries with a large population and an emerging ~~middle clas~~economies, particularly the BRIC countries, where the number of outbound tourists is rising; points out the need for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and for more flexibility in tourist visa arrangements;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. The Union is a maritime continent, and Coastal and Maritime Tourism is the largest maritime activity in Europe. This represents more than a third of the maritime economy, directly affecting many other sectors of the EU economy and employing 3.2 million people, most between the ages of 16 and 35. It should also be noted that this sector has been a lever for growth and job creation, particularly in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls on the Commission to boost collaboration between Member States in order to improve product quality by protecting the ‘made in’ brand;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Encourages the creation of pan- European thematic and quality / excellence labels in the field of tourism services (starting from the level of accommodation facilities, via providers of other services in tourism up to the level of programmes / itineraries / experiences);

Amendment 172 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a. Calls on the Commission to implement the development of a European certificate of sustainable tourism; also calls on the Commission, therefore, to start preparing a strategic plan for the implementation of a European certificate of sustainable tourism and the levels at which compliance with the defined quality criteria is to be checked;

Amendment 173 #

Bogusław LIBERADZKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Recommends new quality standards for development of educational tourism and historical heritage, addressed especially to young generations;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Underlines the fact that high-quality tourism services are guaranteed if combined with decent work conditions and that ~~the disregard for, and weakening of, social achievements~~economic rivalry between commercial entities operating in theis sector ~~are counterproductive~~should not work to the detriment of employees’ rights;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Underlines the fact that high-quality tourism services are guaranteed if combined with appropriate training and decent work conditions and that the disregard for, and weakening of, the required skills and social achievements in the sector are counterproductive;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Underlines the fact that high-quality tourism services are guaranteed if combined with harmonised Europe-wide training and decent work conditions and that the disregard for, and weakening of, social achievements in the sector are counterproductive;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Underlines the fact that high-quality tourism services are guaranteed if combined with decent work conditions and that the disregard for, and weakening of, social achievements in the sector are ~~counterproductive~~unacceptable and counterproductive. Therefore calls on the European Commission to make recommendations to Member States in order to overcome seasonality and combat the issue of undeclared work, with the ultimate aim of ensuring decent work conditions for employees within the sector;

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Takes the view that statistics on employment in the tourism sector should be improved;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Is concerned with the existing skill mismatches on the labour market in the tourism industry, and with the lack of interest among young people to pursue careers in certain tourism sectors; recalls that investing in human capital is essential for the quality of tourism services and it is a precondition for sustainable and competitive growth; calls on the Commission therefore to support the tourism sector’s efforts to upgrade employers’ and employees’ skills and competences in order to anticipate future trends and skills needs; stresses the need to invest in education and training, with specific attention to higher qualifications and soft skills development, in order to improve job prospects across the sector, and to motivate young people to consider a career in the tourism industry;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Notes the role of the European Travel Commission (ETC) and its members in promoting Europe as a tourist destination; asks the Commission to engage further with the ETC and the wider World Tourism Organization towards joint measures on tourism in Europe;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the tourism industry in Europe faces a number of ~~new~~ challenges, ~~among them the digitalisation of distribution channels and the new sharing economy sector~~one of which is the increasing insecurity of infrastructures linked to mobility;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Highlights the importance of training and education of personnel in the tourism industry to providing high level of quality services; Calls on the Commission to support the tourism industry by eliminating the skills gaps and increasing the market relevance of vocational education and training. Calls on Member States to support education discipline within the social science branch to train professionals for high profile jobs in the tourism industry (management, research, measurement, and marketing);

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. European tourism should be affordable for all groups of tourists, including tourists from low-income groups and persons with a reduced capacity for orientation and movement;

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Makes the Commission aware that uniform cancellation periods stated in terms and conditions of cancellation would be necessary for the protection of consumers; calls, therefore, for a review of the extent to which cancellation periods in terms and conditions of cancellation differ in the tourist industry in the respective Member States;

Amendment 183 #

Linda McAVAN, Lucy ANDERSON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Requires to considering the tourism related security issues and to uphold the consumer protection;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Believes that maintaining safety standards in tourism services in the EU is an essential ingredient of good quality; welcomes therefore the Commission Green Paper on Safety of Tourism Accommodation Services; notes the submissions from many consumer groups, fire safety organisations and tourism sector organisations supporting action at EU level on tourism safety; calls therefore on the Commission to come forward with proposals for minimum standards for tourism safety in the EU, in particular in the area of fire safety and carbon monoxide safety in holiday accommodation; stresses the need for systematic collection of data on accommodation safety;

Amendment 185 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Takes the view that training is an essential element to providing quality services in a sector that employs mostly young people aged between 16 and 35. Strongly encourages the Commission to work with private entities in the creation of training and internship programmes in low season, in order to make this sector more attractive and less seasonal;

Amendment 186 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Considers that in order to be able to offer quality tourist services it is essential to recognise and dignify the professionals working in the sector, and to professionalise both workers and management. Considers that in order to be able to offer quality services it is necessary to ensure an adequate level of training and qualification for professionals, as well as remuneration which attracts professionals into this sector. In this sense, urges the Commission to share a guide on best practice and on the supply of training opportunities in the EU which enables professionalisation and greater voluntary mobility among professionals in the EU;

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Recognises the importance of this strategy for Coastal and Island Areas, in line with the strategy on Blue Growth and the EU2020, which presents a set of common responses to the many challenges they face;

Amendment 188 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)

13b. Strongly encourages the Commission to present an Action Plan to accompany the 14 actions described, with concrete goals and timetables and to report to Parliament on the progress of the actions;

Amendment 189 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)

13c. Calls on the European Commission to conduct an Annual Seminar with the participation of the Coastal and Marine Member States and the respective Regions to promote a pan-European dialogue, to facilitate the sharing of best practices and the implementation of a long-term strategy;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that the promotion of more Visa Tourism platforms with a cautious approach towards the simplification of the Visa Code is an important component to increase tourists from outside Europe; highlights the potential of touring visas for groups or tourists who had already been in the country and the importance of implementing more visa waiver agreements in order to make optimum use of international tourist arrivals;

Amendment 19 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the tourism industry in Europe faces a number of new challenges, among them the digitalisation of distribution channels and the new sharing economy sector, increasing competition from emerging, less expensive third market destinations, the changing consumer behaviour, the shift from a service economy to an experience economy, the demand for quality client service, the need to attract and retain skilled staff, demographic changes, and the seasonality;

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)

13d. Recalls the importance of connectivity and accessibility, which differ in high and low season in the outermost regions and islands, which depend largely on sea and air transport. Also emphasizes the importance of creating regional plans that promote mobility within destinations. Asks the Commission that Action 12 also take into account the efficiency of state aid in coastal and maritime regions;

Amendment 191 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)

13e. Strongly encourages the Commission, together with Member States and stakeholders in the nautical and maritime tourism sector, to assess the need to create intelligent and innovative strategies as a solution to combat seasonality, adapted both to the periods of high and low season, taking into account various audiences. Calls on stakeholders to make efforts in creating experiences, products and complementary services integrated with local products, particularly connected with maritime heritage and culture, water sports, recreational sailing, observation of marine life and nature, sun and beach- related activities, links with artisanal fishing, food and health;

Amendment 192 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 f (new)

13f. Highlights the importance of Cruise Tourism for the growth of the Tourism sector in Europe. Therefore calls on the Commission together with the Member States to assess the forms and existing port and nautical infrastructure, as well as to standardise the sorting of waste and recycling, in order to create innovative planning actions for these areas by developing the concept of the Smart Port City;

Amendment 193 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Marlene MIZZI, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4 a (new)

Unlock the potential of Coastal and Marine Tourism;

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5

Sustainable ~~and~~, responsible and social tourism

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;deleted

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting ~~sustainabl~~accessible and environmentally, economically and socio- culturally sustainable tourism respecting cultural authenticities, strengthening gastronomic and industrial heritage tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products and creating an innovation strategy strengthening the online world and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database, with common indicators which enable us to monitor the sector with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with ~~the ETC~~strategic partners, such as the ETC and other stakeholders, by establishing a European network, developing new specific products and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 198 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, José Inácio FARIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network that should incorporate regional interests, developing new specific products and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products, new forms of tourism and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth ~~and~~, job creation and new business opportunities;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2011 on mobility and inclusion of people with disabilities and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 2 a, __________________ 2a A7-0263/2011

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the EU should ~~be ready to tap~~invest in order to be able to utilise all the potential of third countries with a large population and an emerging middle class, particularly the BRIC countries, where the number of outbound tourists is rising; points out the need for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and for more flexibility in tourist visa arrangements;

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the tourism industry in Europe faces a number of new challenges, among them the digitalisation of distribution channels, the increasing competition from emerging destinations and the new sharing economy sector;

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products and setting up a Europe- wide, fully accessible web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products ~~and destination~~, destinations, transportation means and tourism routes and guides in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products, taking advantage of the popularity and distribution of the existing and efficient online services and products, and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Calls on the Commission to continue promoting sustainable tourism in cooperation with the ETC by establishing a European network, developing new specific products and setting up a Europe- wide web platform that brings together information on products and destinations as well as their green proofs, like eco- certificates, in one database with access through the Visiteurope.com portal;

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)

12b. Notes that, with a view to consumer protection, consideration should be given to harmonising the nomenclature of accommodation descriptions, such as holiday cottage, self-catering accommodation, chalet, etc.;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Calls on the Commission to carry out a study on sustainability certificates for soft tourism services, including e.g. analysis of the voluntary instruments and which instruments have been successful;

Amendment 206 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to develop networks of green routes incorporating rural and wooded areas and minor natural sites, by integrating existing transport infrastructure networks with new eco-sustainable solutions;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Urges the Commission to finalise the European Charter for Sustainable and Responsible Tourism and to continue giving financial support to important initiatives and networks such as EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence) or European cultural trails;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Encourages the national tourism organisations, on the basis of standards proposed by the Commission, to set up a specific unique portal on sustainable and responsible tourism at their respective national level in order to allow customers to make an informed choice among targeted national and transnational products and destinations;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses the importance of ensuring the development of sustainable, responsible tourism ~~where the concept of the ‘smart destination’ should be central to destination development~~, combining the aspects of sustainability, experiential tourism and appropriate use of natural resources, together with the new technologies;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the EU should be ready to tap the potential of third countries with a large population and an emerging middle class, particularly the BRIC countries, where the number of outbound tourists is rising; points out the need for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism (including, for example, the creation of a rating system for hotels and restaurants with criteria that are consistent throughout the EU) and for more flexibility in tourist visa arrangements;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas the tourism industry in Europe faces a number of new challenges, among them the digitalisation of distribution channels and the ~~new~~development of the sharing economy sector; and whereas the recent trend in tourist profiles has led to an increasing proportion of people over the age of 60 and people from emerging economies whose specific needs have to be taken into account;

Amendment 210 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses the importance of ensuring the development of sustainable, responsible and accessible tourism where the concept of the ‘smart destination’ should be central to destination development, combining the aspects of sustainability, experiential tourism and appropriate use of natural resources, together with the new technologies;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses the importance of ensuring the development of sustainable, responsible tourism where the concept of the ‘smart destination’ should be central to destination development, combining the aspects of sustainability, experiential tourism and appropriate use of natural resources, together with the new technologies, including the aspects of physical and information communication accessibility;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Stresses the importance of ensuring the development of sustainable, responsible tourism where the concept of the ‘smart destination’ should be central to destination development, combining the aspects of sustainability, experiential tourism and appropriate use of natural resources, together with the new technologies; is convinced that information networks on soft tourism projects offer good opportunities for the support of SMEs, local sustainable development, sustainable jobs and stable economies;

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Calls for the promotion and further development of child and family friendly options in the tourist sector, for example by creating a European family friendly tourism seal;

Amendment 214 #

David Maria SASSOLI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Emphasises the importance of promoting programmes to allow outdated hotel facilities to be regenerated in accordance with eco-sustainable tourism criteria;

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Emphasises the crucial role played by European tourism in the regeneration of rural and urban areas, in order to achieve a sustainable local and regional development;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Calls for the development of sustainable tourism services in those regions which, despite having great cultural and tourism potential, have suffered damage to their image caused by a greater focus on and development of other sectors, including the industrial sector;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Notice that European tourism can be developed by improving the logistic and business opportunities in certain regions which are challenging but have a significant potential like Arctic area; deliberation and improvement of challenging business environments improve understanding and knowledge of tourism industry as well as supporting cohesion policy in Europe;

Amendment 218 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Calls on the Member States and local and regional authorities to support cultural, educational, youth and sports tourism, which are becoming increasingly popular forms of tourism;

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Highlights the importance of awareness that tourism should not have a negative impact on residents’ daily lives; on the contrary, the resident population should be positively integrated with and able to participate in the tourism phenomenon;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas, according to UNWTO estimates, the sector employs 5.2% of the total work force;

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Sustainable and responsible tourism should be encouraged, in both urban and natural destinations, which does not modify the original territory to such an extent that it loses its original attractiveness, for example by overcrowding or by increasing the prices of traditional goods;

Amendment 221 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Pavel TELIČKA, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, José Inácio FARIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

Amendment 222 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Emphasises that natural and cultural heritage and biodiversity protection are a precious capital for the tourism sector, and therefore supports the Member States and the regional authorities and tourism businesses in promoting eco- tourism and respecting EU environmental legislation when deciding on and executing infrastructure projects;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Emphasises that natural heritage and biodiversity protection are a precious capital for the tourism sector, and therefore supports the Member States and the regional authorities in promoting eco- tourism and local organic farming that strengthens local specific features and respecting EU environmental legislation when deciding on and executing infrastructure projects;

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Emphasises that natural heritage and biodiversity protection are a precious capital for the tourism sector, and therefore supports the Member States and the regional authorities in promoting eco- tourism and respecting EU environmental legislation when deciding on and executing infrastructure projects; supports the development of non-motorised travel routes (for walking, horse-riding or cycling), which facilitate sustainable tourism;

Amendment 225 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Emphasises that natural heritage and biodiversity protection are a precious capital for the tourism sector, and therefore supports the Member States and the regional authorities in promoting eco- tourism and respecting EU environmental legislation when deciding on and executing infrastructure projects; all tourism activities have to be ecologically sustainable and respect the traditions of the indigenous culture, lifestyle and livelihoods while supporting the region’s economic and social development;

Amendment 226 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Underlines that Europe’s diversity and multiculturalism offer great potential for the development of thematic tourism and allows coordinated promotion of sustainable tourism and cultural exchanges;

Amendment 227 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)

17b. Highlights that Europe’s breadth of languages - official, co-official, minority and lesser-known - form the bedrock of its cultural heritage and are themselves key to sustainable and responsible tourism;

Amendment 228 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Emphasises that the channelling of organisations dealing with agriculture, organised on a community basis and provided for disabled people and with their participation in particular can be an innovative contribution to the improvement of the promotion of European tourism and local specific features for the tourism and touristic services;

Amendment 229 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Carlos COELHO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Believes that European cultural heritage must be enhanced and protected, something which calls for the promotion of thematic routes capable of giving rise to alternative and sustainable tourism. Furthermore calls for youth tourism to receive greater support and for more disadvantaged groups to be guaranteed accessibility to tourism;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the EU should be ready to tap the potential of third countries with a large population and an emerging middle class, particularly the BRIC countries, where the number of outbound tourists is rising; points out the need for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and for more flexibility in tourist visa arrangements; considers it advisable, while respecting the Member States' rights and duty to control entry across its own borders, for the European institutions and the Member States to develop, in the context of the common visa policy, a long-term strategy for more coordinated and simplified visa procedures;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas SMEs in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties due to a heavy regulatory burden;

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Stresses the need of promoting and highlighting Europe’s rich cultural heritage, taking into account that cultural tourism accounts for about 40% of European tourism, contributing to economic growth and employment, social innovation and inclusive local, regional, urban and rural development, while reducing the impact of seasonality;

Amendment 231 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)

17b. Reiterates the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage by the possible harmful effects of structural changes caused by tourism and the risks to cultural heritage posed by mass tourism, especially during the high season;

Amendment 232 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Underlines the significance of common religious, cultural and historical heritage in increasing the tourist- attractiveness of Europe as a region with deeply-rooted values that constitute the fundaments of the Member States’ cultures;

Amendment 233 #

Ulrike RODUST

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Emphasises that sustainable fishing tourism can make an important contribution to the economy of rural areas in Europe; stresses that this form of tourism can only continue to exist if endangered fish species are managed more sustainably in Europe’s inland waters;

Amendment 234 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Emphasises that the development of non-vehicular routes (footpaths, bridleways and cycle tracks) encourages the development of sustainable tourism;

Amendment 235 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Calls on the Member States to integrate natural heritage initiatives in their national and regional tourism strategies;

Amendment 236 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Notes that agro-tourism is one of the most basic forms of alternative tourism in the EU and calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to support actions designed to provide incentives to further develop the infrastructure and accessibility of this sector;

Amendment 237 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that sensitive regions such as islands, coasts ~~and~~, mountains and remote areas often depend strongly on tourism business and are the first affected by climate change; is therefore convinced that climate protection should be more strongly integrated into European, national and regional tourism and transport policies;

Amendment 238 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that sensitive regions such as islands, coasts ~~and mountai~~, mountains and the outermost regions often depend strongly on tourism business and are the first affected by climate change; is therefore convinced that climate protection should be more strongly integrated into European, national and regional tourism and transport policies;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that sensitive regions such as islands, coasts and mountains often depend strongly on tourism business and are the first affected by climate change; is therefore convinced that ~~climate protection~~sensible and sustainable management of natural resources should be more strongly integrated into European, national and regional tourism and transport policies;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission’s Digital Tourism Platform and its objectives of boosting the innovation capacity of tourism-related SMEs for the purpose of activating the tourism sector and of generating ~~suggestion~~proposals for how to adapt and shape ~~policies aimed at further develop~~tourism policy and tools ing the ~~tourism sector~~digital age;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the actions set out by the 2010 Communication foster the ambitious Communication foster the ambitious objective of maintaining Europe’s objective of maintaining Europe’s dominant position as a tourist dominant position as a tourist destination in the world; whereas destination in the world; promoting Europe with its own tourism destination promotion and brand strategy serves as an important tool for strengthening Europe’s image and profile;

Amendment 240 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

Amendment 241 #

Ivo BELET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that sensitive regions such as islands, coasts and mountains often depend strongly on tourism business and are the first affected by climate change; is therefore convinced that climate protection should be more strongly integrated into European, national and regional tourism and transport policies, including by focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport and waste management;

Amendment 242 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Considers that sensitive regions such as islands, coasts and mountains often depend strongly on tourism business and are the first affected by climate change; is therefore convinced that climate protection should be more strongly integrated into European, national and regional tourism and transport policies; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ascertain how climate change has influenced tourism in sensitive regions such as islands, coasts and mountains, and how it will influence it in future;

Amendment 243 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Asks the Commission to develop and run an impact assessment on the effects of climate change on the tourism economic, environment and social dimension;

Amendment 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Recognises that sustainable urban tourism is a fast growing business and that mobility and transport policy in touristic centres of cities should be efficient, sustainable and lead to win-win situations for both the visitors and the visited;

Amendment 245 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Underlines the need to promote the tourism potential of remote rural, island, coastal and mountainous areas, encourages the development of sustainable maritime and marine tourism in the EU and calls on the Member States to develop sustainable infrastructure and improve cross-border connectivity as a means of enhancing their appeal and accessibility;

Amendment 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)

18b. Supports initiatives that encourage the diversification of tourism, such as medical, rural, religious and other forms of alternative tourism which help make tourist activities and employment less seasonal;

Amendment 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Calls on the Member States to develop an integrated multimodal infrastructure and improve connectivity and accessibility of remote rural, island, coastal and mountainous regions, that would benefit the European tourism development;

Amendment 248 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Stresses the importance of sustainable and responsible tourism for the protection and promotion of the regional natural and cultural heritage; is therefore convinced that regional tourism products and short ways should be supported and promoted through adequate measures;

Amendment 249 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Considers the introduction of voluntary ‘environmental checks’ for the improvement of environmental quality in the tourism industry to be a useful contribution by the industry and recommends that companies displaying particular commitment be recognised;

Amendment 25 #

Kaja KALLAS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission's Digital Tourism Platform and its objectives of boosting the innovation capacity and digitalisation of tourism-related SMEs ~~for the purpose of activating the tourism sector~~, and of generating suggestions for how to adapt and shape policies aimed at further developing the tourism sector; considers that the promotion of e-learning, and an increased uptake of digital technologies would further advance this goal;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the actions set out by the 2010 Communication foster the ambitious objective of maintaining Europe’s dominant position as a tourist destination in the world; ~~whereas promoting Europe with its own tourism destination promotion and brand strategy serves as an important tool for strengthening Europe's image and profile;~~

Amendment 250 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Stresses the need for the Commission to support outlying island areas of the EU by keeping special measures in place to take account of their particular geographical location, such as a different VAT rate, in order to improve the competitiveness of island tourism and leverage economic growth in those areas;

Amendment 251 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)

18b. Highlights the fact that islands have their own problems, especially in terms of connections between smaller islands and the mainland, and calls on the Commission to propose measures to boost investments in that sector;

Amendment 252 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the responsible authorities and operators to make a stronger effort to promote ~~the European cycling networks, such as~~non-vehicular networks, such as European bridleways, footpaths and cycle tracks (for example, the Iron Curtain Trail), in combination with all cross- border rail services, including high- speed and night trains;

Amendment 253 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the responsible authorities and operators to make a stronger effort to promote the European cycling networks, such as the Iron Curtain Trail (the European cycle route network), in combination with all cross-border rail services, including high-speed and night trains;

Amendment 254 #

Isabella DE MONTE, David Maria SASSOLI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the responsible authorities and operators to make a stronger effort to promote the European cycling networks, such as the Iron Curtain Trail, the Pilgrims’ Route or the new Eurovelo routes, in combination with all cross- border rail services, including high-speed and night trains;

Amendment 255 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the responsible authorities and operators to make a stronger effort to promote walking routes and the European cycling networks, such as the Iron Curtain Trail, in combination with all cross-border rail services, including high-speed and night trains;

Amendment 256 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the responsible authorities and operators to make a stronger effort to promote the European cycling networks, such as the Iron Curtain Trail, in combination with all cross-border rail services, including high-speed and night trains; recalls that transport interoperability with other modes should also be always explored;

Amendment 257 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the responsible authorities and operators to make a stronger effort to promote the European cycling networks, such as the Iron Curtain Trail, in combination with all cross-border rail services, including high-speed and night trains and to eliminate increased fares on border stretches, which is one of the barriers to the more widespread use of railways by tourists in border areas;

Amendment 258 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Stresses the importance of facilitating bicycle users on public transport;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Supports the development of integrated multimodal transport forms for tourists through the creation of tickets enabling different transportation means to be used on the basis of differing requirements;

Amendment 26 #

Marco ZULLO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission’s Digital Tourism Platform and its objectives of boosting the innovation capacity of tourism-related SMEs for the purpose of activating the tourism sector and of generating suggestions for how to adapt and shape policies and funding aimed at further developing the tourism sector;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19b. Calls on Member States to offer subsidies for tourists in order to encourage the use of eco-sustainable transportation means;

Amendment 261 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Emphasises that electric vehicles offer an increasingly attractive solution for the new flexible mobility for both rural and urban tourism and this mobility option should be offered increasingly in holiday resorts;

Amendment 262 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Emphasises that progress in integrated ticketing services would be a strong incentive to cross border tourism;

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Strongly encourages the European Commission to assess the possibility of making the European Tourism Indicators System (ETIS) a Union instrument to help tourism destinations to control, manage, evaluate and improve their performance in terms of sustainability;

Amendment 264 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19b. Calls on the Member States to pass on good experiences of sustainable tourism management in the context of international cooperation abroad;

Amendment 265 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that accessibility in tourism is an integral part of its sustainability ~~and~~; takes the view that the ‘tourism for all’ principle ~~needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism- related action~~, by taking into account the special needs of people with disabilities, families with children and older persons, needs to be made more universal by adapting the facilities and services on offer accordingly with certain constraints of the tourism sector like heritage buildings or lack of the necessary financial aid or fiscal incentives;

Amendment 266 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that accessibility and affordability in tourism is an integral part of its sustainability with particular emphasis on the needs of disabled persons, persons with reduced mobility, young people, the elderly and low-income families and that the ‘tourism for all’ principle needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism-related action;

Amendment 267 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that accessibility in tourism is an integral part of its sustainability and that the ‘tourism for all’ principle taking into account the special needs of families travelling with children, seniors and the disabled, needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism-related action;

Amendment 268 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that accessibility and safety in tourism isare an integral part of its sustainability and that the ‘safe tourism for all’ principle needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism-related action;

Amendment 269 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that physical and information communication accessibility in tourism is an integral part of its sustainability and that the ‘tourism for all’ principle needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism-related action;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the actions ~~set out by~~announced in the 2010 Communication foster the ambitious objective of maintaining Europe’s dominant position as a tourist destination in the world; whereas promoting Europe with its own tourism destination promotion and brand strategy serves as an important tool for strengthening Europe’s image and profile;

Amendment 270 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that accessibility in tourism is an integral part of its sustainability and that the ‘tourism for all’ principle needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism-related action; in respect of which it draws particular attention to the immediate need to make up for delays in the development of transport infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe and hence improve the accessibility and tourist-attractiveness of the region;

Amendment 271 #

Ivo BELET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Stresses that accessibility in tourism is an integral part of its sustainability and that the ‘tourism for all’ principle needs to be the reference for any national, regional, local or European tourism-related action; asks the Commission to work on a European map for disabled people, allowing them to enjoy similar tourist advantages (e.g. reduced fares for cultural activities), as well as mobility advantages (e.g. assistance in embarking and disembarking from public transport);

Amendment 272 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Underlines that the ‘tourism for all’ principle allows and empowers people with special needs to enjoy their rights as citizens;

Amendment 273 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Points out that accessible options throughout the entire tourism service chain will not only benefit people with restricted mobility, but also older people or families with young children;

Amendment 274 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Calls on the Member States to place particular emphasis on the use of new technologies when developing tourism concepts for senior citizens and people with specific disabilities;

Amendment 275 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)

20c. Recommends that the Member States develop a Europe-wide uniform and transparent identification system for accessible options and establish corresponding Internet platforms; calls on the Commission to submit suggestions in this regard;

Amendment 276 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)

20d. Recommends that the Member States introduce the establishment of accessibility as an eligibility criterion in the context of the economic development programmes in the tourist industry;

Amendment 277 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Emphasises that accessibility to tourism for disabled persons must be ensured with regards to transportation, accommodation and information;

Amendment 278 #

Jens NILSSON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to pay attention to and support the potential of the social economy to develop sustainable and responsible tourism;

Amendment 279 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Considers, in particular, that every tourism-related action must take account of the stress environment triggered by the economic crisis – something which has had a noticeable effect on many families – and must therefore promote a kind of tourism that individuals can enjoy without issues surrounding the accessibility of children, the elderly, and pets increasing their level of stress;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission's Digital Tourism Platform and its objectives of boosting the innovation capacity of tourism-related SMEs, which face considerable difficulties in adapting to the fast-changing market conditions for the purpose of activating the tourism sector and of generating suggestions for how to adapt and shape policies aimed at further developing the tourism sector;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas promoting Europe with its own tourism destination promotion and brand strategy serves as an important tool for strengthening Europe’s image and profile as a set of sustainable and high- quality tourist destinations, enables European destinations to distinguish themselves from other international destinations and helps to attracting international tourists, particularly from emerging third markets;

Amendment 280 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Underlines that the continuing immigration crisis in Europe particularly affects coastal areas, where tourism is an important element of the income of residents; calls upon the Commission to draft a report on the impact that the uncontrolled influx of immigrants into the European Union is having on the tourism sector;

Amendment 281 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Considers that tourism has an important social value for youth, wage earners and retired people and calls on the Member States to use the EU funds for the development of health-related and recreational tourism;

Amendment 282 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote actions that will give disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly, the disabled, young people and low-income families, easier access to holidays, especially during the low season;

Amendment 283 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Welcomes the opportunities brought by the sharing economy for start-ups and innovative companies in the tourism sector; Acknowledges the complementary of these services with other tourism offers as regards their location and the people they target;

Amendment 284 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Emphasises that the current legislation is predicated upon the ownership-based economy and less suited to governing the sharing economy, and that local governments have started to investigate platforms and are trying to regulate their effects;deleted

Amendment 285 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

Amendment 286 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Emphasises that the current legislation is predicated upon the ownership-based economy and less suited to governing the sharing economy~~, and that local governments have started to investigate platforms and are trying to regulate their effects~~;

Amendment 287 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Emphasises that the current legislation is predicated upon the ownership-based economy and ~~less suited to governing the sharing economy, and that loc~~that for this reason local and national governments have started to investigate these online platforms and are trying to regulate their effects, often applying disparate and disproportionate measures within the Union. Urges the Commission to work together with the Member States on the need for initiatives at European, national, regional and local level;

Amendment 288 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Emphasises that the current legislation is ~~predicated upon the ownership-based economy and less suited to governing~~not suited to the sharing economy, and that local governments have started to investigate platforms and are trying to regulate their effects;

Amendment 289 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Emphasises that the current legislation is predicated upon the ownership-based economy and less suited to governing the sharing economy, and that ~~local governments hav~~the legislation must be esta~~rted to investigate platforms and are trying to regulate their effects~~blished within the framework of the overarching EU Digital Single Market strategy;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas the actions set out by the 2010 Communication foster the ambitious objective of maintaining Europe’s dominant position as a tourist destination in the world; whereas promoting Europe with its own tourism destination promotion and brand strategy serves as an important tool for strengthening Europe’s image ~~and profile~~, profile and competiveness;

Amendment 290 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

Amendment 291 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Recalls that the sharing economy or collaborative consumption is a new socio- economic model that has imploded with the technological revolution and the internet connecting people through online platforms where goods and services can be transacted securely and transparently;

Amendment 292 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

~~22. Underlines that the reaction to the rise of the ‘sharing economy’ needs to be measured and appropriate, in particular on the part of public authorities in the area of tax and regulation;~~deleted

Amendment 293 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Pavel TELIČKA, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, José Inácio FARIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Underlines that the reaction to the rise of the ‘sharing economy’ ~~needs to be measured and appro~~requires regulation on equal terms with the private~~, in particular on the part of public authorities in the area of tax and regulation~~ sector which meets the requirements of security, taxation and accessibility in order to protect passengers’ rights;

Amendment 294 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Underlines that the reaction to the rise of the ‘sharing economy’ needs to be ~~measur~~balanced and ~~appropriate, in particular on the part of public authorities in the area of tax and regulation~~flexible, in order to support both regulatory framework that secures the level playing field, as well as business environment that supports SMEs and innovation in the industry;

Amendment 295 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Underlines that the reaction to the rise of the ‘sharing economy’ needs ~~to be measur~~firstly to be analysed and appropriate, ~~in particular~~and that any action on the part of public authorities in the area of tax and regulation must be proportional and simple;

Amendment 296 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Underlines that the reaction to the rise of the ‘sharing economy’ needs to be ~~measured and appropri~~coordinated, in particular on the part of public authorities in the area of tax and regulation;

Amendment 297 #

Theresa GRIFFIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Underlines that the reaction to the rise of the ‘sharing economy’ needs to be measured and appropriate, in particular on the part of public authorities in the area of tax and regulation, and should bear in mind the needs of end-users;

Amendment 298 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Stresses that the activities of providers need to be correctly categorised in order to distinguish clearly between informal, ad- hoc and permanent sharing and professional business services, where appropriate regulations should apply;

Amendment 299 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Stresses that the activities of providers need to be correctly categorised in order to distinguish clearly between ~~informal,~~ ad- hoc sharing and professional services, where appropriate regulations apply;

Amendment 3 #

Linda McAVAN, Lucy ANDERSON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth and job creation; emphasises the need to pay particular attention to rural tourism as an engine for the sustainable growth of rural areas, and because of its contribution to creating jobs and establishing the population in the rural environment;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)

- having regard to the European Commission Green Paper on Safety of Tourism Accommodation Services COM(2014) 464,

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 30 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

Amendment 300 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Considers that security, safety and health regulation applicable to the traditional tourism sector should also apply to tourism services provided on a commercial basis in the sharing economy;

Amendment 301 #

Theresa GRIFFIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Stresses also that service providers in the ‘sharing economy’ should be required to meet minimum health and safety standards and must be required to have appropriate insurance in place where relevant;

Amendment 302 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Takes the view that consumers using sites must be correctly informed in an accessible way and not misled, and that companies need to take the necessary steps to protect consumers and hosts with regard to safety and security;

Amendment 303 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Takes the view that consumers using sites must be correctly informed ~~and not misled,~~ and that companies need to take the necessary steps to protect consumers and hosts with regard to safety and security issues. Underlines the importance of a viable and transparent system of reviews;

Amendment 304 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Takes the view that consumers using sites must be correctly informed and not misled, and that companies need to take the necessary steps to protect consumers and hosts with regard to safety and security and the privacy of data;

Amendment 305 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. emphasises that the technology companies acting as facilitators need to inform their providers about their obligations ~~and how to remain fully compliant with local laws;~~ , particularly as regards the protection of consumer rights and to provide information in a reliable and accessible manner about all fees and hidden costs associated with conducting business and how to remain fully compliant with local laws, particularly as regards tax law and the observance of norms regarding consumer safety and the conditions of work of those performing tourism services;

Amendment 306 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Emphasises that the technology companies acting as ~~facilitator~~intermediaries need to inform their providers about their obligations and ~~how to remain fully~~best possible ensure their compliantce with local laws;

Amendment 307 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Emphasises that the technology companies acting as facilitators need to inform their providers about their obligations and how to remain fully compliant with local laws and ensure that all platforms are fully accessible for disabled users;

Amendment 308 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Notes the rise in popularity of online review websites and stresses the importance of ensuring that consumers are not penalised by service providers for leaving negative reviews;

Amendment 309 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. CRecalls ~~on the Commission to undertake a research study measuring~~that the sharing economy increases the number of alternatives and options to consumers, promoting entrepreneurship. Asks the Commission to submit to Parliament as soon as possible the study that is being developed by the Task Force set up by the DG Growth to analyse the economic and social impact of the sharing economy and its implications for the tourism industry, consumers, technology companies and public authorities; calls on the Commission to in~~form Parliament accordingly~~clude in this study the best practices carried out by some regions and the concept of shareable cities;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Commission's Digital Tourism Platform and its objectives of boosting the innovation capacity of tourism-related SMEs for the purpose of activating the tourism sector and of generating suggestions for how to adapt and shape policies aimed at further developing the tourism sector; notes that better use of innovative products and services in the tourism sector might help to make tourism-related undertakings in general and SMEs in particular more viable; believes that better use of innovative products and services in the tourism sector might help to make tourism-related undertakings in general and SMEs in particular more viable; for that reason stresses the need to strengthen the innovativeness and technological development of micro enterprises and SMEs and notes the huge prospects for the development of thematic/alternative forms of tourism provided by the Internet and innovative new communication technologies;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. Whereas sustainable, accessible and responsible tourism that is in harmony with nature ~~and~~, landscape and urban destinations, and relies on resource efficiency and climate protection brings lasting results in regional growth, accommodates the increasing quality demands of travellers and helps companies to compete;

Amendment 310 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Calls on the Commission to undertake a research study measuring the economic impact of the sharing economy and its implications for the tourism industry, consumers, technology companies and public authorities~~; c~~. Emphasizes the importance of integrating into the study the impacts on the host community and on the so called ‘experience economy’. Calls on the Commission to inform Parliament accordingly;

Amendment 311 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Calls on the Commission to undertake a research study measuring the economic and social impact of the sharing economy and its implications for the tourism industry, consumers, technology companies and public authorities; calls on the Commission to inform Parliament accordingly;

Amendment 312 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Recalls that European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are still the largest source of external financing for activities to stimulate the tourism sector in certain Member States;

Amendment 313 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

~~27. Calls on the Commission to define jointly with industry a roadmap of initiatives to encourage travel and tourism companies to adopt and use digital tools more efficiently;~~deleted

Amendment 314 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls on ~~the~~ Commission to ~~define jointly with industry a roadmap of initiatives to encourage travel and tourism companies to adopt and use digital tools more efficiently~~provide, based on the right of consumers protection, a clear standard for on line reservation, concerning the content and reliability of information provided by the tourism infrastructure and the clarity, simple language and fairness of the requested terms and conditions;

Amendment 315 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls on the Commission to define jointly with industry a smart roadmap of initiatives focusing on the wider scope of innovation: process, ICT, research and on the required skills, in order to encourage travel and tourism companies to adopt and use digital tools more efficiently;

Amendment 316 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls on the Commission to define jointly with industry and tourism associations a roadmap of initiatives to encourage travel and tourism companies to adopt and use digital tools more efficiently;

Amendment 317 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls on the Commission to define jointly with industry a roadmap of initiatives to encourage travel and tourism companies to adopt and use digital tools more efficiently; The Commission may make a concentrated effort on disseminating best practices in this respect;

Amendment 318 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is aware of the fact that due to their potential as an economic activity and creator of high-quality employment SMEs in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties in adapting to the fast-changing market conditions; ~~notes that new IT tools such as the~~for that reason they need access to all European industry programs as well as IT tools which can support Tourism-IT business ~~support portal~~ and the TourismLink platform, among others, [which] will help them take advantage of the digital opportunities;

Amendment 319 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is aware of the fact that SMEs (mostly being microenterprises) in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties in adapting to the fast-changing market conditions; notes that new IT tools such as the Tourism-IT business support portal and the TourismLink platform will help them take advantage of the digital opportunities;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Supports the European Commission’s concept to promote sustainable ‘Tourism for All’;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas sustainable tourism that is in harmony with nature and landscape and relies on resource efficiency, sustainable mobility and climate protection brings lasting results in regional growth, accommodates the increasing quality demands of travellers and helps companies to compete;

Amendment 320 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is aware of the fact that SMEs in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties in adapting to the fast-changing market conditions; notes that an increased effort as regards vocational training and new IT tools such as the Tourism-IT business support portal and the TourismLink platform will help them take advantage of the digital opportunities;

Amendment 321 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is aware of the fact that SMEs and start-ups in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties in promoting their services abroad and in adapting to the fast- changing market conditions; notes that new IT tools such as the Tourism-IT business support portal and the TourismLink platform will help them take advantage of the digital opportunities; Encourages further initiatives in this respect at local, national and European levels;

Amendment 322 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is aware of the fact that SMEs in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties in adapting to the fast-changing market conditions; notes that new IT tools such as the Tourism-IT business support portal, webseminars and the TourismLink platform, will help them take advantage of the digital opportunities; stresses that making these tools available in all the languages of the Member States would further promote the territorial benefits of these actions;

Amendment 323 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Is aware of the fact that SMEs in the tourism sector face considerable difficulties in adapting to the fast-changing market conditions; notes that new IT tools such as the Tourism-IT business support portal and the TourismLink platform will help them take advantage of the digital opportunities; calls on the Commission to ensure that the Visiteurope.com portal also supports the digital opportunities of SMEs in the tourism sector by providing a number of online tools and serves as an additional point of contact;

Amendment 324 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)

28a. Raises the importance of offering the webinars, portals and platforms in regional and Member State languages in order to ensure the territorial benefits of this action;

Amendment 325 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)

29a. Stresses that information provided about public transport can speed up travel in tourist destinations and simplify access to it;

Amendment 326 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)

29a. Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to continue in their efforts to improve tourism data banks, support the practical application and monitoring of viability indicators and improve the digital skills of tourism-related undertakings, so that they can adopt a more innovative approach to corporate management and thus improve the competitiveness of the tourism sector;

Amendment 327 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)

29a. Calls on the Commission to assist the sector to construct tools which will enable visitors’ destinations to be monitored, their profile to be built up and their mobility to be traced, so as to discover their interests and develop appropriate products; and to create tools offering à la carte destinations and the monitoring of networks in order to discover the opinion of our visitors;

Amendment 328 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Calls on the Commission to undertake a research study on the evolution of the digital travel marketplace ~~with a view to identifying policies to ensure~~to encourage policies to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for travel companies along the whole value chain and protecting consumers by providing for transparency and neutrality when they search for, plan and book travel products and services;

Amendment 329 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Calls on the Commission to undertake a research study on the evolution of the digital travel marketplace with a view to identifying policies to avoid situations of abuse of position, ensure a level playing field for travel companies and protecting consumers by providing for transparency and neutrality when they search for, plan and book travel products and services;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Recalls that the role of consumers now goes beyond research with a view to purchasing travel – and other connected services – and obtaining diverse information about their destination, with the role of consumers now including the area of criticism/opinion and advertising; the digital experience is, therefore, increasingly significant;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas sustainable tourism that is in harmony with nature and landscape and relies on resource efficiency and climate protection, in particular sustainable tourism in mountain and coastal regions, brings lasting results in regional growth, accommodates the increasing quality demands of travellers and helps companies to compete;

Amendment 330 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Calls on the Commission to undertake a research study on the evolution of the digital travel marketplace with a view to identifying policies to ensure a level playing field for travel companies and protecting consumers by providing for transparency, accessibility and neutrality when they search for, plan and book travel products and services;

Amendment 331 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Notes the increase in the online booking of tourist services directly by the user and the risks which this may carry for the consumer, who is often unaware of his rights and of the applicable legislation. Requests that the Commission pursue in detail any abuses which may arise in this area, in particular involving combined purchases from various service providers (flight ticket and car hire, for example) and to adapt and develop these new forms of booking services at the time of the next review of the package travel Directive;

Amendment 332 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

~~31. Calls on the Commission to refocus funds and programmes in order to better support digitisation of European tourism companies;~~deleted

Amendment 333 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. The tourism sector is mainly made up of Micro and SMEs. Therefore strongly encourages the Commission to translate the funding support guide into the 24 Union languages, since difficulty in access to finance is one of the barriers to the sector;

Amendment 334 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Calls on the Commission to ensure that service providers are given fair and equal access to relevant data by travel and transport operators in order to facilitate the deployment of digital multimodal information and ticketing services and to be able to further optimise their services to the benefit of the consumers;

Amendment 335 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)

32a. Calls on Member States and local authorities to ensure that all stations and arrival, departure and transfer platforms are equipped with information offices incorporating trained staff able to provide information on key destinations, transportation means, and tourism facilities, as well as multilingual digital information systems with free and unlimited access to wi-fi networks that are equally usable by persons with disabilities;

Amendment 336 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)

32a. Strongly encourages the Commission to examine the possibility of creating a section dedicated exclusively to Tourism in the next multiannual financial framework, since it is one of the Union’s activities that has shown resilience over the past years of economic recession, and has generated jobs and created growth;

Amendment 337 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Calls on the Member States to identify and support EU-wide initiatives that foster the use of the digital infrastructure (such as the elimination of roaming charges and ‘geo-blocking’ and access to Wi-Fi) and interoperability among different platforms;

Amendment 338 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

Amendment 339 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Calls on the Member States to identify and support EU-wide initiatives that foster the use of the digital infrastructure ~~(such as the elimination of roaming charges and access to Wi-Fi) and interoperability among different platforms~~and interoperability among different platforms; In this context calls upon Member States to abolish roaming charges by the end of 2016;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Stresses the need to better promote the concepts of medical tourism, sports tourism, adventure tourism, educational tourism, agrotourism and creative tourism; recalls that the concepts referred to above are able to generate more income and sustainability than the usual forms of tourism;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas sustainable tourism that is in harmony with nature and landscape and relies on resource efficiency and climate protection ~~brings lasting results in regional growth~~makes it possible to preserve the local environment, accommodates the increasing quality demands of travellers and helps companies to compete, thanks to lower costs and a more attractive product;

Amendment 340 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Calls on the Member States to identify and support EU-wide initiatives that foster the use of the digital infrastructure (such as the elimination of roaming charges and access to Wi-Fi) and interoperability among different platforms; Notes the importance of intelligent transport systems (ITS) in providing accurate, real- time traffic and travel data for the development of integrated mobility services that would benefit the European tourism development;

Amendment 341 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)

33a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, as part of the effort to digitalise and upgrade tourism, to make maximum possible use of new technologies and thus make the tourism sector as competitive as possible;

Amendment 342 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to ~~consider the development of~~encourage access to high-speed broadband as a priority for remote and mountainous areas;

Amendment 343 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to consider the development of access to high-speed broadband a priority for ~~remote and mountainous~~tourism concerned areas;

Amendment 344 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to consider the development of access to high-speed broadband a priority for remote and island, coastal and mountainous areas;

Amendment 345 #

Theresa GRIFFIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to consider the development of access to high-speed broadband a priority for remote, rural and mountainous areas;

Amendment 346 #

Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR, Rosa ESTARÀS FERRAGUT, Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to consider the development of access to high-speed broadband a priority for remote, rural and mountainous areas;

Amendment 347 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to consider the development of access to high-speed broadband a priority for remote, outermost and mountainous areas;

Amendment 348 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Pavel TELIČKA, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, José Inácio FARIA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Urges the Member States to consider the development of access to high-speed broadband a priority for r~~emote and mountainous areas~~ural, remote, mountainous areas and other least favoured regions in order to enhance the growth of tourism businesses and to reduce the digital divide in the EU;

Amendment 349 #

Kaja KALLAS, Antanas GUOGA, Robert ROCHEFORT, Dita CHARANZOVÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Encourages timely data publication and standardisation of reporting in the field of outbound and inbound tourism traffic in European countries;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Urges the Member States and the Commission to simplify administrative procedures and taxation systems, taking into account specific challenges to SMEs in the tourism sector, to facilitate compliance in light of the rise of the sharing economy, and to ensure that the regulatory framework fosters innovation;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas sustainable tourism that is in harmony with nature and landscape and relies on resource efficiency and climate protection brings lasting results in regional growth, accommodates the increasing quality demands of travellers and helps companies to compete, but is still a high- cost and therefore minority form of tourism;

Amendment 350 #

Ulrike RODUST

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Calls on the Member States and the players involved to develop effective means to counter the skills shortage in the industry in all areas of the tourism sector, in particular in the area of digitisation;

Amendment 351 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)

35a. Urges the Commission to encourage the development of tourism-related pilot scenarios as a means of validating projects under the Horizon 2020 Programme because of its ability to accommodate multidisciplinary projects and because it is a sector of great importance in economic terms;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Stresses that Europe must keep its position as the world's number one tourist destination; welcomes the organisation of events and communication campaigns that promote Europe as a tourism destination in particular with third countries' markets and calls on all stakeholders involved to jointly promote Europe not only as a tourist destination, but as well as a destination of excellence with a diversity of national destinations, cultures and tourism services without distorting competition between them;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas European cultural tourism plays an important role in the promotion of Europe’s rich cultural diversity, strengthens European identity and promotes cross-cultural exchanges and multicultural understanding;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3а. Acknowledges that the tourist sector is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as a large number of micro-enterprises. In this regard, the efforts towards introducing better regulation, reducing the administrative burden and promoting the competitiveness of European enterprises should be continued not just within the sector itself, but as part of all policies followed by the EU that affect the tourist sector;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas Europe’s cultural and historic heritage is a major asset for the European tourism industry;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Is in favour of measures to promote and further develop child- and family- friendly products in the tourism sector, for example by creating a European seal for family-friendly tourism;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the sharing economy ~~represents a fundamental shift caused by new technology~~allowed by the rapid development of new technology represents a fundamental shift, particularly in terms of altering the value chain, and many of the sharing economy companies are part of the travel service economy;

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Welcomes the recent ECC-Net: Travel application produced by the European Consumer Centres Network;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the sharing economy represents a fundamental shift caused by rapidly changing new technology, and many of the influential sharing economy companies are part of the travel service economy;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth and job creation, particularly of fixed-location jobs that cannot be offshored;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)

- having regard to Council Resolution of 6 May 2003 on accessibility of cultural infrastructure and cultural activities for people with disabilities (2003/C 134/05),

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Calls on the Commission to explore the possibility of creating a European Tourism Calendar to coordinate information about European tourism destinations from all member States in all official languages in order to improve consumer's information services and help them find guidance and directions about events, places, and festivals among others;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the sharing economy represents a ~~fundamental~~ shift caused by new technology, and many of the sharing economy companies are part of the travel service economy;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Recommends the creation of an EU online application containing European travel maps,~~Notes the important of European tourism adapting to the Digital market and the need to develop new digital tools and information sources for potential tourists to Europe; recommends the creation of an EU mobile application which could help to promote Europe as a tourist destination and to improve the amount and quality of information available to consumers;

Amendment 41 #

Kaja KALLAS, Robert ROCHEFORT

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the sharing economy represents a fundamental shift caused by new technology, and many of the sharing economy companies are part of the travel service economy, the future rules and regulations for which are to be laid down within the framework of the EU’s overarching Digital Single Market strategy;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Recommends the creation of an EU online application containing European travel maps,~~Urges the Commission to explore the possibility of creating online tools which could help to promote Europe as a tourist destination, and to improve the amount and quality of information available to consumers of tourism services both before and after departure;

Amendment 42 #

Richard SULÍK, Daniel DALTON

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. bearing in mind that offering services of a high standard and protection of consumer rights should constitute the highest priority for all entities performing services connected with tourism, including entities operating in the sector of sharing and using the latest internet technologies;

Amendment 43 #

4. Recommends the creation of an EU online application containing European travel maps, which could help to promote Europe as a tourist destination and to improve the amount and quality of information available to consumers; stresses that costs incurred in the creation and maintenance of this application should be kept to a minimum, without a Union budget increase;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas, although information is scattered and a solid conclusion therefore difficult, the economic impact of the sharing economy has most likely a positive effect on economic growth and welfare;

Amendment 44 #

Marco ZULLO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Recommends the creation of an EU online application containing ~~European travel map~~suggestions for tourist itineraries and activities, developed in collaboration with competent national and local authorities, which could help to promote Europe as a tourist destination and to improve the amount and quality of information available to consumers;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)

Gb. whereas travel and tourism is one of the sectors that has been more affected by digitization, a fact that opens a number of opportunities for travel companies not only in Europe but also globally;

Amendment 45 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Recommends the creation of an user- friendly and interoperable EU online application containing European ~~travel map~~interactive travel maps and guides, which could help to promote Europe as an attractive tourist destination and to improve the amount and quality of information available to consumers;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

Ga. whereas conflicts near EU borders, such as in Ukraine and in the Middle East, together with terrorist threats have a negative impact on the tourism sector and thus require countering measures both at national and at European level;

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Recommends the creation of an EU online application containing European travel maps, which could help to promote Europe as a tourist destination and to improve the amount and quality of information available to consumers; calls for the establishment of common criteria for evaluating categories of hotel and rural establishment, evaluating their accessibility for people with reduced mobility, their energy efficiency, their ICT access and their establishment’s sustainability;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph F a (new)

Fa. whereas regions play a fundamental role in the development and implementation of policies linked to tourism at the regional level;

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the important of making tourism information accessible to tourists with disabilities; asks all tourism boards, tourist attractions and accommodations to take accessibility, including web accessibility, into account when renewing websites or other sources of information;

Amendment 47 #

Richard SULÍK, Daniel DALTON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Calls on the Commission to report back to Parliament on the implementation of its actions set out in its 2010 communication and the use of budget allocation under the structural funds and the relevant EU programmes~~, in particular the COSME programme~~ in the form of a factual review which includes a ~~critical~~n assessment of the efficiency of the actions concerning the promotion of tourism in Europe;

Amendment 48 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, ~~taxation,~~ service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Calls on the Commission to report back to Parliament on the implementation of its actions set out in its 2010 communication and the use of budget allocation under the structural funds and the relevant EU programmes, in particular the COSME programme in the form of a factual review which includes a critical assessment of the efficiency of the actions concerning the promotion of tourism in Europe, and physical and information communication accessibility of the existing infrastructure and services;

Amendment 49 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, ~~service quality~~ and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity; recalls the importance of quality as a major component of consumers’ level of satisfaction, and calls on the sector’s professionals to continue improving the quality of the tourism services offered;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Expects the Commission to present an annual overview on tourism projects that have been co-financed by different EU funds;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth and job creation, especially in tackling youth unemployment;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)

- having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Better regulation for better results - An EU agenda’ (COM(2015)215),

Amendment 50 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, the environment, consumer protection, service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity; notes that the Member States’ different regulatory frameworks directly affect tourism companies and could have a distorting effect on the market;

Amendment 50 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Carlos COELHO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Expects the Commission to ensure that the future allocation of resources from the various promotional funds for the creation of a favourable environment for companies in the European tourism sector remains possible;

Amendment 51 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity; urges the Commission to monitor more precisely the implementation of the Services Directive in the Member States with regard to tourism;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Takes the view that tourism should be better recognised as individual economic activity in terms of budget and actions, instead of being financed from the budgets of other policy areas;

Amendment 52 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity and close cooperation with regional and local authorities;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Urges the European Commission to ensure greater transparency in the way in which structural funds are used by local administrations;

Amendment 53 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, communication, transport, taxation, service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity;

Amendment 53 #

Kaja KALLAS, Antanas GUOGA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the Commission to appoint independent experts to assess the impact that other EU policies have on tourism and to report back to Parliament;

Amendment 54 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States and more regional cooperation in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity; highlights, in particular, the potential of regional cooperation to simultaneously create added value for multiple Member States;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the Commission to assess the impact that other EU policies have on tourism ~~and to report back to Parliament~~, as well as to analyse real and potential threats for tourism as result of conflicts in EU neighbouring countries and regions and to report back to Parliament, providing proposals for measures to enhance the positive impact and to reduce the negative one on tourism;

Amendment 55 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, service quality, international card payments and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Calls on the Commission to assess the impact that other EU policies have on tourism~~While European cities are tourist destination by excellence, tourism-related transport in cities and larger urban areas has a significant contribution to transport emission and road injuries and fatalities; Calls on the Commission to assess the impact that other EU policies have on tourism, especially the urban transport policy with its objectives as set by the White Paper on Transport 2011, and to report back to Parliament;

Amendment 56 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Stresses the need to have a more coordinated approach among Member States in tourism-related policy areas, such as innovation, transport, taxation, service quality and the visa regime, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity; encourages the creation of targeted transnational and pan-European tourist products, given that tourists from third countries often see Europe as a single destination;

Amendment 56 #

Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ, Carlos COELHO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the Commission to assess the impact that other EU policies have on tourism as well as the effects of tourism on other policies of the Union, such as transport and to report back to Parliament;

Amendment 57 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Asks for improved mutual recognition by the Member States of professional qualifications in the tourist industry, in order to allow those already working in the sector and those planning to do so to find the best job opportunities and to foster their mobility in the industry; believes that this would help tackle the problems of the seasonal nature of work in this sector, on the one hand, and undeclared work on the other;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Expects the Commission to present an overview of up to date data, on the basis of the new Regulation on Tourism Statistics;

Amendment 58 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Reaffirms the importance of developing a more efficient transport network providing links to peripheral tourist areas;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Notes that further effort is needed to develop an integrated approach to tourism, ensuring that the interests and needs of the sector are taken into account when formulating and implementing other EU policies (e.g. transport, rural policy);

Amendment 59 #

Mihai ŢURCANU

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point 1 (new)

(1) Considers that it is necessary to support the increase of competitiveness of the areas where the tourism potential has been insufficiently tapped into, through the fair promotion thereof and through the support of local SMEs operating in the tourism industry;

Amendment 59 #

Robert ROCHEFORT, Kaja KALLAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Expects the Commission to present detailed implementing measures on the new ~~set of common actions in the context of~~package based on tried and tested actions at the next European Tourism Forum;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth and job creation; urges the EU to develop a more integrated approach to tourism, taking account of tourism when designing all its policies, particularly the digital agenda;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas there is no dedicated line for tourism in the EU budget and actions in this field come under various funds, pilot projects and preparatory actions;

Amendment 60 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Recalls the importance of the sharing economy as a promoter of tourism, as well as the importance of its contribution to the increase of the number of tourists in several tourist destinations; stresses that this should not be treated as unfair competition, and that the regulation of this sector could lead to a decrease in the inflow of tourists; stresses that user safety and security, as well as the quality of the services provided must be ensured;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Takes note that the Commission has reduced its staffing in the field of tourism dramatically and regards this decision to be inappropriate in the light of the importance attached to tourism as an essential factor of economic growth and jobs in Europe; criticises the fact that the subject of tourism is not listed visibly enough on the new DG GROW website;deleted

Amendment 61 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Recalls to develop competitive transport and tourism infrastructure;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 62 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Considers that tourism is an inalienable social right which should be safeguarded in all new forms of tourism promoted over coming years; recalls that access must be secured for a larger number of people, paying particular attention to the needs of disabled persons, families with children and the elderly, by adapting the infrastructures and services provided; stresses the need to ensure that future tourism policy in Europe takes account of the needs of disabled tourists; within that framework, considers it advisable to promote innovative programmes, mechanisms and products at European level to facilitate independent access for persons with mobility difficulties;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 63 #

6. Stresses that the constant rise in the number of travellers calls for the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient means of travel and accommodation, in order to create environmentally and economically sustainable destinations; urges the Commission to better promote the EU Ecolabel for Tourism Accommodation Services and Campsite Accommodation as well as for related EU Ecolabelled products and services which might be used in hotels (detergents, rinse-off cosmetics, laundry cleaning...) as well as to accelerate the implementation of the Nearly Zero Energy Hotels (neZEH) initiative, in order to make hotels self- sustaining and energy-efficient;

Amendment 63 #

Harald VILIMSKY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Takes note that the Commission has reduced its staffing in the field of tourism dramatically and regards this decision to be inappropriate in the light of the importance attached to tourism as an essential factor of economic growth and jobs in Europe; cCriticises the fact that the subject of tourism is not listed visibly enough on the new DG GROW website;

Amendment 64 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Stresses thate importance of a sustainable and responsible European tourism sector that promotes the competitiveness of the sector’s companies; the constant rise in the number of travellers calls for the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient means of travel and accommodation, in order to create environmentally and economically sustainable destinations and keep in mind that environmental sustainability also covers the preservation of local cultures, their traditions, and the preservation and enhancement of heritage, fostering best practice, and seeking a tourism that satisfies and benefits both those who travel, and the destination and local community; urges the Commission to accelerate the implementation of the Nearly Zero Energy Hotels (neZEH) initiative, in order to make hotels self- sustaining and energy-efficient;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Takes note that the Commission has reduced its staffing in the field of tourism dramatically and regards this decision ~~to be inappropriate in the light of~~as one casting doubt over the importance really attached to tourism as an essential factor of economic growth and jobs in Europe; ~~criticises~~expresses its surprise of the fact that the subject of tourism is not listed visibly enough on the new DG GROW website;

Amendment 65 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Stresses that the constant rise in the number of travellers calls for the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient means of travel and accommodation, in order to create environmentally and economically sustainable destinations; urges the Commission to accelerate the implementation of the Nearly Zero Energy Hotels (neZEH) initiative, in order to make hotels self-sustaining and energy-efficient; proposes the creation of an energy- innovation plan for the tourism sector that, as well as reducing costs and maximising resources, would generate innovative projects capable of creating new jobs, especially for young people, and the foundation of start-ups;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Takes note that the Commission has reduced its staffing in the field of tourism dramatically and regards this decision to be inappropriate in the light of the importance attached to tourism as an essential factor of economic growth and jobs in Europe; asks to note that tourism provides a growth market for multiple industries; criticises the fact that the subject of tourism is not listed visibly enough on the new DG GROW website;

Amendment 66 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 67 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

Amendment 68 #

Jens NILSSON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to pay attention to and support the potential of the social economy to develop sustainable and responsible tourism;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Emphasises the importance of coordination among the Commissions services and departments;

Amendment 69 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses the need to design a strategy to increase accommodation sales in medium/low season that includes the rural tourism sector and that aims to overcome seasonality; highlights the importance of focusing the marketing of tourism products/services on quality, thereby building loyalty in visitors and positioning our sector in a highly competitive market;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the Commission to present a new strategy on EU tourism, that will replace or update the 2010 Communication ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination’;

Amendment 7 #

Anna Maria CORAZZA BILDT

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its potential as a driver of socio-economic growth ~~and job creation~~, job creation and integration; highlights in this regard the importance of the sector to tackle youth unemployment;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas tourism is a key ~~sector~~potential growth area of the European economy, ~~which~~the tourist business generates over 10 % of the EU’s GDP and, as a driver of substantial employment, is responsible for at least 12 % of jobs in the EU if sectors linked to tourism are taken into account;

Amendment 70 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Notes the development of numerous cooperative practices and of the sharing economy in the tourism sector, and acknowledges the regulatory challenge that this development could represent because of its rapidity, its multiform nature and its variable market impact, as well as in relation to the rights of consumers, particularly vulnerable consumers;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls for the creation of a specific line for tourism in the EU budget;

Amendment 71 #

Daniel DALTON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Recommends the abolition of Air Passenger Duty in the EU in order to encourage tourism into Europe and increase economic growth;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls the Commission to note that tourism is a growing export industry; remarks that tourism needs to be collaborated with several sectors and tourism has to be attached into the international and global networks;

Amendment 72 #

Biljana BORZAN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses the need for better and more accessible EU financing of infrastructural projects, especially utility services which face enormous increase in consumption in tourist season to benefit both tourists and the local population;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Urges the Commission to consider a reduction of the disproportionate regulatory burden that negatively impacts on the competitiveness of SMEs in the tourism sector; calls on the Commission to reduce and do not add to the existing regulatory burden;

Amendment 73 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Encourages sustainable urban planning in order to ensure the preservation of the cultural heritage of European tourist destinations;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Reminds the Commission that tourism is a key sector of the European economy, and it is therefore necessary to institutionalise the coordination between Member States, regional and local authorities and financial institutions and create synergy between the public and private tourism sectors through the creation of a European Tourist Board;

Amendment 74 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Underlines the importance of improving mutual recognition by Member States of professional qualifications in the tourism industry, in order to enable the industry’s workers to find the best possible career prospects and thus encourage their mobility;

Amendment 74 #

Ulrike RODUST

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative for a pan-European dialogue between cruise operators and port and coastal tourism stakeholders; stresses that joint planning and joint action are just as necessary for the acceptance of tourism by the population as they are for its sustainable development;

Amendment 75 #

Mihai ŢURCANU

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Considers that tourism services should provide consumers~~Recalls that the basic principle of all EU tourism regulations should be the interest of consumers, which should be reflected in the obligation to provide them with accurate and clear information anthat would not mislead ~~them~~ or misinform them.;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Considers that within the framework of cooperation and good neighbourliness the European Union should develop cooperation actions for the development of tourism in third countries with a view to enabling a balanced development of their economies which will also contribute to easing tensions in the area of neighbourly relations and enhancing the attractiveness of the region and the flow of incoming tourism;

Amendment 76 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Considers that ~~tourism services should provide consumers with accurate information and not mislead or misinform them.~~companies providing services in the tourism sector should provide consumers with clear and specific information and not mislead consumers; the information should be legible and written in comprehensible terms, without applying practices or contractual conditions that discriminate against consumers, or create mistrust in the EU internal market and, particularly, in online purchases; consumer trust in companies providing services in the tourism sector also involves companies making available to consumers alternative means of resolving consumer disputes that are simple, effective, quick and economical;

Amendment 76 #

Kaja KALLAS, Antanas GUOGA, Robert ROCHEFORT, Dita CHARANZOVÁ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Considers that nominating a European Year on Tourism will help promote the European tourism diversity and raise the profile of the various stakeholders active in the tourism sector; Calls on the Commission to consider this initiative;

Amendment 77 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Considers that the providers of tourism services should ~~provide consumers with accurate information and~~ensure that the information given to consumers regarding such services is accurate and comprehensible, and that consumers are not mislead or misinform ~~them.~~ed;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly encourages the Commission, in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), to further contribute tso th~~e joint promotion of~~at Europe aremains the world’s top tourist ~~destination under the umbrella of a common European approach and positioning~~;

Amendment 78 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Considers that tourism services ~~should~~must provide consumers with accurate information and not mislead or misinform them., recalls experience of many consumers with commercial practices of some travel agencies and tour operators that have deceitful and aggressive character and calls for protection of consumers also when selling or leasing intangibles in tourism (time-sharing);

Amendment 78 #

Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 79 #

Inese VAIDERE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Considers that tourism service operators should provide consumers with accurate up-to-date information on their products and not mislead or misinform them.;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly encourages the Commission, in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), to further contribute to the joint promotion of Europe as the world’s top tourist destination under the umbrella of a common European approach and positioning, in particular taking into account sustainable tourism and the balanced presence of all Member States;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Acknowledges the importance of the tourism sector for the EU and its internal market, and stresses its significant potential as a driver of socio-economic growth and job creation;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas tourism is a key sector of the European economy, which generates over 10 % of the EU’s GDP and employs 9.7 million people if sectors linked to tourism are taken into account, and which is also a source of significant revenue for local economies;

Amendment 80 #

Biljana BORZAN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Considers that tourism services should provide consumers with accurate information and not mislead or misinform them.; stresses the importance of informing consumers in their language and protecting their personal and financial data; highlights the importance of clear indication of consumers rights in cases of cancellation or rebooking;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly encourages the Commission, in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), to further contribute to the joint promotion of Europe as the world’s top tourist destination under the umbrella of a common European approach and positioning, above all with a view to drawing attention to less known destinations and countries experiencing economic difficulties, in light of the widely accepted fact that tourism is an essential cog in the machinery of a government;

Amendment 81 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Considers that communication networks should be developed in order to improve business opportunities in the regions as well as for better consumer protection and that tourism services should provide consumers with accurate information and not mislead or misinform them.;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly encourages the Commission, in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), to further contribute to the joint promotion of Europe as the world’s top tourist destination under the umbrella of a common European holistic approach and positioning; calls on the responsible authorities to raise political awareness of the importance of inbound tourism for the European economy;

Amendment 82 #

Marc TARABELLA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Emphasises the economic significance and expansion of intra-European tourism, particularly between the old and new Member States, as a result of the European Union enlargement process; urges the Commission and the Member States to guarantee the principle of non- discrimination between European consumers from different Member States;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly encourages the Commission, in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), to further contribute to the joint promotion of Europe as the world’s top tourist destination under the umbrella of a common European approach and positioning; encourages the development of European tourism image as a function of tourism marketing tool;

Amendment 83 #

Inese VAIDERE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Emphasizes the role of sharing economy and peer-to-peer rental services in the tourism sector and calls for suitable regulatory framework that supports the growth and innovation while protecting the consumer interests;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Strongly encourages the Commission, in cooperation with the European Travel Commission (ETC), to further contribute to the joint promotion of Europe as the world’s top tourist destination under the umbrella of a common European approach and positioning. Calls on the European Commission to submit an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of setting up a European Agency for Tourism;

Amendment 84 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Acknowledges the opportunities and potential offered by digitalization of services and products in the tourism sector; stresses the importance of creating a fully functioning internal market for these services and products, which should offer inclusiveness and legal certainty to all actors, including SMEs and consumers;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Recalls the potential of third countries with a large population and an emerging middle class, particularly the BRIC countries, where the number of outbound tourists is rising; points out the need for more flexibility in tourist visa arrangements in order to avoid a loss of potential visitors and consequently an economic loss;

Amendment 85 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Recommends the creation and promotion of quality labels at European level, in order to guarantee consumers a clear and transparent view of the tourism products and services offered;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

Amendment 86 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Points out that because of the importance of the tourism sector the European Union should set up a European Tourism Board as a coordinating body for all activities of European tourism;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls in particular for the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ and its systematisation with the existing national and regional sectoral brands with the aim of complementing and enhancing the promotional activities of Member States, national tourism organisations and the European tourism industry for the benefit of the visibility of European tourism destinations at national, regional and local level;

Amendment 87 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Welcomes the recent conclusion of trilogue negotiations on a revised Package Travel Directive; asks the Commission to ensure guidance to the Member States on how to correctly transpose the directive and to tourism operators on how to adapt and implement the revised rules in practice;

Amendment 87 #

Carlos COELHO, Ildikó GÁLL-PELCZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls in particular for the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ with the aim of complementing and enhancing the promotional activities of Member States, national ~~tourism~~and regional tourism organisations as well as regional (cross- border) organisations and the European tourism industry for the benefit of the visibility of European tourism destinations at national, regional and local level;

Amendment 88 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Stresses the need that should be given to vulnerable consumers in the area of tourism, with regard, not just to safety and accessibility, but also to access to information and protection of their rights;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

Amendment 89 #

Jozo RADOŠ, Pavel TELIČKA, Izaskun BILBAO BARANDICA, Ivan JAKOVČIĆ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Considers that the Package Travel Directive responds to some of the problems in the industry, but nevertheless it should be adapted to the new industry trends;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Acknowledges the importance of tourism in reaching the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, in particular with regard to the eradication of poverty and job creation; recalls that the tourism industry creates more jobs than other sectors; reminds that the trade volume of the tourism industry is equal to, or even exceeds that of the automobile industry;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas tourism is a key sector of the European economy, which generates over 10 % of the EU’s GDP ~~if sectors linked to tourism are taken into account~~and according to the WTO one in every eleven jobs worldwide, if sectors linked to tourism are taken into account, representing an opportunity for the least-favoured groups such as young people and women;

Amendment 90 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Notes that people in different ages should be taken into account when designing of tourism services and systems like digital platforms;

Amendment 90 #

Robert ROCHEFORT, Kaja KALLAS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls in particular for the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ with the aim of complementing and enhancing the promotional activities of Member States, national tourism organisations and the European tourism industry for the benefit of the visibility of European tourism destinations at national, regional and local level, always based on previously defined values (e.g. Brand USA);

Amendment 91 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls on the Commission to meet in full its commitments to oversee the effectiveness of consumer rights as regards tourism services in the EU, and recalls the importance of this approach in identifying shortcomings and discerning suggested improvements;

Amendment 91 #

Luis de GRANDES PASCUAL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls in particular for the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ with the aim of complementing and enhancing the promotional activities of Member States, national tourism organisations and the European tourism industry for the benefit of the visibility of European tourism destinations at national, regional and local level, without interfering in the competences of Member States in accordance with Article 195 TFEU;

Amendment 92 #

Marco ZULLO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Considers that the issue of accessible tourism should receive greater attention, in order to give persons with motor and sensory disabilities, individuals with food intolerances, and the elderly the opportunity to fully benefit from the European tourism supply, by promoting measures designed to adapt pre-existing facilities and train staff;

Amendment 92 #

David Maria SASSOLI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls in particular for the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ with the aim of complementing and enhancing the promotional activities of Member States, national tourism organisations and the European tourism industry for the benefit of the visibility of European tourism destinations at national, regional and local level; considers, however, that it is vitally important to preserve the inherent diversity of different European regions inasmuch as they make a living off their own territorial ‘brand’;

Amendment 93 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Calls on the Commission to ensure that consumers, who are increasingly using electronic means to plan and purchase their travel arrangements, are to be provided with objective information concerning their rights and with efficient, expedient and affordable means of redress to protect their rights;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Calls in particular for the creation of a ‘Brand Destination Europe’ with the aim of complementing and enhancing the promotional activities of Member States, national tourism organisations and the European tourism industry for the benefit of the visibility of European tourism destinations at national, regional and local level. Believes that the involvement of the private sector should be a criterion for the development of the ‘Brand Destination Europe’ and therefore should be open to financial support from private stakeholders;

Amendment 94 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7а. Notes the agreement reached on the adoption of new EU-level rules on the regulation of package travel and calls for their timely and effective transposition and application with a view to transforming the sector and protecting consumers in the digital environment where new business models and tourist services are emerging;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses that ‘Brand Destination Europe’ needs an inclusive approach creating advantages for both established and less known destinations without creating any competition among European tourism destinations and to the work of national tourism organisations;

Amendment 95 #

7a. Considers that the initiative of the Hotel Industry in Europe to harmonise gradually the accommodation classification systems across Europe should be further promoted, thus allowing for a better comparison of the accommodation offer in Europe, and therefore contributing to common quality services criteria;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls for the enhancement of the Brand ‘Destination Europe’ as the most family, child and generation friendly holiday region in the world;

Amendment 96 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Notes the need for an integrated approach to tourism, especially in the consumer services and consumer protection sector and highlights the importance of adopting quality criteria and joint safety standards for tourism services;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

Amendment 97 #

Inese VAIDERE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Emphasizes the need to develop new incentives to promote quality rural and cultural heritage based tourism in Europe thus, creating more jobs and opportunities in remote regions;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed~~; recommends the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities; calls on the Member States to cooperate constructively in order to achieve this objective~~ in accordance with the needs and specific requirements expressed by the Member States;

Amendment 98 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Recalls that complaints about all forms of journey, together with complaints about package travel, time shares and a growing proportion of complaints about car rentals every year make up between 30-35% of all complaints processed by the European Consumer Centres Network;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Recognises, however, that a clear definition and the potential of a Brand Destination Europe has to be further developed; recommends the elaboration of a kind of SWOT model (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of the European tourism industry and the setting up of a Brand manual, which should specify agreed promotion modalities; calls on the Member States to cooperate constructively ~~in order to achieve this objective;~~ , for instance by developing cooperative marketing tools and strategies, in order to achieve this objective; underlines the importance of public-private partnerships and suggests therefore the elaboration of a Special Partnership of Tourism (S.P.O.T.) programme;

Amendment 99 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)

7b. Highlights the need for travel agents and tour operators to promote the European emergency number, ‘112’, on the relevant websites and e-tickets, as well as in our main tourist destinations;

Amendment 99 #