Own-initiative Report on Sustainable Tourism

Publication date: 14 June 2005

The Transport Committee adopted Rapporteur Luis Queiró's own-initiative report (plus amendments 1-157 and 158-162) on sustainable European Tourism with 37 votes in favour and 5 against. Welcoming Commission proposals as such, Members stressed the need for better coordination in community action towards tourism. New tourist trends should be promoted, including a better seasonal spread in particular for seniors.

report_draft_querio_tourism.pdf (153 KB)

report_draft_querio_ams1157.pdf (256 KB)

report_draft_querio_ams_158162.pdf (103 KB)

The Committee took the view that it was vitally important to complete the internal market in tourist services and to achieve genuine equality between tourist operators. To this end, a Community-wide classification of tourist services, to be used in particular for the classification of hotel facilities, should be introduced.

An important compromise amendment was adopted on VAT provisions. The Council was called on to restart the work on the proposed revision of the Council directive amending Article 26 of Directive 77/388/EC as regards the special VAT provisions on the profit margins of travel agents and tour operators. The Committee also reiterated its support for the objectives of simplifying this special VAT scheme and maintaining the competitive position of operators established in the EU vis-à-vis the operators from third countries.

Members also demanded that the Council concludes its decision-making process as regards reduced VAT rates, so as to enable all Member States to apply in a structured way reduced VAT rates for restaurants as it already exists for other tourism-related activities, such as for example holiday accommodation, renting of plots on camp sites, hotels and amusement parks.

Members also considered that the gradual ageing of the population will lead to an increase in the number of off-season tourists. The Commission was therefore called on to encourage the development of senior citizens' tourism within the EU. A low-season 'third age' campaign should be launched. This would help older people's quality of life, create jobs and generate demands and growth in the European economy.

Next step:
Adoption in plenary in week 36 (5-8 September 2005)

Related News Item:
MEPs turn their attention to Sustainable Tourism Development (1 February 2005)