COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
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ÏÏ00 COM(93) 345 final 
Brussels, 1 September 1993 
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tïfcïlJ FINAL REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL. THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
on the implementation of Council Decision 90/665/EEC of 17 December 1990 
regarding a two-year programme (1991-1992) for developing 
Community tourism statistics 
CONTENTS 
INTRODUCTION 
1. GENERAL FRAMEWORK 
2. USERS' NEEDS EVALUATION 
3. COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF EXISTING 
DATA ON TOURISM 11 
4. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING STATISTICAL SYSTEMS 14 
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK 
FOR THE COMPILATION OF COMMUNITY STATISTICS 
ON TOURISM 18 
6. COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 19 
7. COMMISSION INTER-SERVICES ACTIONS 20 
8. COOPERATION WITH THE EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL 20 
ASSOCIATIONS 
9. CONCLUSIONS 21 
ANNEX 24 
(2) 
INTRODUCTION 
Conscious of the economic, social and cultural importance of tourism as a factor of integration, the 
Community institutions, since the early eighties, have on several occasions underlined the need for 
a Community action aiming to facilitate, improve and contribute to the development of tourism'U. 
In June 1984 and March 1985 the European Council, within the framework of the "People's 
Europe" discussion, invited the Community institutions to give special attention to tourism, as this 
was considered to be particularly important for Community citizens^'. The role of tourism in the 
completion of the internal market was stressed, later on, by the competent Ministries at their 
informal meetings on May and September 1988; this role was recognized by the Council who 
declared 1990 as the European Tourism Year^). In November 1990, the Ministeries asked the 
Commission to put forward guidelines for a Community action programme on tourism. 
The European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee, as well as the Commission have 
cleary underlined that the essential prerequisite for Community action to support tourism is a 
thorough knowledge of the basic statistics and the problems of tourism, without which its potential 
cannot be properly explored or developed^). Thus the Community's role in publishing statistics, 
opinion surveys and information on tourism, has also been recognized^). 
Since 1987, the Commission has worked on developing tourism statistics. These works have 
favoured the collection and analysis of statistical information on tourism, the elaboration of an 
annual publication, and cooperation with the WTO and the OECD. 
However, the comparability of existing data is rather weak and in certain cases the data is non 
existant. In parallel, the need for greater transparency, comprehensive information and cost/benefit 
analysis led the Commission in 1990 to propose to the Council a specific decision. 
( 1) "Initial guidelines for a Community policy on tourism", COM (82)385 final in OJ C 115 of 
30.04.1984, related Opinion and report of the Economic and Social Committee in OJ C 358 
of 31.12.1983. 
Resolution of the European Parliement on "Community" Policy on Tourism in OJ C 10 of 
16.01.1984. 
Commission communication to the Council on "Community action in the field of tourism", 
Com (86) 32 final in OJ C 114 of 14.05.1986; Resolution of the European Parliament in OJ 
C 7 of 12.01.1987. 
(2) Council Resolution on "Community Policy on Tourism" in OJ C 115 of 30.04.1984. 
(3) Council Decision of 21 December 1988 on an action programme for a European Tourism 
Year, in OJ L 17 of 21.01.1989. 
(4) Opinion and report of the Economic and Social Committee on initial guidelines for a 
Community policy on tourism (cit. supra). 
Commission communication to the Council on "Community action in the field of tourism", 
Com (86) 32 final (cit. supra). 
(5) Resolution of the European Parliament on die facilitation, promotion and funding of 
tourism in die European Community, in OJ C 49 of 22.02.1988. 
In its Decision of December 17th, 1990(6\ the Council confirmed the opportunity to carry out at 
Community level actions to develop a Community frame of reference for the compilation of 
tourism statistics, by harmonizing the concept and methods used by the Member States. 
With a view to achieving this objective the actions set out in the Council Decision within the 
framework of a two year programme (1991-1992), are as follows: 
1. analysis and evaluation of the long-term needs of the main users (Community Institutions, 
National Administrations, International Organizations and economic operators) with regard 
to tourism statistics; 
2. collection and dissemination of existing data on tourism; 
3. analysis of the systems that exist in the Member countries and those used by International 
Organizations; 
4. preparation of a Community methodological framework for the compilation of Community 
tourism statistics. 
Article 6 of the Decision states that the "Commission shall present to the Council : 
(a) by 31 May 1992, an interim progress report; 
(b) by 31 December 1992, a report evaluating the outcome of the work referred to in Article 3 
and the conclusions prompted by the report as to the development of the information 
system required for Community tourism statistics after 1992, including a list of priorities". 
The interim report was forwarded to the Council and to the European Parliament in July 1992(7). 
This document represents the second report according to article 6 (b). It covers activities, 
developed within the framework of the Council Decision 90/665/EEC, carried out during the period 
January 1991 to December 1992. 
In the following nine chapters there is an overview of the work carried out, details of the approach 
chosen for each of the actions within the framework of the Council Decision, an analysis of the 
results and further development proposed. 
(6) OJEC N° L 358, 21.12.90, p. 89 
(7) CEC, SEC(92) 1465, 16.07.92 
1. GENERAL FRAMEWORK 
The main problem concerning tourism statistics at both Community and international level is the 
lack of comparability between information produced by the twelve Member States. Generally 
countries produce data for their own needs, according to national priorities, using their own 
methods and definitions. Differences still occur in the basic concepts such as classifications, 
definitions, period of reference. 
The lack of comparability between national statistics results in a lack of reliability for statistics at 
Community level, which seek to reflect and measure precisely the tourism domain. 
The structural difficulty of monitoring die multifaceted economic and social realities in which 
tourism occurs, already present at national level, becomes more acute when trying to observe the 
phenomenon from a European perspective. 
The need to establish a coherent system of statistics on tourism at Community level and the need, 
heightened by die completion of the single market, for reliable, rapid and comparable statistical 
information for all users, and notably of decision-makers improving the business environment of 
the tourism sector, inspires the Council Decision and die approach chosen by the Commission and 
Member States for implementing it. 
Conscious of the progress made in defining a new European Economic Area, since 1990, within the 
framework of the second joint meeting of EEC-EFTA Directors General of Statistical Offices and 
die Commission it was agreed to associate EFTA countries witli the development of the 
programme on tourism statistics. 
Thus participation in the EC "Working Group on tourism statistics", whose secretariat is provided 
by the Commission and which includes representatives from the competent national authorities, 
was extended to the EFTA countries' delegates. 
Nineteen European countries already work together on tourism statistics. 
The Working Group also invited observers from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and 
Development (OECD) and the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) Secretariats, with the aim of 
implementing the whole programme in synergy with these organisations already involved in 
tourism statistics. 
This broad-ranging group, moreover, facilitates and strengthens international cooperation in 
developing the methodology and definitions for statistics on tourism. 
In order to achieve the development of a common frame of reference for the compilation of 
Community statistics on tourism, four specific actions were identified in the two-year programme, 
following moves to harmonise the concepts and methods used by Member States. 
The Commission ensured die coordination of the action plan, botli through close cooperation with 
participating countries within the framework of the Working group - which has met six times in die 
two years - and through the four small-scale Task-Forces which were set up on to analyse and 
further develop technical matters, following the guidelines given by the Working Group. 
The direct follow-up of die tourism statistics programme ensured by die broad and active 
participation of die Member States, notably at the meetings scheduled, in addition to facilitating 
cooperation and transparency in die implementation of die actions carried out to date, provides a 
strong impetus to the progress of the work underway. 
Nevertheless die tight deadline fixed by die Council and the limited financial resources available 
have directly influenced the work. 
The action plan set out by the Council focuses upon basic steps closely linked togetiier and all part 
of an ongoing process designed to achieve die aim referred to above, tiierefore the measures 
specified in the Decision have been implemented in parallel. 
For each action, a defined output was foreseen, fully comprehensible as such and, at the same time, 
part of the general exercise of defining the information system required for Community tourism 
statistics after 1992. 
2. USERS* NEEDS EVALUATION 
The analysis of the priority long-term needs of the main users of statistics on tourism plays a 
crucial role as a basis on which any future development of Community tourism statistics should be 
established. 
The success of the system to be designed depends principally on its capacity to satisfy the real 
demand for information. 
The immediate objective of evaluating users' needs consists of structuring the demand for statistical 
information which can monitor tourism and its many facets from a European and global perspective 
according to the order of priorities given by the main users. 
Those needs for infonnation which satisfy a purely local interest are tiius excluded from the 
analysis, since diese fall witiiin die exclusive competence of national authorities. 
In this contest die Commission stressed the definition of a pyramidal system of infonnation when 
establishing die system. This should reflect the long term-needs following completion of the single 
market, while also taking account of the resulting burden on, and advantages for, providers of 
statistics. 
In order to ensure die widest possible consultation of interested users and to cover die entire 
spectrum of users of tourism statistics, the Working Group identified a typology of users to be 
consulted and an instrument of consultation which provided guidelines for the collection of users' 
needs. 
A consultation process involving over one thousand main users, in both the public and private 
sectors, was undertaken; at national level by all EC member States and by EFTA countries and at 
international level by the Commission, including the Community Institutions, professional 
associations, other international organisations such as the Council of Europe, OECD, WTO. 
Reports were produced by the participating countries and sent to the Commission between June 
and September 1991. 
A significant number of replies have been received by the Commission from its Services, the 
European Parliament, the European Investment Bank, various international professional 
associations, and die European consumers' association. 
The draft report summarizing die results of the consultation on user needs has been discussed with 
the delegates of the participating countries during the joint EEC/EFTA meeting of the Working 
Group on tourism statistics held in Luxembourg on February 13th and 14th 1992. 
The final version of die report on user needs drafted by the Commission takes into account the 
remarks and suggestions made by die national authorities and by other users consulted following a 
written procedure which was also established by die Commission. 
The analysis of user needs presented covers botii demand and supply-side information, as well as 
the interaction of tourism with its general environment: tiiis involves an analysis of the main factors 
influencing tourism demand and an analysis of the impact of tourism on the economy as a whole. 
To complete the users' requirement, the analysis includes specification on die methods of data 
collection considered to be of most interest and on die form in which die data should ultimately be 
presented and disseminated. 
Users were asked to rank their needs in priority order, justifying their priorities, and identifying 
whether, according to tiieir activity, the statistical infonnation required represents: 
data essential to improve the operation of the organisation (high priority); 
additional data important to the running of the organisation (medium priority); 
useful background infonnation (low priority). 
Witiiin die framework of an action which has no precedent, the inputs given by die users, whose 
diversity in respect of tiieir legal status, function and sphere of action illustrates die breadth of die 
consultation carried out by die participating countries and by die Commission, have reflected this 
variety and have been supplied at various levels of detail. 
Despite the difficulties of conducting such a broad consultation process and of syntiiesising 
responses coming from the various actors taking part in this domain of activity, horizontal by 
definition, the Working Group agreed that the quality of the analysis of user responses is sufficient 
for there to be confidence in the conclusions which have been drawn from them. 
The final report drawn up by the Commission and forwarded to the participating countries is 
intended as a working report which includes : 
the methods used for the collection and analysis of infonnation needs; 
an overview of the priorities identified by the different users consulted with respect to the 
indicators selected and the management and dissemination of related data; 
an analytical summary by country and by homogeneous group of international users of the 
needs expressed; 
conclusions based on the results of user consultation, to be considered when defining a 
frame of reference for developing tourism statistics after 1992. 
Main results 
Despite the difficulty of taking into account all the needs expressed in relation to the various users 
consulted, which differ in legal status, function and sphere of action, the summary of the results, 
presented below and in tabular form on die following pages, gives an overall picture of die major 
needs for tourism statistics considered as a priority by the main users. 
Users' Needs for Supply side statistics 
Six sectors were considered by die users to be of high priority for tourism supply : accommodation, 
conferences and congresses, travel agencies and tour operator activities, information and 
communication, and non profit making organisations. 
Data considered by users to be of medium priority includes die following sectors: restaurants and 
bars, healtii activities, renting of transport equipment, renting of sports and leisure equipment, 
financial and insurance activities, and finally retail business. 
For all the sectors mentioned above, the variables which are considered to be the most important to 
users relate to infonnation on infrastructure in respect of tjie capacity (number of rooms, number of 
beds, number of places, number of seats, number of visitors, number of kilometres) and of the 
turnover and value added. 
A second group of variables were considered to l?e of medium priority: data on employment 
(qualification level of employees, occupation rate, wage and salary levels, breakdown of employees 
by full-time, part-time and seasonal employment), financial information (costs, receipts and profits, 
costs and returns on investments, subsidies and private sponsorship, taxes) and information relating 
to customers (number, frequency of travel and socio-economic characteristics, nationality). 
Users' Needs for Demand side Statistics in general 
Overall, users expressed an interest in obtaining data relating to die three markets for tourism (the 
holiday market, the market for day visitors and the market for business travel), witii an emphasis on 
information concerning long and short stays witiiin the holiday market. 
The variables considered essential by the users are associated to die three types of market. 
For die holiday market, the highest priority variables are: volume of tourism and nights spent, 
visitor patterns, use of travel agencies and tourist organisations, expenditure of visitors, non 
participants (people that do not take holiday), main motive of the trip, destination and variables on 
groups. 
For the day visitors market, the essential variables are: the volume and expenditure, duration and 
destination of the trip, types of activities and motives, profile of travellers. 
For the business travel a high priority is assigned to the variables oh travel patterns, the volume of 
travel (nights spent), the expenditure, the profile of travellers and the use of travel agencies. 
Variables relating to holiday planning and holiday habits are considered of medium priority for the 
holiday market. Variables relating to non participants of the day visitors market are regarded as low 
priority. 
Users' needs for particular statistics on factors influencing tourism demand and measuring the 
impact of tourism 
The factors influencing tourism on which information is requested with high priority are: changes 
in income and die level of prices, major changes in transport infrastructure and in the environment 
(climate, pollution, etc;). 
Users expressed a strong interest in two types of information concerning the effects of tourism on 
the economy: the importance of tourism in terms of employment (direct and indirect) and the 
contribution of tourism to national income and taxation revenue. 
The users also mentioned a second group of variables which were considered to be significant : 
reinvestments made to maintain the quality of infrastructure, imports and exports in die balance of 
payments and the need to incorporate tourism into the National Accounts and input/output tables. 
Methods of data collection 
The geographic unit requested by users was to obtain information at both national and regional 
level. As far as the periodicity of data availability , users expressed tiieir need to have annual data; 
but for certain key indicators, both monthly and quarterly availability of data was deemed 
important. 
With regards to the mode of data collection, it was felt that an exhaustive census was required to 
collect supply side tourism statistics, while a representative sample is mainly preferred for statistics 
on tourism demand. 
Regarding die type of statistical unit to be used, equal interest has been shown for: the enterprise, 
the household, the individual and groups of tourists. 
Data management and data transmission 
Two forms of data transmission media are of essential importance to users: paper and floppy disk. 
On-line exchanges were also accorded preference. 
Overall, the presentation of data in the fonn of tables accompanied by analytical comments was 
considered important to the majority of users. Raw data was deemed less appropriate. 
USERS' NEEDS FOR SUPPLY SIDE STATISTICS 
Activities 
HIGH 
PRIORITY 
MEDIUM 
PRIORITY SECTORS 
Accommodation 
Conferences and 
Congresses 
Travel agencies 
and tour 
operators 
Transports 
Information and 
communication 
Non profit 
organisations 
Restaurants, bars 
Health activities SUB-SECTORS 
Hotels and molds 
Rented rooms and 
houses 
Holiday villages 
Camp-sites 
Youth hostels and 
mountain relumes 
Second homes (incl. 
time shares) 
yachts 
Conferences and 
Congresses 
Travel agencies Tour 
operators Tourists 
assistance activities 
Railways 
Roads (tour buses etc.) 
Air 
Water 
Audio visual media 
News agency activities 
Offices for tourist 
information 
Cultural services 
Sporting and 
recreational facilities of 
public use 
Restaurants, bars 
Sports 
Sauna 
Spas 
Beauty and health farms 
Renting of 
transport 
equipment, 
renting of sports 
and leisure 
LOW 
PRIORITY Financial and 
insurance 
industry 
Retail business 
Amusements Renting of transport 
equipment, renting of 
sports and leisure 
Financial 
intermediation 
Insurance related lu 
tourist activities 
Leisure goods Inn also 
non leisure yoods 
Fun-fair and amusenu-nt 
park activities 
Gambling and Ivtiittg 
activities 
Visitor attractions Variables 
In lor nut ion on infrastructure 
( Capacity (rooms, beds, 
seats, number of kilometres 
etc.) . and turnover/value 
added. 
Employment (full-time, part­
it inc. seasonal, salaries, 
qualification etc.). 
Information on consumers 
(numl>er. frequency of travel, 
profile ) 
Financial information 
(investment, profits, return 
on investment, subsidies and 
private sponsorship, taxes) 
(3) 
10 
USERS' NEEDS FOR DEMANDE SIDE STATISTICS 
! TYPE OF I VARIABLES ~~ 
STATISTICS —^ 
Holiday market Volume of tourism, nights sj>ent 
Variables on visitors patterns 
Use of travel agencies and tourist organisations 
Expenditure of visitors by type of expenditure 
Non participants 
Main reason for holiday 
HIGH Type of destination 
PRIORITY Variables on groups 
Day visitors Home.outbound and inbound ( volume and expenditure) 
Destination 
Type of activities and motives 
Profile of participants 
Duration of trip, distance travelled 
Busines travel Variables on travel patterns 
Volume of travel, nights spent 
Expenditure 
Profile of travellers (employment details) 
Use of travel agencies 
___•———_—_———___________________ *• 
MEDIUM Holiday market Variables related to holiday placing 
PRIORITY Holiday habits ' 
Day visitors Non-participants 
LOW 
PRIORITY | | 
USERS' NEEDS ON MAIN FACTORS INFLUENCING TOURISM DEMAND 
AND ON IMPACT OF TOURISM 
TYPE OF I VARIABLES 
STATISTICS 
Main factors Changes in income 
HIGH influencing Price level 
PRIORITY tourism demand Important changes in transport infrastructure 
Environment 
Impact of Economic significance in terms of employment, balance of 
tourism payments 
Cost of maintaining the quality ol' infrastructure. 
govermcnt investment etc. 
Integration ol'tourism in the national accounts, input-
output tables 
MEDIUM Main factors Demographic situation (smaller size ol family, more 
PRIORITY influencing elderly people) 
tourism demand I 
11 
3. COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF EXISTING DATA ON TOURISM 
Collection and dissemination of existing statistical information on tourism is one action which has 
been carried out by the Commission since 1988. Information in the past has been rather limited to 
certain indicators covering tourism supply side statistics, and this has not met all the needs 
expressed by the various users. 
In the framework of the Council Decision on tourism statistics a specific effort has been made in 
order to improve collection and dissemination of existing data. 
Taking into account users' needs, methodological developments and existing statistical actions, die 
Commission has worked on four different levels : 
to consolidate and structure available information as provided by national official sources; 
to elaborate a common system of data collection with WTO and OECD; 
to introduce magnetic and electronic media for facilitating collection and dissemination of 
information; 
to improve the quality and quantity dissemination tiirough publications. 
3.1 Information system development 
The EC and EFTA Member States have supplied the Commission widi all existing information 
available at national level. The information has been provided on different media and forms, 
including annual and monthly replies to die Eurostat Tourism questionnaires and national 
publications. 
The Commission has organised die data received from the EC and EFTA Member States in an 
information system under the name "TOUR". This information system contains mainly tourism 
supply side data covering : 
Tourist accommodation 
Resident and non-resident guest flows in accommodation establishments 
Non resident guest flows in accommodation establishments (by country of residents) 
Accommodation capacity and occupary rates 
Other Tourist activities (e.g.: restaurants, travel agencies, museums, etc.) 
Employment in accommodation establisliments and other tourist activities 
Arrivals of non-residents visitors at the borders (by country of residence) 
Tourist expenditure 
Trends in certain tourist consumer prices 
Balance of payments 
12 
Figures are nevertheless not available for all Member States on all the above mentioned items. 
An inventory of the data received is continuously being updated in order to monitor the 
developments within the data set of each of the EC and EFTA Member States. The "TOUR" 
information system is managed and controlled on a continuous basis, and checks are carried out to 
verify and correct figures when errors aie detected. 
The emphasis has now been placed to broaden the collection of supply side tourism statistics and to 
collect also tourism demand side indicators. 
3.2 Cooperation with international organisations for data collection 
Action for a common system of data collection is also under way between die Commission, the 
OECD and the WTO. This initiative by the Commission has been highly welcomed by die EC and 
EFTA Member States. 
This action has been discussed in detail by die Commission widi die interested organisations. The 
first stage of die work was to compare tlie existing Tourism questionnaires operated by the 
organisations, and in die light of die methodological work pursued by die Commission and WTO's 
recommendations, a harmonised set of classifications is being developed in order to establish a 
common questionnaire. Tlie results have been presented to the National Statistical Institutes and 
dieir comments have been taken into account. Once this stage has been finalised, the technical 
formalities for the presentation of a common questionnaire will be established according to the 
response needs of the organisations. In the final stage, a common computer software facility will 
be developed for the purpose of establishing an international exchange system. 
The results of this project will present numerous advantages. Firstly, a joint tourism questionnaire 
will reduce the work load for die National Statistical Institutes by avoiding duplication of work, 
and rationalising data collection for the international organisations. Secondly, the establishment of 
a coherent and compatible system of data collection will improve both the quality and 
comparability of tourism statistics at international level. Moreover, such an action will further 
strengthen international cooperation. 
3.3 Introduction of magnetic and electronic media 
Tourism data is now also in the process of being collected and disseminated through magnetic and 
electronic media, such as disc, CD - ROM, and "on-line" systems. 
The Commission has developed a multidimensional software programme which is both compact 
and simple to use. This programme is called CUB.X, and has been applied to Tourism Statistics. 
This programme enables the user to manipulate multiple arrays of statistical data. The programme 
is multifunctional. Data can be viewed as desired, can be exported onto standard PC packages, 
and data can to inputted to update or revise the data widiin the matrices. Tlie programme applied to 
Tourism Statistics has been presented and forwarded lo tlie EC/EFTA Member States, so that they 
may test the programme in their home environment. 
13 
The initial aim for application to tourism statistics is to facilitate die exchange of information 
between the EC and EFTA Member States. In 1993 it is envisaged tiiat die Member states will 
have become sufficiently accustomed to die CUB.X software programme so that it will replace the 
present Commission Tourism questionnaire (paper format) for data collection at a European level. 
This will enable the Commission to manage the collection and exchange of statistical data on 
Tourism at the European level with greater efficiency. Likewise, this procedure will allow also the 
interchange of diskettes containing die most recent data on Tourism between the reporting 
countries. 
The information available in the "TOUR" information system has also been traasferred on to the 
Commission reference data base "ACUMEN". This means that all Commission users' have direct 
"on-line" information on Tourism statistics at E.E. A level. 
The infonnation in die "TOUR" information system is also being prepared for transfer on to CD-
ROM. This will be available to the general public in 1993. 
3.4 Dissemination through publications 
Specific efforts have been made to: 
reduce the time taken to publish the Annual statistics report in respect of the period of 
reference and making data available also on magnetic media, rather than only on paper, 
publish of short-tenn trends; 
provide readily accessible annotated figures and information on the structure and evolution 
of the tourism industry. 
Tlie Tourism Yearbook 
Annual statistics have been published since 1987. The Tourism Yearbook contains all the data 
available in the "TOUR" information system. The last report was published in March 1992 in two 
bilingual editions (French and English, Spanish and Gennan) and includes data on Tourism up to 
1990. The updated edition for 1991 is in the process of being finalised for publication at the 
beginning of 1993. 
Monthly Statistics 
Tourism Statistics arc now also included in a monthly publication, first produced in January 1992 
on Services, Transport and Tourism. This publication is trilingual (English, French and German) 
and contains statistical tables and graphics with short commentaries analysing the data. 
As far as tourism is concerned, each month infonnation about the overnight stays of residents and 
non-residents in hotels and similar establishments, and in supplementary accommodation, and 
about the balance of payments for travel and passenger transport is published. 
14 
For 1993, the data presented for tourism will be enlarged to cover transport of passengers by air 
and border flows for some countries where information is available. It is also envisaged to give 
additional statistical information relating to the tourism methodology and definitions. 
Tourism in Europe 
A first response to the need for a better knowledge of die sector was the publication "Tourism in 
Europe, Trends 1989", published in 1991 and available in all the official languages. This initiative 
was undertaken in the framework of the European Year of Tourism. 
In order to meet the growing interest of all partners involved in tourism, the Commission, in 
collaboration with die EC and EFTA Member States, is currently elaborating a new edition entitled 
"Tourism in Europe (1990-1991). This publication, which includes easily readable annotated 
graphs and tables, will present a comprehensive coverage of the structure of the Tourism sector in 
Europe over the past ten years, recent trends and possible future developments. It will be edited in 
three languages (English, French and German) and will be available for distribution at the 
beginning of 1993. 
In die first part of die publication an overview of the European situation is given with some 
references to worldwide tourism flows. An analysis of die future trends and perspectives envisaged 
is also included. In the second part, the analysis by country (EC-EFTA Member States) includes 
information on: key indicators, tourism supply, evolution and structure of demand, impact of 
tourism, specific fonns of tourism particularly important for the country of reference. 
4. ANALYSIS OF EXISTING STATISTICAL SYSTEMS 
A report has been drafted which provides an analysis of existing statistical systems and 
mediodology for the collection of data on Tourism in the EC and EFTA Member States. The report 
covers infonnation concerning both tourism supply and demand and reviews die statistical systems 
used by die WTO and OECD for the purpose of comparing methodological practices at world 
level. 
The report has been drafted in stages, in line with the timetable laid down in the Decision for the 
completion of the analysis of tourism methodology. 
Infonnation on die tourism mediodology used in EC/EFTA member countries was provided in die 
form of "raw" documentation and structured reports and through both fonnal and informal 
meetings and consultation. 
The broad consultation with Member States undertaken at each stage has given the opportunity to 
finalize the structure of the report and to improve the quality of the infonnation on national 
statistical practices. 
After a preliminary synthesis of methods used by Member States the Working Group decided that 
more detailed infonnation would be supplemented with responses to an annotated questionnaire. 
The final draft report was sent for comments to EC/EFTA participating countries in April 92 and 
was presented in its final version at the Working Group meeting on Tourism Statistics held in 
October 1992. At this meeting the report was formally approved by all Member States. 
15 
The main objective of the analysis of existing statistical systems has been to identify those areas of 
tourism methodology and data collection in which a degree of harmonisation is appreciable in 
countries comprising the EEA. This objective has been met. At the same time, the study has also 
shed light upon areas in which a wide variety of statistics on tourism are collected, using several 
different methods and presenting information on different variables. Despite the utility of these 
data, they are not readily comparable at the European or international level. 
The analysis has focused upon five main fields of statistics: 
Border statistics 
Accommodation statistics 
Other supply-side statistics 
Statistics on die Travel Habits of residents 
Statistics on the Value of International Tourism. 
Statistical Coverage 
Although the extent of die detail of the statistics collected by EC/EFTA member countries is far 
from homogeneous, it is interesting to note die number of countries which cover the different types 
of data covered in die "Analysis of Statistical Systems and Mediodology for the Collection of 
Statistics on Tourism in EC & EFTA Member Countries". No data were received from Iceland or 
Liechtenstein, which takes the total of EC/EFTA reporting countries to 17. 
Border statistics are collected by ( 13 of the 17) countries 
(Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, die Netherlands, 
Portugal, Switzerland and the United-Kingdom). 
Accommodation statistics are collected by all die EC/EFTA countries 
(Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, die Netiierlands, 
Portugal, Switzerland and die United-Kingdom). 
Other Supply-side statistics are gathered by 15 of die 17 countries 
(Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the 
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United-Kingdom). 
Data on the Travel Habits of Residents are recorded by 13 of the 17 countries 
(Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, 
Sweden, Switzerland and the United-Kingdom). 
Statistics on the Value of International Tourism are also collected by 15 of die 17 countries 
(Austria. Belgium/Luxembourg Economic Union, Finland, France, Gennany, Ireland, Italy, 
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United-Kingdom). 
In general, we can say that statistics on tourism appear to be well covered by the Member States. 
This however fails to convey the lack of hannonisation in the statistical methods used to collect 
these data and ultimately, their comparability at the international/European level. 
16 
In terms of both physical flows of tourists and the variables and indicators relating to the statistical 
unit considered, die coverage of the surveys and censuses carried out by die reporting countries 
varies considerably. 
For "Border Statistics" France, Gennany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the UK record border crossings 
by both resident and non-resident tourists and/or visitors. The remaining reporting countries 
(Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, the Netiierlands, Portugal and Switzerland) collect data only 
on the number of non-residents crossing national frontiers. Moreover, the type of border at which 
these data are recorded may involve a single national frontier (e.g road traffic borders for 
Switzerland) or all types of national and regional borders i.e road, rail, sea, inland waterway and air 
(Portugal, for example, collects data on non-resident border crossings at road, rail, sea and air 
borders at both the national and regional levels). 
Tlie most comprehensive data series are available for accommodation statistics. Of the 17 member 
countries of the EC and EFTA who replied to the questionnaire on tourism mediodology, 16 
provide data on the number of establisliments, bedrooms and bed-places for main and 
supplementary categories of lodgings available to tourists (hotels, motels, guest houses, inns, 
camp-sites and youtii hostels). The significant amount of data available and the regularity of data 
collection (generally monthly), provide a sound basis for the development of supply side statistics 
on tourism. 
On the demand side, data on the travel habits of residents offers infonnation on long stays (4+ 
overnight stays) and short stays (1-3 overnight stays) for the most part. Data is also collected on 
same day travel (excursions), business travel and visits to relatives and friends, diough diese are not 
as well established in national methodology as long and short stays. The WTO Ottawa Conference 
on International Travel and Tourism of June 1991, recognised the importance of measuring same 
day travel and business travel, which are significant not only in tenus of tourism consumption 
(expenditure), but provide the basis for forecasts which may influence supply-side decisions (e.g 
investment in the construction of conference facilities in hotels). 
Socio-economic data on the visitor or tourist in relation to travel habits are also included in the 
analysis. This infonnation allows us to identify the age, sex, profession and residence of the 
person(s) travelling and the specific destinations and activities chosen so that visitor "profiles" can 
be built up. At present, these data rarely include a qualitative assessment of the trip made, even 
diough for users of tourism statistics in marketing and promotion this infonnation is of 
considerable importance for planning strategies. 
17 
While much of die infonnation contained in the analysis of statistical systems and methodology for 
the collection of data on tourism in EC and EFTA Member countries is taken from national 
administrative sources, the report also points out die private-public sector partnerships which exist 
in certain countries (Denmark, the Netiierlands, Germany etc.;). The use of "official" organisations 
often ensures a greater degree of data compatibility and comparability between European countries, 
since these bodies tend to operate in a similar way. Nevertheless, by consulting or working directly 
with the industry a clearer image can be provided of the factors directly influencing operators 
within the tourism industry (as has been die case with die study on User Needs for Tourism 
Statistics), as well as easing resource and time constraints placed upon National Administrations. 
Given the aim of harmonising die methodology for tourism statistics so that data are botii reliable 
and comparable, it is important that organisations in both domains work together to reduce burdens 
on enterprises, eliminate duplication and develop the sources and means of information gathering 
on a common basis. 
Definitions 
The definitions used by the majority of EC and EFTA countries with respect to domestic and 
international visitors, travellers, tourists, residents and non-residents, are compatible with those 
agreed in the World Tourism Organisation and, therefore, allow comparisons of national and 
international tourism flows. 
In the case of accommodation statistics, however, some countries (Denmark, Gennany, Norway) 
only collect data on establisliments which have a minimum number of rooms or bed-spaces. Otiier 
countries also mention the provision of certain facilities additional to that of lodging tourists in the 
definition of accommodation establishments (e.g. room service). In Austria, data on 
accommodation establisliments are collected only for those "Tourism Communities" where tiiere 
are more than 3000 tourist nights per year. This often limits the scope of the statistics gathered and 
can cause problems of comparison with other countries where such criteria are not considered. 
Definitions relating to "same day travel" also vary among the Member States. In this case 
minimum and maximum distances and times are added to die general definition ("a round trip taken 
within a period of 24 hours which does not involve an overnight stay at the place visited"). 
The increasing tendency of tourists to take shorter and more frequent trips/holidays, implies the 
need to review and extend existing definitions to incorporate these into the existing methodology. 
Definitions of same day travel, business tourism and tourism involving stays in specific locations 
(rural areas, on fanns, at spas etc;) and/or as a result of "cultural" or environmental factors will also 
need to be fonnulated if tourism practices arc to be accurately reported in future. 
Frequency 
Generalisations about the frequency of tourism data collection cannot be readily made. Most 
countries provide data at least annually for the 5 subject areas indicated above, especially when 
these are derived from existing statistical registers (on the number of enterprises or employees, or 
for the Balance of payments Travel account). Monthly data are also collected by several countries. 
If panels arc used (as in the Netherlands), further variations in the frequency of data collection may 
be introduced, since these arc normally consulted at intervals during the year which arc determined 
by the country in question. 
18 
5. DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE 
COMPILATION OF COMMUNITY STATISTICS ON TOURISM 
The development of a frame of reference for tourism statistics at European level is seen to have 
several main benefits : 
to maximise the benefit to users by ensuring the comparability and reliability of statistical 
infonnation by providing guidelines on definitions, classifications and methods on data 
collection; 
the existence of comparable data by different countries will stimulate die use and exchange 
of statistical infonnation by developing appropriate tools of analysis which can support 
decision making; 
for die providers of infonnation die framework will offer a practical working document as a 
basic hannonisation tool for developing official European statistics and as guidance for all 
other providers of information. 
Tourism is a complex phenomenon, characterized by rapid changes and by huge segmentation on 
the demand side as well as on die supply side. 
Since tourism is an industry which touches most economic sectors, die development of a 
methodological framework for the analysis and production of statistics involves numerous 
problem-areas. Therefore very broad and different approaches can be established. 
The main aspects taken into account when developing die mediodology were: 
existing statistical systems in EC/EFTA Member States and international practices 
(especially by WTO and OECD); 
users' needs for statistical infonnation on tourism. 
It has been considered, since the beginning, that the methodology, even if not exhaustive, must be 
broad enough to provide a useful tool for most collection of data carried out by the public or private 
sector. 
A step by step approach was adopted in order to improve the methodology supported by Task 
Force meetings and close co-operation with WTO and OECD taking into account die development 
of international definitions, which were being modified. 
The first step was made during the meetings of the Working Group on Statistics on Tourism in 
January and February 1991 in selecting the key issues for methodology. EC/EFTA countries and 
the Commission were called upon to propose items requiring metiiodological development. The 
different subjects that arose are structured within the General Framework indicating the connection 
between them. 
19 
In Annex 1, die list of established subjects of common and basic interest is included. 
Specific reports have been drafted on die different issues selected. They refer, notably, to: basic 
statistics on tourism supply and demand, emerging forms of tourism like cultural and rural tourism, 
indicators monitoring the economic and environmental impact of tourism. 
A group of consultants from almost all the EC/EFTA countries has given strong support to the 
Working Group on Statistics on Tourism in finalising the studies. 
Finally, the general framework on tourism statistics has been established by integrating die results 
of the user needs report, the analysis of statistical systems available in EC/EFTA countries and the 
outcome of the specific reports, already mentioned, covering the selected aspects of tourism. 
The Working Group on Tourism Statistics agreed on the structure and main results of die report 
presenting the methodological framework in October 1992. The final report will be submitted for 
formal adoption by the Group in the meeting of February 1993. The global structure of the 
framework is included in Annex 2. 
The metiiodological analysis, which constitutes a very significant acceleration in the progress of 
work carried out at international level on tourism statistics, cannot be considered exhaustive taking 
into account the characteristics of the analysis and the timetable imposed. 
In the coming year it is envisaged to consolidate the work already done and to disseminate and 
discuss the results with all interested parties. The finalized manual shall therefore be supported by 
the adoption of a specific Recommendation which will add value to the methodological work 
undertaken at the European level. 
6. COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 
The need to build up a common methodological framework at international level is also underlined 
by the close cooperation set up with WTO and OECD secretariats at each step of implementation 
of the two-year programme 
While taking into account the different status and the role played by each of the organization 
involved in this exercise, it has been possible to strengthen coordination and to develop new 
synergies through the working process established for attaining the common objective of a unique 
language on tourism statistics accepted worldwide. 
A significant factor in this context was the participation, during the preparatory phase, of the 
Commission in the International Conference on Travel and Tourism statistics held in Ottawa in 
June 1991. The previous detailed analysis, within the EC-EFT A Working Group, of the documents 
on methods, definitions and classifications proposed to the Conference show the importance of the 
European contribution in this domain. The practical results of this cooperation, already visible in 
respect of the actions undertaken in the framework of the Council Decision, have given the, 
possibility to maximize the impact of Community work even outside the Member States. 
20 
7. COMMISSION INTER-SERVICES ACTIONS 
The close cooperation set up also in tiiis field among die Services of die Commission, since the 
elaboration of the Council Decision on tourism statistics, has been reinforced and further 
implemented by die common concertation on the specific actions envisaged for a better knowledge 
of die tourism domain. 
A meeting was called by die Commission on June 1991 in order to inform its different services, 
directly or indirectly involved in the tourism domain, about the actions undertaken in tiiis field with 
regard to statistics, as well as to take advantage of their suggestions and to organize the collection 
of user needs at the level of the Commission. 
According to the conclusion of tlie meeting, at which 12 Directorate Generals were represented, it 
has been agreed to set up, within the Commission, an inter-service group among the users of 
tourism statistics (GUST), in order to better finalize the production of statistical infonnation 
according to the development of Community activities which have an impact on tourism. 
8. COOPERATION WITH THE EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 
A meeting was called by the Commission on March 15th, 1991 in order to present to the 
Professional Associations, (which are users and at the same time producers of statistics) the two-
year programme and to find out all the opportunities that could maximize efforts to improve the 
quality of European tourism statistics. 
The 15 Associations which took part in the meeting, representing all the sectors of activity 
involved in tourism, welcomed the approach of the Commission and wannly supported the 
development of close cooperation with the latter for implementing the statistical programme on 
tourism. 
The results of the work carried out in the framework of the Council Decision were presented to the 
professional associations in the meeting called by the Commission on September 1992. 
The better circulation of information on programmes and actions developed by both sides has 
therefore been ensured. 
Despite the recognition of the Commission's work for the progress made in this field and for the 
transparency which has characterized its development, the professional association drew attention 
to the lack of reliable statistical infonnation on tourism at European level which still exists. 
Underlining the basis of the Community action in this field, representatives of economic operators 
called for the continuation of the work and for a more active role by the Commission in 
establishing the statistical infonnation required. 
The professional associations also considered as a necessity the continuation of the consultation 
process when implementing the methodological framework and any new data collection tools. 
21 
9. CONCLUSIONS 
Consultations conducted during the period of implementation throughout die two-year programme 
have provided evidence of a unanimous consensus for die establishment of a coherent statistical 
system for tourism at European level. 
The main users of statistics on tourism in tiie public and private sectors and at regional, national 
and international levels, have expressed a need for statistical information on tourism which is 
reliable, comparable and available at short notice in order tiiat: 
they might improve upon die planning and implementation of strategies vis-à-vis the 
completion of die Single Market and the creation of tiie new European Economic Area; 
and 
assess the impact of specific measures in the field of tourism. 
Users give priority to the following aspects: 
monitoring the main activities connected with tourism supply using structural and 
perfonnance indicators; 
evaluating the micro and macroeconomic importance of tourism activities; 
analysing the structure of tourism demand generally including business tourism. 
The smdy undertaken of existing statistical systems and available data in the EC/EFTA Member 
States provides evidence that differences in methodology are linked to structural characteristics 
both in tenns of the propensity to develop tourism and to geographical conditions. Differences in 
scope which also exist between the national systems do not necessarily reduce the effectiveness of 
joint working in tenus of comparability of results. 
The analysis of the methodology for tourism carried out during the course of the 1991-1992 work 
programme considerably increased the rate of progress achieved in other projects on tourism 
statistics undertaken at national and international level. Although the results of these projects 
cannot be considered exhaustive, they nevertheless provide the basis for developing a reference 
framework for statistics on tourism at the Community and European level. 
The Commission has been approached by the various actors involved in tourism and requested to 
act as a driving force for developing tourism statistics. 
The development of Community statistics on tourism has also been considered as being a priority 
by the Council in its Decision of July 1992 on a Community action plan to assist tourism™). 
Without underestimating these requests, further Community activity envisaged in this field has to 
continue to be based on a pragmatic approach being consistent with the principle of subsidiarity. 
This implies the consolidation of work already undertaken and the development of flexible hut 
coherent monitoring instruments which optimize the use of the existing statistical systems. 
(X) OJECN'L 231, 13.08.92, p. 26 
22 
The actions for tiie development of die information system required for Community tourism 
statistics after 1992 have been defined on die basis of the results presented above and of the 
orientations given by tlie EC/EFTA Working Group on Tourism Statistics, as well as by the 
Directors-General of the National Statistical Offices and by the Tourism Managment Commitee. 
In this light and taking into account die Statistical Programme of die European Communities 1993-
1997, the following actions and objectives are envisaged: 
* Completion and consolidation of the methodology for tourism statistics 
The links between die multiple actions currentiy underway should be developed in order to 
achieve greater synergy. The metiiodological manual including a general framework for the 
compilation of Community tourism statistics, already drafted, will be finalized and 
forwarded to the main providers and users of statistics. This work, considered as a maior 
priority, shall be supported by a specific legal instrument such as a Recommendation. 
A Recommendation is needed to fully consolidate the work carried out on the mediodology 
and optimise the results obtained. It would also maximise die advantages gained by users 
by ensuring that facts and figures on tourism are comparable and reliable, and at the same 
time facilitate the introduction of methods of data collection by providing guidelines on the 
methods and definitions which should be used. 
In order to ensure an appropriate exchange of views and experiences on the cunent 
development of tourism statistics, the Commission shall assist interested Member States in 
the organisation of international seminars which involve national authorities, experts, 
professional associations. In this context, maior technical problems toward the 
establishment of hannonized tourism statistics shall be debated. 
* Organising and adding value to existing data in order to disseminate harmonized 
statistics 
This presupposes the development of the necessary synergies between national and 
Community statistical projects relating to tourism. The aim is to streamline information 
gathering (passenger, transport, environment, household budget, employment, SME's, 
statistics on agricultural prices, balance of payments, etc.). 
If the various infonnation gathering methods at present in use are to be made consistent in 
practice, and if the multiplier effect inherent in the Community's action is to be exploited, 
thereby enabling Member States to optimize their current effort without having to make 
major changes in their national systems, an appropriate legal basis might be found. A 
Council Directive can provide a common framework to regroup the various actions which 
are being carried out at national level and channel efforts at present deployed in a 
fragmented way. The latter should cover both tourism supply and demand statistics, given 
the complementary nature of these two areas. 
The above suggests that a cost/benefit analysis should be undertaken on hannonisation 
which could, alternatively, be realised in a scries of successive phases. 
23 
Around a core system of tourism statistics supported by a legal base, satellite actions or instruments 
shall be established by the year 2000. These actions should focus on the following : 
An extensive use and analysis of other existing statistics related to tourism such as 
employment, transport, national accounts, prices, service statistics, etc; 
An extensive use of new technologies to compile information (documentary data bases, 
geographical infonnation systems, electronic transmission etc); 
The establishment of specific statistical instruments at European level in order to provide 
rapid infonnation in die case of a crisis in tourism demand and to monitor die effects of 
specific actions concerning tourism (panel of enterprises or/and household/individuals 
etc.); 
The development of forecasting models. 
24 
ANNEX 1 
The subject of analysis selected within the framework of the metiiodological work concerns: 
Basic methodology : 
Tourism demand : 
short-long stays 
same day travel 
tourism and passengers transport 
Tourism supply : 
accommodation 
other supply side statistics 
Specific form of tourism : 
Rural tourism and regional aspects of tourism 
Cultural tourism 
Statistics Related To Tourism (Impact) : 
Tourism and the balance of payments 
Prices, costs and tariffs in the tourism sector 
Tourism and the environment 
Employment and training 
The above methodology is supplemented by the following actions to guide the producer/user 
of statistics : 
General framework 
Key indicators 
A European integrated infonnation system 
Hotel, restaurant and travel agencies within the framework of statistics 
on services 
Classifications 
25 
ANNEX 2 
Tlie drafted "General Framework for die compilation of Community tourism statistics 
Methodological manual", includes the following issues: 
Tourism demnand 
Main segments in tourism demand 
Visits for holiday purposes 
Same day visits for leisure purposes 
Visits for business purposes 
Emerging specific issues 
Cultural tourism 
Rural tourism 
Tourism supply 
Accommodation statistics 
Statistics on the supply of tourism products 
Impact of tourism 
Economic systems 
Satellite accounts 
Balance of payments 
Employement 
Price indices on tourism 
Environmental impact 
Specific sectors strongly related to tourism 
Horeca 
Tourism and passenger transport 
Interactions on supply and demand 
Key figures 
Data management and dissimulation 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM (93) 345 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 17 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-378-EN-C 
; ISBN 92-77-58051-8 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg