EUROPEISKA GEMENSKAPERNAS KOMMISSION 
Bryssel den 05.02.1996 
KOM(96) 29 slutlie 
RAPPORT FRÅN KOMMISSIONEN 
TILL RÅDET, EUROPAPARLAMENTET, 
EKONOMISKA OCH SOCIALA KOMMITTÉN OCH REGIONKOMMITTÉN 
om gemenskapens åtgärder som 
berör turismen 1994 
enligt rådets beslut (92/42l/EEG) 

Rapport till rådet, Europaparlamentet, Ekonomiska och sociala 
kommittén och Regionkommittén om gemenskapens åtgärder som 
berör turismen 1994 
SAMMANFATTNING 
Den här årsrapporten till rådet, Europaparlamentet, Ekonomiska och sociala kommittén 
samt Regionkommittén ger en överblick av gemenskapens verksamhet i fråga om 
turismen 1994. Närmare bestämt ger den en detaljerad redogörelse för det andra året 
under vilket gemenskapens handlingsplan för att främja turism genomförs (vilken är 
utgångspunkten för gemenskapens direkta åtgärder som berör turism och grundar sig på 
elva prioriteringar under en period av tre år fr.o.m 1.1.1993), i enlighet med rådets besluf 
92/421/EEG av den 13.7.1992'. 
1994 var det första hela året som Fördraget om Europeiska unionen gällde och där nämns 
också ordet turism för första gången. 
Vitboken om "Tillväxt, konkurrenskraft och sysselsättning" samt dess efterföljande 
dokument för fram nya idéer och begrepp för "vägen framåt", varav de flesta förmodas 
påverka turismen eller påverkas av den: sysselsättningen inom nya verksamheter och 
områden, de transeuropeiska näten för transport, telekommunikationer och energi, 
"informationssamhället" och vikten av en hållbar och varaktig utveckling. 
Rådets informella möte i Aten den 15 april 1994 gav kommissionen impulser att inleda 
arbetet med en grönbok om unionens framtida roll i fråga om turismen, med sikte på 
regeringskonferensen 1996 där Maastrichtfördraget skall revideras. 
Under 1994 fick kommissionens arbete för turismen aktivt stöd av andra institutioner 
inom gemenskapen såsom Europaparlamentet med dess resolutioner "Turismen inför år 
2000"2 och "Gemenskapens åtgärder som berör turismen"' med avseende på 
kommissionens årsrapport för 1993, liksom Ekonomiska och sociala kommittén med dess 
yttrande "Turismen"4. Inom den nybildade Regionkommittén insåg man turismens 
betydelse och inrättade dessutom en underkommitté "Turism-landsbygd" för att behandla 
turismen ur ett landsbygdsperspektiv. 
Rapporten består av tre delar: 
Del I är ett allmänt inledande kapitel om turismens betydelse för den europeiska 
ekonomin och ger en statistisk analys av Europa som turistmål samt en överblick av 
gemenskapens verksamhet i fråga om turismen. 
Jfr artikel 5: "Varje år frän del all handlingsplanen har börjat gälla skall kommissionen utvärdera 
gemenskapens verksamhet i fråga om turism i en rapport till europaparlamentet och rådet." EGT nr L 
231,13.8.1992, s. 28. 
EP 178.920/slutl, av den 18.1.1994. 
EP l85.379/slull,avden 15.12.1994. EGT nr C 18 av den 23.1.95 s. 159. 
ECS 453/94 slutl, av den 4.8.1994 
/k 
Del II analyserar gemenskapens åtgärder som har genomförts enligt rådets beslut 
(92/421/EEG). 
Del III presenterar gemenskapens åtgärder som berör turismen men inte faller under 
detta rådsbeslut. 
TURISMEN INOM GEMENSKAPEN 
Turismen är en ekonomisk och social aktivitet som sträcker sig över många olika 
områden och har nära samband med ett flertal andra verksamheter. Turistnäringen 
producerar ett stort urval av varor och tjänster som berör en lång rad industrier, men är 
avsedda för en alldeles särskild konsument: turisten. 
Inom den europeiska ekonomin ger turismen ett viktigt bidrag till 
bruttonationalprodukten (5,5% i genomsnitt) såväl som till sysselsättningen, den 
regionala utvecklingen och utrikeshandeln. Turismen genererar inte bara värdefulla 
inkomster till handelsbalansen i många europeiska länder, utan spelar också en viktig roll 
när det gäller att skapa sysselsättning eftersom den står för 6% av det totala antalet 
arbetstillfällen i unionen, direkt relaterat till tur i sm verksamhet och -produkter. 
Genomförs bara turismen på ett godtagbart sätt, ger den långvariga fördelar för de lokala 
ekonomierna. 
EN BILD AV DEN EUROPEISKA TURISMEN 1994 
Under 1994 upplevde turistnäringen över hela världen en snabb uppgång till följd av att 
lågkonjunkturen började avstanna i de flesta västekonomier och man såg i stället början 
till en ekonomisk återhämtning3. Europas andel av världsmarknaden visar däremot en 
stadigt nedåtgående trend som på lång sikt hotar dess ledande ställning. Om-man inte 
vidtar lämpliga åtgärder i tid, kommer den här nedåtgående trenden att fortsätta ännu 
längre och ge Europa en genomsnittlig årstillväxt på endast 2,7% per år, medan 
genomsnittet globalt sett ligger på 3,8% och 6,8% för delar av Östasien- och 
Stillahavsregionen. 
GEMENSKAPENS ÅTGÄRDER FÖR ATT FRÄMJA TURISMEN 1994 
För att genomföra "gemenskapens direkta åtgärder för turismen" (se Del II i denna 
rapport) under 1994 har en högre grad av sammanhållning uppnåtts än året dessförinnan, 
vilket beror på förbättrad sakkunskap och planering. För att uppnå de uppställda målen i 
handlingsplanen har en årlig budget på 6 miljoner ecu av gemenskapens resurser tilldelats 
av budgetansvariga myndigheter. Under 1994 tillkom ytterligare bidrag på 566 000 ecu 
l-ör en mer detaljerad analys med särskild tyngdpunkt på Europeiska ekonomiska samarbetsområdet, 
se "Turism i Europa", EC Eurosiat-DGXXIII, OPOCE Luxemburg 1995. 
2q 
från Österrike, Finland, Sverige, Norge och Island, medlemmar i Europeiska ekonomiska 
samarbetsområdet. Dessa länder deltog i utarbetandet av handlingsplanen, i alla initiativ 
som fördes fram enligt arbetsprogrammet och i alla överläggningar om turism som hölls 
av kommissionen fr.o.m. 1.1.1994. 
De huvudsakliga utgiftsposterna var i första hand utvecklingsbidrag till projekt om 
turismutbildning och nätverk för kulturturism, i andra hand förberedelsearbetet med en 
rad studier som ska ge beslutsfattarna mer information och i tredje hand olika projekt för 
att sprida information, utarbeta broschyrer, planera konferenser och praktiska workshops 
etc. Ett antal åtgärder som inte specificeras i arbetsprogrammet men ändå är värdefulla 
för utvecklandet av handlingsplanen har också samfinansierats. 
De utarbetade åtgärderna har bättre än tidigare motsvarat målen för de tre huvuddelarna 
av "Gemenskapens handlingsplan för att främja turism": 
Att få förbättrad kunskap om turistnäringen. Detta innebär bl a att utarbeta en pålitlig 
europeisk turiststatistik så att man lättare kan kontrollera strömmen av turister och 
besökare eftersom man har ett "gemensamt språk" att utgå ifrån när man skall förstå och 
jämföra olika förhållanden. Men det innebär också att framställa studier och broschyrer 
om sådant som kan vara av intresse för den europeiska turistnäringen och 
myndigheterna, liksom att organisera europeiska konferenser och deltaga i 
branschmässor med inriktning på turism enligt prioriteringarna i "Gemenskapens 
handlingsplan för att främja turism". 
Att vidta särskilda åtgärder tor att främja ett transnationellt, gränsöverskridande 
samarbete mellan den offentliga och privata sektorn inom olika områden: som 
turistinformation, projekt i Central- och Östeuropa, turister som konsumenter, turism och 
miljö, kultur-, landsbygds-, social- och ungdomsturism, turismutbildning samt främjandet 
av europeisk turism i vissa icke-europeiska länder. De flesta projekt som understöds 
finansiellt av kommissionen är av pilotkaraktär och kan sedan tjäna som vägledande 
exempel. 
Att få till stånd bättre samarbete och samordning för att främja en harmonisk och 
stabil utveckling av turismen. Detta gäller åtgärder som vidtagits för att säkerställa att 
samarbete och samordning fungerar mer effektivt både externt och internt inom 
gemenskapens institutioner, internationella organisationer, allmänna och privata 
myndigheter och organisationer och - därigenom - medlemsstaternas myndigheter på 
nationell, regional och lokal nivå. Ett flertal kommittéer har inrättats för att bistå i detta 
arbete6. Samarbetsgruppen för turism, som samordnas under Europaparlamentets utskott 
för transport och turism, ger också värdefulla bidrag till samarbetet mellan 
Europaparlamentet, kommissionen och turismsektorn inom unionen. Inom kommissionen 
bygger samarbetet på den här gruppens arbete och på ömsesidigt samråd mellan, berörda 
instanser när nya åtgärder diskuteras. Andra samarbetsgrupper inom kommissionen har 
också arbetat med turism frågor under 1994. Dessutom har expertgrupper inrättats eller 
understötts av kommissionen inom olika turismområden som social- och 
landsbygdsturism. 
Rådets beslut av den 22.12.1986 upprättar en samverkansproecss inom turismområdet. EGT nr L 
384/52, 31.12.1986. 
3jL\ 
Att utveckla bättre samarbete och samordning inom de europeiska institutionerna, med 
medlemsstaterna och turistnäringen är en fortgående process som ständigt utvecklas. Med 
rådets beslut som utgångspunkt har man också i viss mån relaterat till andra riktlinjer och 
åtgärder för att kunna bedöma vilken betydelse turismen kan ha för dem och vilken 
betydelse de kan ha för turismens utveckling. Men om de långsiktiga målen för turismen 
skall kunna uppnås måste man gå mer strukturerat och systematiskt till väga. 
Den del av rapporten som handlar om andra gemenskapsåtgärder som berör turismen (se 
Del III i denna rapport) innehåller en översikt över de åtgärder som inte faller under 
rådets beslut 92/421/EEG, men ändå har haft betydelse för turismen inom unionen eller 
skulle kunna få det i framtiden. Om man kan använda turismen som ett redskap för att 
påverka politiken beror i mycket stor omfattning på de övergripande målen för den 
aktuella åtgärden och vilket gehör man kan fa för turismens betydelse i just det 
sammanhanget. 
Trots att dessa angränsande områden spänner över en rad olika ämnen visar den här 
rapporten att många av dem relaterar - om än inte alltid så systematiskt - till vad som ur 
turistperspektiv far anses vara de huvudsakliga elementen i alla övergripande strategier, 
nämligen turisten, turistnäringen och turistresurserna. 
Åtgärder som berör turisten i egenskap av en person som lever och reser inom ett 
geografiskt område utan fysiska eller skattemässiga hinder. Turisten skyddas av särskild 
konsumentlagstiftning i frågor som rör hälsa och säkerhet och i frågor av ekonomisk och 
rättslig natur. Genom att stärka den sociala dimensionen stöder gemenskapens åtgärder 
dessutom allas rätt att resa som turister: ålder, fysiska respektive psykiska hinder eller 
social status skall inte kunna hindra någon från att resa som turist. 
Åtgärder som berör utvecklingen av turistnäringen handlar i första hand om de 
ekonomiska och sociala förhållanden som håller på att utvecklas inom unionen. För att 
lägga grunden till en konkurrenskraftig europeisk turistnäring behöver man i stor 
utsträckning etablera effektiva marknadsmekanismer, där de flesta är ett resultat av den 
inre marknaden. Men det behövs fortfarande åtgärder för att i förekommande -foil dämpa 
effekterna då marknaden misslyckats och mer allmänt försäkra sig om att de nödvändiga 
kontrollmekanismerna fungerar. 
Inom den inre marknaden, som är en dynamisk organisation för att stödja en 
konkurrenskraftig utveckling av turismen, kan man särskilja tre viktiga huvudområden: 
åtgärder som har vidtagits för att genomföra den inre marknaden och samtidigt har 
underlättat affärsverksamhet inom turistnäringen, företags- och konkurrensåtgärder med 
syftet att stärka turistföretag, samt sociala, utbildnings- och forskningsåtgärder som 
förbättrar produktions- och distributionstekniker samt ökar sysselsättningen inom 
turismsektorn. 
Dessutom har en hel rad särskilda åtgärder bidragit till en mer balanserad utveckling av 
turismen, både inom Europeiska unionen och som ett led i politiken gentemot andra 
länder. Men enbart en dynamisk inre marknad är ingen garanti för en balanserad 
utveckling av turismen. Därför har det varit nödvändigt alt vidta åtgärder inom 
4CA 
angränsande områden för att stödja såväl de interna och de externa aspekterna av 
turismens utveckling. 
Att stärka den ekonomiska och sociala sammanhållningen mellan Europeiska unionens 
medlemsstater blir en fortgående uppgift också i framtiden. Denna sammanhållning 
uppnås bara där utvecklingsnivån mellan Europas regioner är mer likartad, där 
utvecklingen är långsiktig och medför förbättrad livskvalitet, gynnsamma förutsättningar 
för miljön och ekonomisk tillväxt. Turismen är en erkänd utvecklingsfaktor i regioner 
med eftersläpande utveckling, industriell tillbakagång eller stark glesbygdskaraktär. 
Turismen är också viktig resurs när det gäller att skapa arbetstillfällen och sysselsättning. 
De viktigaste finansiella instrumenten för att genomföra de nödvändiga strukturella 
förändringarna för hållbar och varaktig utveckling är antingen i form av bidrag 
(Europeiska fonder) eller lån (Europeiska investeringsbanken). 
Med hänsyn till icke-europeiska länder är gemenskapens åtgärder och projekt knutna till 
unionens övergripande ekonomiska, tekniska och politiska relationer till resten av 
världen. I det avseendet har turismen dragit särskild nytta av redan etablerade instrument 
för att engagera aktörer inom den privata sektorn i åtgärder av ömsesidigt intresse för 
gemenskapen och dess samarbetsländer, det må vara i Medelhavsområdet, Afrika, 
Västindien eller Stillahavsområdet, Asien, Australasien, i Nord- eller Sydamerika. 
Åtgärder som berör miljön där turismen äger rum. Detta relaterar till de aspekter 
som utgör den huvudsakliga miljön där turismen utvecklas. Gemenskapens åtgärder 
syftar till att skapa en hållbar situation mellan turismen och Europas arkitektoniska och 
kulturella arv, dess natur och bebyggda miljö i Europa. 
Kulturturismen i Europa är en särskild aspekt av turistutbudet på marknaden. Här är det 
viktigt att hänsyn tas till de olika konsekvenserna (sociala, ekonomiska, kulturella och 
ekologiska) av kulturturismens framväxt. Efterhand som oron växer för att besökarna 
skall vara en påfrestning för de historiska stadskärnorna, vilket i sin tur påverkar den 
urbana utvecklingen, börjar man alltmer uppmärksamma behovet av att vidta åtgärder för 
att kunna hantera strömmen av besökare. 
Fastän det börjar växa fram en handlingslinje i fråga om kulturturismen och man alltmer 
inser dess ekonomiska och sociala betydelse, finns det för närvarande inget omfattande 
material om ämnet. Tidigare arbeten har i stor utsträckning betonat antingen turismen 
eller dess kulturella aspekter, men de behandlas sällan tillsammans utifrån ett integrerat 
perspektiv. Vissa torslag som just nu är under arbete kan åtminstone bidra till att 
komplettera bilden av hur de båda frågorna (kultur och turism) utvecklas. 
Artikel 2 i Fördraget om Europeiska unionen refererar till främjandet av en "harmonisk 
och väl avvägd utveckling av näringslivet, en hållbar och icke-inflatorisk tillväxt som tar 
hänsyn till miljön". Att bibehålla och stärka karaktären hos natur och bebyggd miljö är en 
nödvändig förutsättning för all framgångsrik utveckling på turistområdet. Turismen 
påverkas av sin miljö och miljön påverkas av turismen. Det behövs därför en enad linje 
från gemenskapen för att turismen skall utvecklas positivt i Europa. Kommissionen har 
satt upp en varaktig och hållbar turistutveckling som ett av sina mål, arbetat fram åtgärder 
SU 
utifrån miljölagstiftningen som bygger på femte handlingsprogrammet för miljön och 
understött det genom vissa gemenskapsinitiativ och finansiella instrument. Det behövs ett 
mer intensivt arbete på många områden, särskilt för att undersöka och bättre analysera 
konsekvenserna av turismen för natur och bebyggd miljö och för att finna den rätta 
jämvikten mellan bevarande och utveckling på turistområdet. 
En samlad strategi när det gäller utvecklingen av turismen måste grundas på samarbete 
och samordning inom de europeiska institutionerna, med medlemsstaterna och industrin. 
Det ger bästa möjliga utgångspunkt för att åstadkomma en övergripande turistpolitik, 
som bygger på en rad allmänna eller kompletterande mål, vilka kan tillämpas inom ramen 
för all verksamhet inom unionen. Med en sådan strategi som kan tillämpas när specifika 
åtgärder skall fylla vissa fastställda behov, skulle man kunna få mer effektiva och 
varaktiga resultat som kompletterar gemenskapens direkta åtgärder för turismen. 
Turismens konsekvenser är ständigt under omprövning, antingen direkt eller genom 
andra av gemenskapens verksamhetsområden. Som redan har konstaterats i denna rapport 
måste man lägga större vikt vid samarbete och samordning för att få en övergripande 
strategi när detgäller turistinterventioner. 
Frånsett de konkreta resultaten som har uppnåtts7 har rådets beslut om en handlingsplan 
för att främja turismen redan fullgjort sitt syfte för att belysa detta behov, även om det 
bara är under en kortare period. 
En långsiktig strategi är av stort intresse. En sådan strategi, som bygger på redan 
uppnådda mål liksom bättre samarbete och samordning, skulle kunna 
ge möjligheter till ett mer rationellt tillvägagångssätt för hela Europeiska unionen, 
bidra till att de nödvändiga villkoren verkligen uppfylls så att gemenskapens 
turistnäring får utökad konkurrenskraft, 
göra att medlemsstaterna mer målinriktat kan använda sig av gemenskapens olika 
åtgärder för att förbättra utvecklingen av den egna turismen. 
Del förberedande arbetet lör rapporten där resultatet av handlingsplanen utvärderas (artikel 6 i rådets 
beslut) inleddes 1994. 
6^\ 
PREFACE 1 
I INTRODUCTION 3 
1. TOURISM IN THE COMMUNITY 3 
2. THE PERFORMANCE OF EUROPEAN TOURISM IN 1994 3 
3. COMMUNITY ACTION TO ASSIST TOURISM IN 1994 4 
3.1. Background 4 
3.2. Structure of the report 5 
II DIRECT COMMUNITY MEASURES AFFECTING TOURISM... 9 
1. GAINING AND IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE - PROGRAMMES 
AND MEASURES AFFECTING TOURISM 10 
1.1. Statistics 10 
1.2. Studies 11 
1.3. Case Studies 13 
1.4. Conferences and Trade fairs 13 
1.5. Brochures 15 
2. SPECIFIC COMMUNITY ACTIONS TO ASSIST EUROPEAN 
TOURISM 15 
2.1. Transnational Actions 16 
2.2. Tourists as Consumers 18 
2.3. Cultural Tourism 18 
2.4. Tourism and the Environment 21 
2.5. Rural Tourism 22 
2.6. Social Tourism 23 
2.7. Youth Tourism 23 
2.8. Education and Training 24 
2.9. Promotion in Third Countries 25 
3. CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION TO ENSURE 
GREATER CONSISTENCY OF COMMUNITY MEASURES 26 
3.1. The Tourism Management Committee 26 
3.2. The Tourism Advisory Committee and Industry 
Representatives 27 
3.3. Co-operation with the Presidency 27 
3.4. Inter-service Consultation and Co-operation between the 
Community Institutions 27 
3.5. Experts' Groups 29 
III OTHER COMMUNITY MEASURES AFFECTING TOURISM 31 
1. THE TOURIST 31 
1.1 Free movement of tin* Tourist 11 
1.2. Protection of the Tourist as a Consumer 33 
1.3. Other Measures Facilitating Access to Tourism 36 
2. THE TOURIST INDUSTRY 38 
2.1. The Single Market - A Dynamic Construction assisting 
Competitive Tourism Development 39 
2.2 A whole range of Specific Interventions contributing to 
Balanced Tourism Development 57 
3. TOURISM RESOURCES 78 
3.1. Architectural and Cultural Heritage 78 
3.2. Natural & Built Environment 81 
ANNEXES 87 
Annex 1 Share of each region's international tourist arrivals and receipts 
world-wide, 1960- 1994 (in %) 89 
Annex 2 Implementation of Council Decision 421/92/EEC Council 
Decision of 13.7.1992 on a Community Action Plan to assist 
Tourism - 1994 budget 91 
Annex 3 Implementation of the Council Decision 421/92/EEC on a 
Community Action Plan to assist Tourism - Detailed sectorial 
presentation of studies, guides and projects, 1994 93 
ii 
Annex 4 VAT rates in the HORECA sector 97 
Annex 5 The Cohesion Fund 101 
Annex 6 The Community Initiatives 103 
Annex 7 ECSC loans Art. 56 (tourism sector) 107 
Annex 8 European Community Investment Partner or ECIP 109 
Annex 9 Grants to ACP countries and OCTS in the framework of 
development programmes and measures (1990-1994) 111 
Annex 10 Examples of incentive measures under the KALEIDOSCOPE 
programme 113 
Annex 11 Research technologies for environmental protection and 
conservation of the European cultural heritage 115 
Annex 12 Community action programme in the field of cultural heritage -
The RAPHAEL Programme 117 
Annex 13 LIFE 1994: Promotion of sustainable tourism, implementation 119 
Annex 14 THERMIE & ALTENER 1994: Selected projects in the field of 
energy with relevance to tourism 121 
PREFACE 
The purpose of this report is to establish an overview of the Community's activities which 
affect tourism, focusing on the operational year 1994, in line with the Council's Decision 
n° 92/421/EEC of 13.7.19921, which confirms the appropriateness of undertaking actions 
on tourism at Community level. 
During 1994, the Commission presented its first yearly report to the Council, the 
European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee on "Community measures 
affecting tourism"2, updated until the end of 1993. An attempt was also made to give an 
overview of the legislative and budgetary background prior to 1993, the year of reference 
of these measures. 
This report is the second to be drawn up in compliance with Article 5 of the Decision. 
Following the same pattern, it sets out the measures taken by the Commission up to 
December 1994 in each area of Community activity concerned. 
This report is divided in three parts: 
part I is a general introductory chapter on the impact of tourism on the European 
economy which gives a statistical analysis of Europe as a tourism destination and 
an overview of Community actions in the field of tourism; 
part II analyses the Community measures implemented under the Council Decision 
(92/421/EEC); 
and part III presents those Community measures affecting tourism which do not fall 
under this Council's Decision. 
As the year of reference for the current report, 1994. is the second year of implementation 
of the action plan, it has been possible to provide more precise details on the direct 
measures realised under the tourism action plan than in the 1993 report. As regards the 
Community measures affecting tourism but which fall under Community policies and 
programmes outside the scope of Decision 92/421/EEC, an attempt has been made to 
present them using a more comprehensive approach. 
Cf. Article 5: "Every year from the date of adoption of the action plan, the Commission, in a report 
to the European Parliament and the Council, shall evaluate the Community's activities which affect 
tourism." OJ L23I, 13.8.1992, p. 28. 
COM(94) 74 final, of 6.4.1994. 1~«^ 
INTRODUCTION 
/. TOURISM IN THE COMMUNITY 
Tourism is an economic and social activity characterised by a multi-disciplinary and 
transversal nature, having inter linkages with various other activities. The tourism 
industry produces a wide variety of products and services affecting a wide range of 
industries, but intended for a particular type of consumer: the tourist. 
In the European economy, tourism makes a key contribution to the Gross Domestic 
Product (5.5% on average), to employment, regional development and foreign trade. Not 
only is tourism a generator of valuable revenue for the trade balance of many European 
countries, but it is also an important creator of employment, providing 6% of the total 
number of jobs in the Union, directly related to tourism activities and products. This 
figure is higher when employment generated indirectly in other sectors which are 
influenced by tourism is included. Employment generated by tourism is often 
characterised by high seasonality and precariousness. These characteristics are potential 
obstacles to the long-term sustainable development of tourism employment based on 
quality and professionalism. This is a challenge for the different education and vocational 
training systems applied on a Community, national and regional level in Europe. 
Tourism is a factor of economic development for less-favoured regions, rural areas, as 
well as those areas in industrial decline. Tourism revenue and tourism employment in 
these regions, make a valuable contribution to eliminating disparities and encouraging a 
convergence of regional and peripheral economies with the Community average rate of 
development. Moreover, tourism can help to achieve cultural as well as economic 
convergence, as tourism helps to spread awareness about the different European cultures, 
thus contributing to the development of respect for the different ways of life of 
Europeans. Tourism also contributes to developing the social dimension within the 
Community and to the fight against social exclusion in Europe. This is implemented 
mainly through the access to tourism of less-favoured groups, such as young people and 
people with disabilities, either as tourists or as tourism employees. 
Tourism can be a vehicle for the application of sustainable development techniques 
aiming at preserving and respecting the environment in which the tourism industry 
operates. It is evident that tourism activity - and the benefits derived from it - cannot take 
place in a downgraded and/or polluted natural, rural, built or cultural environment. It is 
also evident that tourism development, if it is implemented in a sustainable way, provides 
long-term benefits to local economies. 
2. THE PERFORMANCE OF EUROPEAN TOURISM IN 1994 
In 1994, world-wide, the tourism industry experienced a rapid development as a result of 
the progressive end of the recession in most western economies and the beginning of an 
economic recovery'. In absolute terms, with 60% of all international tourist arrivals and 
For a more detailed analysis, focused specifically on the European Economic Area, see "Tourism in 
3 
50% of all international tourist receipts, Europe still absorbs the largest proportion of 
these arrivals and receipts, as well as hotel overnight stays. Estimates show that, during 
1994, tourist arrivals and receipts have increased in Europe, reversing the trend in the 
growth rate in tourism receipts, which went from a 5% decrease in 1993 to an increase of 
4%, equal to the world average the following year. This was a key factor in the growth in 
international tourism receipts in 19944. 
Within Europe, France is still the world's leading tourist destination in terms of 
international tourist arrivals and receipts, followed by Spain, Italy, Hungary and the 
United Kingdom. The highest growth rate of tourist arrivals was registered in the Czech 
Republic, the most serious drop in Austria. The Mediterranean destinations, Spain, Italy 
and Greece, also registered an important growth in tourist arrivals, mainly because of the 
political unrest of competitor destinations and because their currencies offered good 
value for money. 
Europe's market share world-wide, however, shows a steady downward trend which is 
threatening its lead position in the long-term (see Annex 1). Indeed, statistical 
comparisons with previous decades confirm that, while in 1970 Europe received 70% of 
international tourist arrivals and the 62% of international tourist receipts, these had 
dropped to only 60% and 50% respectively in 1994. During the same period East Asia 
and the Pacific regions registered the highest increase in both of these indicators. 
Meanwhile, forecast indicators show, that if pertinent measures are not taken in time, this 
downward trend will continue still further, giving Europe an average annual growth rate 
of only 2.7% per year, while the average world-wide is 3.8% and 6.8% for the East Asia 
and Pacific rim region. 
J. COMMUNITY ACTION TO ASSIST TOURISM IN 1994 
3.1. BACKGROUND 
The Commission, re-aligned with current trends within the Union and conscious of the 
key role that tourism plays in the European economy, has been working (with the active 
support of the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee) since the 
early eighties, towards giving tourism the place it deserves within the Community. This 
work has continued and intensified during 1994. 
During 1994, important developments took place on a Community level which are 
expected to affect the development of European tourism for the years to come. In this 
respect, it should be noted that 1994 was the first full year of implementation of the 
Treaty on European Union, where Tourism is mentioned for the first time. 
The White Paper on "Growth, Competitiveness and Employment" and its follow-up 
present new ideas and concepts for "the way forward", most of which are expected to 
influence tourism or to be influenced by tourism: new sources and fields of employment, 
trans-European networks of transport, telecommunications and energy, the "Information 
Europe", EC Eurostal-DGXXHI, OPOCE Luxembourg 1995. 
4 "Tourism Market Trends Europe 1985-1994", World Tourism Organisation. 
4 
Society" and the importance of sustainable development. 
1994 was also the second year of implementation of the "Community action plan to assist 
tourism" as decided by the Council on 13.7.19925. This first tourism action plan provides 
the framework for all direct Community measures affecting tourism, based on eleven 
action priorities for a period of three years starting from 1.1.1993. 
The informal meeting of the Council in Athens, on 15.4.1994, provided the Commission 
with the stimulus to start work on a Green Paper on the future role of the Union in the 
field of tourism, in view of the Inter Governmental Conference of 1996 for the revision of 
the Maastricht Treaty. 
During 1994, the work of the Commission in the field of tourism was actively supported 
by other Community institutions such as the European Parliament with its resolutions 
"Tourism in the approach of the year 2000"6 and "Community measures affecting 
tourism"7 which concerned the Commission's yearly report for 1993, as well as the 
Economic and Social Committee with its opinion on "Tourism"8. Moreover, within newly 
formed Committee of the Regions, in recognition of the importance of tourism, Sub-
Committee 2 " Tourism - rural areas" was created to deal with tourism issues in the rural 
context. 
3.2. STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT 
Since part of the Community measures affecting tourism fall under Community policies 
and programmes outside the scope of the Decision 92/421/EEC, these measures are 
presented in two parts: the direct Community measures, and the other Community 
measures affecting tourism9. 
• In dealing with the implementation of the direct Community measures affecting 
tourism based on the Council's Decision, during 1994, as a result of improved expertise 
and planning, a greater degree of coherency has been being achieved. The actions that 
were developed responded more closely to the objectives of the three main axes of the 
"Community Action Plan to Assist Tourism": 
1) Gaining and improving knowledge about the tourism industry. This includes the 
development of reliable tourist statistics at the European level in order to monitor 
tourist/visitor flows while relying on a "common language" of understanding and 
comparison, the publication of studies and brochures on subjects of interest to the 
European tourism industry and the public administrations, as well as the organisation of 
European conferences and the participation in trade fairs on topics of tourism interest 
according to the priorities of the "Community Action Plan to Assist Tourism". 
2) Specific measures and actions aiming to promote transnational, cross-border co­
operation between the public and the private sector in various fields. For 1994, these 
fields were: tourist information, actions in Central and Eastern Europe, the 
5 Council Decision 92/421/EEC, OJ L 231 of 13.8.1992. 
6 EP. 178.920/final, of 18.1.1994. 
7 EP. 185.379/final, of 15.12.1994. OJ C 18 of 23.1.1995 p. 159. 
8 ECS 453/94 final, of 4.8.1994. 
9 At the end of this report a series of annexes indicate quantitative information of relevance to 
tourism development in the European Union. 
5 
consumers/tourists field, tourism and the environment, cultural, rural, social and youth 
tourism, tourism education and training and the promotion of European tourism in 
selected non-European countries. Most of the projects supported financially by the 
Commission are of a pilot nature and have a demonstratory character. 
3) Development of better co-operation and co-ordination. This concerns measures taken 
to assure more effective co-operation and co-ordination between Community institutions, 
international organisations, public and private administrations and organisations and-
through them-the national, regional, and local authorities of the Member States. Co­
ordination between the Member States and the Commission is primarily through two 
established tourism committees, one to assist the implementation of the Council Decision 
92/421/EEC and the other to provide advice to the Commission on tourism issues10. The 
Tourism Inter-Group co-ordinated by the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism 
Committee provides also valuable assistance to the co-ordination between the European 
Parliament, the Commission and the tourism sector in the Union. Within the 
Commission, co-operation is based on the work of the Tourism Inter-Service Group and 
on the mutual consultation of the relevant services concerning any new actions which are 
envisaged to be undertaken. Other Commission Inter-Service Groups have also addressed 
tourism issues during 1994. In addition, experts' groups have been established or 
supported by the Commission in different tourism fields such as social and rural tourism. 
The development of better co-operation and co-ordination within the European 
institutions, with the Member States and with the Tourist industry continues to be an on­
going process constantly evolving. Using the Council Decision as a basis there has been 
some intervention in other policies and measures in order to determine and take into 
account the impact of tourism within them or their impact on the development of tourism. 
However, if in the long term sustainable tourism actions are to be achieved, this approach 
has still to be developed in a more structured and systematic manner. 
• The other Community measures affecting tourism include an overview of those 
measures which do not fall under Council Decision 92/421/EEC, but whose impact on 
tourism in the Union was or could be significant in the future. The measures are presented 
in this chapter together with an attempt to assess their impact on tourism. These measures 
can be divided in three areas: 
1) The first area includes measures affecting the tourist as a person living and travelling 
within a geographical space without physical or fiscal barriers. This tourist is protected by 
specific consumer legislation on health and safety, on economic and legal aspects. 
Moreover, by strengthening the social dimension, Community measures support 
everyone's right to travel for tourism purposes: age, physical or mental disability or social 
status should not be a reason for exclusion from tourism. 
2) The second area includes all those measures related to the economic and social 
environment which aim to provide common structures for economic and social activities, 
such as tourism, to develop within the Union. With reference to the internal aspect (i.e. 
within the European Union only) measures relate to various considerations such as the 
completion of the Internal Market, competition and enterprise policy, economic and 
social cohesion, regional policy, trans European networks, transport, research and 
10 Council Decision of 22.12.1986 instituting a process of consultation and cooperation in the field of 
tourism. OJ L 384/52, 31.12.1986. 
6 
development, information and telecommunication technologies, employment, social 
policy and the field of education, training and youth. With reference to the external aspect 
(i.e. non European countries) Community measures and actions in the field of tourism are 
associated with the Union's global, economic and political relations with the rest of the 
world. 
3) The third area includes measures in the field of culture and environment. These two 
aspects constitute the broader environment in which tourism activity develops and with 
which tourism has a relationship of connection and mutual influence. Community 
measures aim to develop a sustainable relationship between tourism and architectural and 
cultural heritage, natural and built environment in Europe. 
A coherent and strategic approach to tourism development, based on co-operation and co­
ordination within the European Institutions, with the Members States and the industry 
offers the greatest potential for producing a global tourism policy, based on a series of 
common or complementary objectives, that can be applied within the framework of all 
Union activities. Such an approach, when applied to specific actions that are intended to 
meet identified needs, could lead to more effective and sustainable results, 
complementary to the objectives of the direct Community measures affecting tourism. 
7-2 

II DIRECT COMMUNITY MEASURES AFFECTING 
TOURISM 
Implementation of the three-year Community Action Plan To Assist Tourism, adopted by 
the Council Decision of 13.7.1992 and effective from 1.1.1993 entered the mid term stage 
of its duration. The priority measures begun in 1993 were developed and where possible, 
were completed in 1994 for the purpose of disseminating information about the achieved 
results. At the same time, in the context of this action plan, the Commission, in agreement 
with the Tourism Management Committee, put into operation further measures in order to 
achieve the three global objectives of the tourism action plan: 
gaining knowledge about the European tourism industry; 
developing of specific Community actions to assist the development of a diversity 
of quality tourism products and services; 
strengthening co-operation and co-ordination within the Commission, with other 
institutions (national and local public sector bodies, international or European 
professional organisations), with Member States and also with third countries to 
ensure harmonious and consistent tourism development. 
To achieve the set objectives of the action plan, an annual budget of ECU 6 million of 
Community resources was made available by the budgetary authorities. In 1994, this was 
supplemented with a further contribution of ECU 566,000 from Austria, Finland, 
Sweden, Norway and Iceland, members of the European Economic Area. This 
contribution permitted them to participate in the development of the action plan, i.e., in 
all of the initiatives launched under the work programme and in the consultations held by 
the Commission on tourism from 1.1.1994. The major elements of expenditure were 
firstly, the support for the development of projects concerned with tourism training and 
the development of cultural tourism networks, secondly, preparation of a series of studies 
to provide decision makers with greater information, and thirdly, information 
dissemination exercises, preparation of brochures, conferences, technical workshops etc. 
A number of actions not specified in the work programme but valuable to the 
development of the action plan were also co-financed. 
A budgetary breakdown of all expenditure in 1994 and tables of projects selected for co-
financing are set out in Annex 2 of this report. 
Forward planning was also undertaken in 1994, which included preparation of those 
actions to be initiated and launched in 1995 and reflection on subsequent future actions in 
the medium term. In preparing this work, a number of aspects were considered: the need 
to complete, as far as possible, the implementation of the areas of the actions listed in the 
1992 Council Decision; follow up of results already achieved; further strengthening of 
co-operation; emphasis on quality; transparency; and the need to evaluate the work 
already carried out by various means". 
During 1994, a series of measures were identified for financial support in 1995: Studies 
in the fields of consumers issues, youth tourism, and the contractual relationships 
between tourism intermediaries and providers of services; pilot actions in the fields of 
The current report on "Community measures affecting tourism" should also be considered in this 
context. 
9 
visitor and traffic management; and improved co-operation and the transfer of know-how 
with tourism partners from Central and Eastern Europe and the Maghreb countries. A 
further promotional campaign was also under consideration. 
Community actions in the field of tourism in the medium term were also considered with 
a view to completing and following up the current Community Action Plan To Assist 
Tourism. 
Preparation of a Green Paper on the role of the European Union in the field of tourism 
was initiated, as a means of opening the debate during 1995 in view of the forthcoming 
inter-governmental conference on the revision of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1996. 
L GAINING AND IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE - PROGRAMMES 
AND MEASURES AFFECTING TOURISM 
Improving the knowledge of the tourist industry operators and their access to information 
about the market, its characteristics, components, and-development is vital if they are to 
be able to devise strategies to exploit market opportunities as they occur. As many tourist 
operators are small or even micro-sized firms, by their very nature they have the least 
resources available to conduct costly market research and analysis. Thus, it is an area in 
which the Commission has taken various initiatives notably, in order to improve the 
availability of information for the tourist industry using various media: studies, 
conferences, trade fairs, brochures etc. 
Research commissioned in 1994 should be taken forward during 1995, published and 
distributed if an added value is to be achieved. Continued attendance at major trade fairs 
will be co-ordinated and in addition, it is envisaged that brochures will be prepared 
compiling the results of the pilot projects currently in progress, notwithstanding the 
commissioning of further research on the current situation of tourism. 
1.1. STATISTICS 
Council Decision 92/421/EEC states as a priority measure: "Improving knowledge of the 
tourist industry... will be carried out by means of ... a) Development of Community 
statistics on tourism" 
Under the 1994 work programme, results were achieved, in two main areas: 
completion of the necessary legal and technical instruments for setting up a 
European statistical system on tourism; 
improved information tools for disseminating data collected and results of work 
undertaken. 
Legal and technical instruments: 
A manual on statistical methodology has been prepared which will be the basis of a 
specific recommendation, and is intended to help providers of tourism statistics produce 
harmonised data and facilitate the comprehension of the users. New methodological topic 
were developed, mainly on congresses and conferences, which met with the general 
10 
approval of the professional associations and the Tourism Statistics Working Group. On 
the basis of consultations with the Member States, and relevant professional associations, 
a draft Directive concerning the collection of harmonised statistics at European level has 
also been prepared. These issues were also the subject of two meetings of the EU/EFTA 
working group on tourism statistics held in Luxembourg in February and November 
1994. 
Improved information tools: 
Indicators produced annually and monthly have been published on a regular basis. An up 
to date, analytical report on recent trends on tourism in Europe has been completed and is 
due to be published in 1995. The database TOUR has also been improved and it is 
gradually being enlarged in order to include EFTA countries. A section on tourism has 
been included in the CD ROM produced by Eurostat and the Office of Publications, 
which contains all the relevant figures collected at the European level by the 
Commission. 
An international seminar of experts, organised jointly with OECD and the Austrian 
authorities in Vienna in June 1994, analysed the methodological problems posed in 
implementing a European statistical system with the results published in 1995. 
The work programme for 1995 in this field focuses on the adoption and implementation 
of both the proposed Council Directive mentioned above, as well as the continued 
improvement of the dissemination of the results of the work achieved so far. In order to 
implement this forthcoming Directive and Recommendation in the Member States over a 
three year period, ECU 1.5 million was carried over from 1994 and should be committed 
in the course of 1995 to this project. 
1.2. STUDIES 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states as an objective, "detailed studies aimed at 
improving knowledge of tourism as an activity, assessment of the impact of current 
Community policies to assist tourism, forward analysis of new types of tourism, and the 
preparation of strategies adapted to keep pace with demand". 
The stimulus for specific topics within this body of research has come from various 
sources: the Community Action Plan To Assist Tourism, recommendations from the 
European Parliament, Member States and professional organisations' representatives. 
Moreover, tourism has featured in other studies produced annually for the benefit of 
European industry in general. For example, recent developments in tourism and the main 
related branches of industry are presented in the 1994 edition of "Panorama of EC 
Industry". This publication gives a full analysis of the current situation and prospects for 
the industrial and service sectors of the European Union12. 
As regards studies concentrating on tourism, a number of them commissioned in 1993 
were developed in the course of 1994 with a view to preparing publications. 
12 DG HI-Eurostat, "Panorama of EC Industry - 1994", Office for Official Publications of the 
European Communities, Luxembourg, 1995. 
11 
"Who's who of tourism" 
Intended for operators in the tourist trade, a compendium was commissioned providing comprehensive 
information about organisations, institutes, international bodies, trade associations etc., in tourism. The 
research has been completed and preparations for dissemination of the information are in progress. 
A practical guide to Community measures affecting tourism 
Following a complete analysis of the various Community policies, funds, programmes and measures 
which impinge on tourism development either directly or indirectly, a practical guide for the benefit of 
professional tourism operators has been drawn up to provide in a clear and straight-forward way 
information which should permit them to benefit from Community initiatives and actions affecting 
tourism. The final report was completed in 1994 for publication in 1995. 
Study on Fiscal and Budgetary Policies affecting tourism 
This study is essentially a comparative analysis of fiscal and budgetary policies which affect tourist 
activities within the Member States of the European Union and in countries which compete in the same 
tourist market outside of the EU. Moreover, what is of interest is the impact on tourism of fiscal and 
budgetary policies, where they exist. Given the scope of this subject it is envisaged that this study will 
be completed in 1995. 
"Making Europe More Accessible" 
Intended for main stream tourist operators who wish to cater for clients with disabilities, this manual 
will contain advice and examples of best practices and information on the key aspects of providing 
tourist services: planning a trip, transport, accommodation, tourist attractions, services provide by travel 
agents and tour operators. The research was completed in 1994 and the final publication is due for 
production in 1995. 
On the basis of invitations to tender, studies were commissioned in 199413, dealing with 
various issues of interest to those in the tourist industry. 
Study on "Yield management in small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourist industry" 
"Yield management" consists of optimising the computerised management of reservations in tourist 
services (mainly transport and accommodation). On the basis of detailed knowledge of consumer flows, 
and certain consumer groups, it is possible to adjust the price of services over very short periods of time 
in order to reduce the highly perishable nature of unused tourism services. The purpose of this study is 
to analyse the ways and means of adapting "yield management" techniques already used in some 
tourism service sectors to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourist industry. 
"Study on Business and Conference Tourism" 
The purpose of this study is to provide a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of supply and demand 
for business and conference tourism (including incentive tourism). The evaluation must also investigate 
the problems associated with its development." 
The final reports for the two studies commissioned in 1994 are due in the last quarter of 
1995. 
13 Call for Tenders 94/C 122/07 OJ C 122/07 of 8.5.1994. 
12 
Other research was also commissioned in 1994, to provide tourists with a source of 
practical consumer information covering the whole of the European Economic Area. 
1.3. CASE STUDIES 
Within the context and objectives of the Tourism action plan, Community action is 
designed to promote a better seasonal distribution of tourism. 
In 1994, action was taken to support the setting-up of an international framework for the 
exchange ofinformation and monitoring of the activities of governments and the tourism 
industry. Action was also taken to encourage better co-ordinated actions and strategies 
aimed at promoting the use of tourism infrastructure and facilities outside the peak 
season. 
As a follow up to the conference on the staggering of holidays held in Noordwijk in 1991, 
a conference was organised in Dusseldorf on 6/7.12.1994. Representatives of the 
Commission, the European Parliament, 13 national governments and various tourism 
industry organisations attended. 
The main objective was to identify possible techniques for staggering holiday-taking 
more evenly throughout the year, in order to relieve congestion at peak times. Member 
States were asked to exchange information about successful methods employed firstly, to 
promote off-peak tourism. 
Legislation at the European level, it was generally agreed, was not the appropriate 
solution to achieve a staggering of holidays in Europe, but rather a voluntary system 
should be established. In recognition of the need for greater co-ordination of the 
information available on holiday periods among the Member States, the Commission 
presented a proposal for a new European wide initiative, HODEO. 
The Holiday Dates Exchange Operation is intended to facilitate the exchange of 
information on school and employment holidays among the Member States. Information 
is collected in a standard format, on a voluntary basis, from the Member States and 
regions, at least once a year 
On the offer side, the study on yield management commissioned in 1994 will also 
complement this work when it is completed. 
The development of a survey for gathering information on tourist behaviour is under 
consideration as a useful tool for planning measures to adjust the offer with a view to a 
better staggering of holidays. 
1.4. CONFERENCES AND TRADE FAIRS 
In recent years, a body of work in the various fields of tourism has been developed: pilot 
projects dealing with rural, cultural and environmental tourism issues and a series of 
studies analysing the impact of a range of phenomena on the tourism industry. One of the 
principal objectives is to disseminate the results and the best practices developed. 
Conferences were organised in 1994 for the exchange of information and best practise 
and for the purposes of strengthening co-operation and co-ordination . 
13 
"Eurotourism-Research and Perspectives", Ha t kid iki, Greece, 15/16.5.1994 
Organised jointly by the Commission and the Greek Ministry of Tourism during the 
Greek Presidency, the major objective of this conference was to discuss and evaluate the 
European Commission's Tourism Study Programme, 1990-1993, which was put in place 
to measure the effect of European policies and techniques on tourism flows, jobs and 
infrastructure whilst also monitoring the various forms of tourism and their promotion. 
Moreover, the conference attempted to determine directions for the implementation of the 
study programme's suggestions as well as for the need for future research. Some twenty 
papers were presented to an audience of 150 participants from both the public and private 
sectors, during five sessions. The sessions dealt with a "structural analysis of the tourism 
sectors", "the potential for development in the tourism sector", "Tourist flows to Europe 
and inside Europe", a brainstorming session on the "Future Tourism Research and 
European Tourism Actions" and a conclusion. The conference served to stress the 
importance of research as a necessary precursor to the development of effective tourism 
policies and the need for close co-operation between the European Tourism industry and 
the European Institutions. 
"Eurotourism-Culture and Countryside", Athens, 27/28.5.1994 
This conference on rural and cultural tourism was organised jointly by the Commission 
with the Greek Presidency. The aim of the conference was to present specific Community 
actions promoting rural and cultural tourism, encourage networking between the actors 
concerned and present some of the most outstanding rural and cultural projects that had 
been financed in the years prior to the implementation of the Action Plan. A brochure was 
produced containing information on the 48 rural and cultural projects supported by the 
Commission in English, French and German14. Each project is described briefly setting 
out its innovative or good practice characteristics with details of the partners involved. 
Technical Meetings on Proposed Legislation 
When considering the tourist as a consumer, a balance needs to be assured between 
ensuring the greatest availability of choice for the consumer, protection of his physical 
safety and his legal and economic rights and the creation of favourable conditions that 
permit continued development of the tourist industry. To this end, in 1994 several 
technical meetings were organised to better inform the tourist industry of the potential 
impact of some proposed and existing consumer legislation. In the case of the proposed 
Distance Selling Directive and the Package Travel Directive, many in the tourist industry 
were surprised to discover that their activities would be within the scope of the legislation 
and were concerned at the potential consequences on their activities. 
With the co-operation of the Consumer Policy Service two technical workshops were 
organised. 
A technical workshop on the progress of the proposed Directive concerning the purchase 
of contracts for the use of Timeshare properties'3 was held in Brussels, 22.2.1994. The 
main objective was to bring together representatives of all the interested parties: the 
timeshare sector, the consumer organisations, national experts and the European 
institutions to discuss the progress of the Directive through the European institutions and 
to consider the potential impact of the adopted legislation on a tourist sector. It was 
14 "Eurotourism : Culture and Countryside", ISBN 92-826-8836-4, OPOCE, Luxembourg, 1994. 
15 COM(93) 487 final. 
14 
concluded that a speedy adoption of the Directive was needed and the professional sector 
agreed to consider possible voluntary codes of self-conduct to take account of the further 
rapid changes occurring in the sector not considered in the Directive. 
On 29.4.1994, in Brussels, a second technical workshop was organised concerning the 
proposed Directive on contracts negotiated at a distance16 and on the impact of 
implementation or non-implementation of the Package Travel Directive17 in the Member 
States. Again, this meeting was attended by all the interested parties: European and 
national experts, industry professionals and consumer representatives. With regard to the 
implementation of the package travel directive, there was an exchange of information on 
the types of guarantee schemes that had been established under article 7, of the Directive 
in the various Member States that had already implemented legislation and the effects on 
the tourist industry. In the case of those that had not yet implemented it was an 
opportunity to indicate the types of difficulties being experienced. 
"Staggering of Holidays" Conference, Diisseldorf 6/7.12.1994 (see CASE STUDIES). 
Trade fairs 
Trade fairs offer the Commission a means of direct contact with all aspects and levels of 
the tourist industry and of presenting the results and best practices of projects that it has 
supported. The "Internationale Tourismus Börse" , held annually in Berlin ("ITB" is the 
largest annual tourism trade fair), was identified as an appropriate venue for participation 
by the Commission services responsible for tourism in the context of a "European Day" 
based on the theme of "Tourism and the Environment"18. To complement this action a 
brochure was also produced detailing the projects realised in the field of tourism and the 
environment19. 
1.5. BROCHURES 
The real added value of supporting innovative and demonstrative tourism projects rests in 
providing widespread information to all interested parties about them with a view to 
encouraging their transfer elsewhere in the European Union. To this end two brochures 
were produced in 1994, on European rural and cultural tourism projects and on projects 
concerned with tourism and the environment in Europe. 
2. SPECIFIC COMMUNITY ACTIONS TO ASSIST EUROPEAN 
TOURISM 
Building on the development of improved knowledge among tourism professionals and 
relying on better co-ordination and co-operation mechanisms between the relevant 
partners, this second objective of providing assistance for specific measures is intended to 
lead to the development of actions which are innovative, transferable and of an exemplary 
16 (COM(93)396finalSYN411)OJC308of 15.11.1993, p. 18. 
17 Council Directive on package travel, package holidays and package tours of 13.6.1990 OJ L 158 of 
23.6.1990 p. 59. 
18 The objective was to present the results of the call for proposals 92/C 51/16, OJ of 26.2.1992 
concerning tourism and the environment. 
19 Tourism and the Environment in Europe, An introduction along with reports on some European 
projects in tourism. ISBN 92-826-9916-1. 
15 
nature which can be used for the purpose of disseminating information on best practice. 
The specific Community actions to assist European tourism presented in this section 
follow the order of Annex 1 of the Council Decision 92/421/EEC. Nevertheless, it is 
noted that the presentation of these actions could in future follow a logic which better 
illustrates how they can serve, to develop a more competitive tourism offer relying on a 
diversified and sustainable development and contributing to the satisfaction of the tourists 
needs and expectations. 
2. L TRANSNA TIONAL A CTIONS 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: Community action is designed to promote 
transnational tourist development initiatives covering different sectors of the industry. 
Pilot projects selected under the Action programme 199320 (with a total Community 
contribution of ECU 808,778) were completed in 1994 with a view to realising several 
transnational objectives 2I, such as: 
improved co-operation structures between public, private and professional bodies 
and individuals in the tourism sector from the border regions or similar regions in 
different countries which are very often characterised by their decentralised nature, 
in order to permit full exploitation of the benefits of the Single Market; 
improved tourist information provision, in terms of the techniques used for 
transmitting information to tourism professionals and subsequently to the general 
public and also the development of direct tourist information tools using new 
technology. 
Transnational Actions 93/94: Selection of projects in the field of tourist information provision 
using technology 
Coordinator: Automobile Association (UK), ATIS 
Project: CIRT-Cross-border Information for Road & Travel 
The project, run within the ATiS consortium, involves the automobile and touring associations of 6 
countries: UK, Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy and Switzerland as users. Its main objectives are to 
provide standardised general travel & regulatory information necessary for motor & general travel in 
European countries. The system runs under a graphical user interface in a Windows environment for 
storing and maintaining data. This data base system allows distributed electronic communication 
facilities to transmit information across many nodes across the EC. Information includes consulate 
addresses, national regulations on speed limits, alcohol levels for drivers, requirements for driving 
licenses, import and export requirements/restrictions; etc. 
Coordinator: Regione Toscana (Italy) 
Project: ETI-Europcan Tourism Information & Booking 
Implementation of a pilot project to define a single uniform system for supplying tourists with better 
and more complete information, so that they can take more advantage of the tourist attractions in the 
regions concerned in Spain, Italy and France. Interactive "information points" will be set up, where 
tourists can display and print out all the information they require on the regions covered by the network. 
Ways of connecting into reservation systems will also be examined. A methodology and a common 
logo will be devised. 
20 Community Action Plan to Assist Tourism, Invitation to lender and calls for proposals (OJ C 128 of 
8.5.1993, p. 7). 
21 See annexed table of projects launched under the Action programme 1993 and finalised in 1994. 
16 
Coordinator: TIRS (Germany), 
Project: Rcgionct Saar-Lor-Lux 
The concept and reason for implementation of "Regionet" is to enable smaller European regions to join 
forces together in order to create larger units with a greater supply of tourist offers promoted using a 
common information system which at the same time helps to diminish the costs. The project has four 
objectives: 
The improvement of Quality of the information provided on tourism and culture in the 3 co­
operating regions; 
Development of synergy by connecting existing regional information systems; 
Implementation of a trans-border network based on international standards (EDI, etc.); 
Provision of the above to the general public and private and public organisations through the use 
of electronic information points. 
Communication between the different partners is possible through the use of a central server installed in 
Luxembourg, used as a "Clearing centre". The information distributed by "Regionet" is related to sight 
seeing, accommodation, restaurants, events, leisure/sports, package arrangements, addresses and cure 
facilities. 
In 1994, the programme of work identified measures for developing co-operation with 
Central and Eastern Europe countries (CEEC), as a means notably of complementing or 
preparing for actions to be developed under the PHARE programme: 
campaigns to promote general awareness about the problems of tourism in a market 
economy; 
training activities targeted at middle and senior management in the tourist sector; 
in-depth research designed to promote the development of specific branches of 
tourism or tourism products, in co-operation with Member States. 
Central and Eastern European Countries projects 1993-94 
"Bulgaria & Slovakia Tourism Training Programme" 
On the basis of consultation only, the progress of the Bulgaria & Slovakia project was monitored during 
1994 within the framework of the objectives of the Community Action Plan To Assist Tourism. The 
aims of the project include encouragement of the emergence of a tourism economy in Bulgaria and 
Slovakia which is in accordance with international norms and strengthened co-operation between these 
countries and the European Union with a view to accelerating their participation in an enlarged 
economic area encompassing Central and Eastern Europe. 
"Tourism Co-operation with Belarus: Tourism - a vehicle for development" 
The project in Belarus received assistance in order to help to establish a tourism industry in Belarus by 
creating tourism offices and transferring know-how within the framework of a training programme. The 
work can be viewed as preparation for the intended introduction of a "tourism-TACIS" programme in 
Belarus. 
Central and Eastern European Countries projects 1994-95 : 
"Conference on transferring Skills and know how to Central and Eastern Europe" 
The objectives are to review the current state of tourism and training in Central and Eastern Europe, to 
examine the actual relationship between education and training provision and labour market needs in 
the industry in order to identify current gaps in provision, to draw up an action plans for Central and 
Eastern European countries which address the issues identified in the national reports and to establish a 
EU/Central and Eastern European support network to facilitate the implementation of the action plans. 
17 
"Promotion of Youth Travel in Central Europe" 
The objective to promote youth tourist travel in Central Europe among under 21 year old through the 
provision of a special tourist information and guidance service. This is intended to create a common 
interest base of good co-operation between young people in Central and Eastern European and the EU. 
The development of this project will be backed with experienced Western tourism operational guidance, 
promotion and marketing. 
In 1994, it was identified that strengthening co-operation with Central and Eastern 
European countries, the Maghreb, Cyprus and Malta required further attention regarding 
the transfer of know-how on training, the development of promotional strategies, 
marketing for certain tourism products and the creation of SMEs in tourism. These issues 
have been addressed in the programme drawn up for 1995. 
2.2. TOURISTS AS CONSUMERS 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: Community action aims to support initiatives 
which improve the information of tourists and their protection, in areas such as existing 
classification systems, sign posting symbols, timeshare arrangements, overbooking and 
procedures for redress. 
To complement the consumer awareness campaign launched by the Commission services 
responsible for consumer policy, in March 1993, the Call for Tenders (94/C 122/07) 
launched by the Commission on 4.5.1994 invited proposals for the preparation of a user-
friendly handbook providing relevant consumer information about the Member countries 
of the EEA in order to help tourists protect their rights as consumers when travelling in 
Europe. The handbook will also be backed up with an information technology support 
tool. Once is it completed and in order to promote the work, it will be distributed on 
diskette to a network of 5,000 interested parties. The work was scheduled to be completed 
by the end of 1995. 
The problem of overbooking in hotels and the inconvenience caused to consumers gave 
rise for concern in 1994. The President of the Committee for Transport and Tourism, in 
the European Parliament invited representatives of key organisations to discuss this issue. 
The Commission was also invited to participate and promised to examine the causes and 
extent of accommodation overbooking in the EEA. 
Moreover, tourists as consumers, like to have access to a wide range of competitively 
priced shopping. There is a very close relationship between the tourism and commercial 
sectors: a village or an area without shops is less attractive for the tourist. This issue was 
raised at the seminar held in Brussels, 2.12.1994 on the subject of "Services in small 
villages - The future of retailing in rural areas". Tourists also like lively town centres with 
retail outlets, typical of the area, promoting local products: thus satisfying the tourist 
consumer also contributes to local development; 
2.3. CULTURAL TOURISM 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: Community action is designed both to 
highlight the importance of the cultural heritage for tourism and to promote a greater 
knowledge of the cultures, traditions and ways of life of Europeans. 
18 
The promotion of cultural tourism is a key element in a strategy to co-ordinate, at 
Community level, measures aiming to diversify and upgrade the supply of tourism 
services in Europe. Growing interest in heritage, in regional and local cultures, an 
emphasis on cultural facilities as an engine for economic development (urban 
redevelopment, development of rural environments or degrading industrial areas) and 
growing awareness of the synergy between tourism, leisure and the arts have combined to 
focus attention on cultural tourism. 
In an increasingly competitive global market place there is growing recognition of the 
need to create identities for European tourist destinations (product packaging of European 
tourist offers, like "Art Cities in Europe", "Routes to the Roots" etc.). Information 
technology developments are increasingly opening up possibilities for promoting cultural 
tourism through the use of marketing tools such as GDS (Global Distribution Systems). 
Although it is widely acknowledged that for their mutual benefit, cultural and tourism 
policies should be complementary, with suitable structures for the exchange of 
information between tourism and culture professionals, these are lacking at a European 
level. It is becoming increasingly clear that there is a need for closer co-operation 
between the Commission and other main players in the field of cultural tourism, e.g. the 
Council of Europe and UNESCO, in order to obtain the maximum value and synergy 
from the pilot actions in the field of culture being developed by each of these bodies. 
There are some difficulties still to be addressed such as a lack of comparative data on the 
demand for and the supply of cultural tourism products, training for students, 
practitioners and managers in the fields of culture and tourism. Effort has to be made to 
develop synergies within the relevant Community programmes. 
As a result of the 1993 programme of work, 18 proposals submitted in response to a call 
for proposals22, were selected in 1994, in order to develop transnational cultural tourism 
products, namely new European cultural tourism itineraries, as set out in the annex of the 
Council decision. The Community contribution of approximately 1.2 MECU was about 
50% of the overall budgetary cost. 
With a view to stimulating the exchange of experience between tourist operators and 
cultural institutions, especially as regards highlighting the value of the cultural heritage, 
the Commission launched a Call for Proposals 94/C 122/07 on 4.5.1994. 11 projects, each 
establishing a cultural network, were selected out of a total of 156 submissions and are 
currently receiving Community finance worth about 1 MECU, accounting for 46% of a 
total budget of 2.124 MECU. 
In the second half of 1995, the cultural networks selected in 1994 are due to be 
completed. It is envisaged that the most innovative projects will subsequently be 
presented during a major international tourism trade fair. The aim will be to stimulate 
effective networking and transfers of know-how. 
Projects completed and initiated in 1994 in the field of cultural tourism and financed by 
the Tourism Unit are listed and described in the following table. A number of projects 
have produced or are producing exemplary results. 
22 Community Action Plan To Assist Tourism, Invitation to tender and calls for proposals, 93/C 
128/09, published in the Official Journal of 8.5.1993. 
19 
Cultural Tourism Projects initiated in 1993 (93/C 128/09) and continued in 1994 (94/C 122/07) 
for completion in 1995 
Naturfreunde Saarland e.V. 
Project: (NEKTAR) Kulturerlebniswegc-Saar-Lor-AI-Lux / Netzwerk Europäische Kultur 
Partners: D, F, L 
The project aims to develop specific cultural tourism itineraries in the regions of Lotharingia, Alsace, 
Luxembourg and Saarland on the themes of history and changes in agriculture and industry. This is 
done through the establishment of a co-operation-network amongst the above regions leading to the 
development of tourism guides. Among several innovative features is the central roles attributed to the 
concepts of "work culture" and "agricultural change", as these major parts of the region's tradition and 
history are too often ignored by tourists. 
It is foreseen that Eco-museums might be created and that there should be a growing community 
interest in industrial culture. 
As a result of this work, the principles can be now be transferred to other areas of Europe so as to 
enlarge the network and create an exchange of experience. 
Forschungsstelle Niedersächsische Auswanderer in den USA, University of Oldenburg 
Project: Routes to the Roots 
Partners: IRL, DK, D, NL, UK, GR, N, FIN, S, IS 
The project's objective is to develop and promote previously defined routes in D, UK, IRL, NL and DK 
which connect those regions with ports such as Liverpool, Bremerhaven, from where large numbers of 
emigrants left for a new life in North America. The idea is that American tourists who are interested in 
their ancestry will be offered the chance to travel along these routes, visiting minor cultural attractions 
that under normal conditions would not attract this target group. In addition to the enlargement of the 
existing network, the partners intend to produce jointly a product manual adapted to the requirements of 
the tourism industry (in Europe and the US), a video and also develop contacts with multipliers in the 
American travel trade. 
Royal National Institute for the Blind 
Project: European Cities within Reach 
Partners: UK, F, I, S 
This project aims to produce a series of publications in Braille and large print for tourists with visual 
impairments. The publications will present the cultural heritage of the cities involved to blind tourists 
when visiting art collections or discovering architecture and life styles through city walks. The concept 
of "taped touch tours/toccare 1'arte" will be extended beyond the existing network whose partners are in 
the process of intensifying their co-operation. 
FYN-TOUR 
Project: Cultural Historical Cruises in the Baltic Sea 
Partners: DK, D, S, N, PL, EST 
The present project will extend the geographical range of an earlier project to the whole Baltic region 
offering cruises on three historical themes. By means of co-operation and exchange of experience 
between the partners, a new quality tourism product will be developed. Through the elaboration of a 
map and the definition of different financing models, the project will contribute to the development of 
an appreciation of the Baltic as a maritime tourism destination, thus, helping to preserve maritime 
traditions and occupations in the region. Following desk and field research, the project organisers will 
present their findings in a seminar followed by an international tourism conference in the Baltic region. 
20 
A Selection of Cultural tourism projects initiated in 1994 (94/C 122/07) for completion in 1995 
Fédération des Offices du Tourisme des Villes Européennes (FOTVE / FECTO) 
Project: Art Cities in Europe 
Partners: A, B, DK, F, D, UK, L, NL, P, E, CH, Malta 
The "Art Cities in Europe" programme will establish a European network of 31 art cities located in 11 
EEA countries. By means of effective co-operation between cultural institutions and tourism 
professionals in both the public and private sectors concerned with cultural tourism, the importance of 
the cultural heritage for tourism - and city tourism in particular - will be highlighted. It is envisaged to 
establish a forum for discussion and develop cultural tourism packages and effective 
marketing/distribution tools. This will include the storage of package information on computer 
reservation systems like Amadeus/START, BTX and Minitel. FECTO will organise a conference to 
disseminate information, exchange experience and evaluate the results of the project considering 
effective co-operation and good practices developed. 
Baltic Tourism Co-operation 
Name of project: BTC Cultural Tourism Project 
Partners: S, DK, D, N, FIN 
The Baltic Tourism Co-operation, the promotional body of the Baltic tourism industry, has almost 100 
members in the ten Baltic countries and on markets outside the area. All members are invited to 
participate in the project. Increased appreciation of the cultural heritage of the region is envisaged 
through ensuring that it is fully integrated and acknowledged in the promotional activities of the Baltic 
tourism industry. Hence, BTC proposes to organise a cultural tourism conference and workshop, 
develop a historical Hanseatic sailing route and create a specific cultural tourism network. The initial 
phase, co-financed by the Commission, is part of a medium term strategy that ultimately will market 
historical Baltic cruises in the second part of the decade. A first cruise will be organised for media and 
tour operators in summer 1995. 
2.4. TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: "The aim of Community action in the area of 
tourism and the environment is to ensure that the environment is more fully taken into 
account". 
The Commission in co-operation with the Member States has developed a European 
Tourism & Environment Prize to help raise awareness throughout the tourism sector of 
the interactions between tourism and the environment. The Commission employed 
consultants to undertake the administration of the prize and assist the Member States in 
the national selection procedure and process. 
The award seeks to identify and reward tourist regions or destinations which show 
outstanding practice in the planning, development and management of "sustainable 
tourism". The award is area-based and does not seek to duplicate existing awards which 
focus on particular products (e.g. hotels) or on particular themes (e.g. transport). The 
entrants (who are often local or regional authorities) have been required to submit bids in 
partnership with the tourism industry at the destination, tour operators, environmental 
groups and other relevant organisations. The prize, intended to be a prestigious award for 
the winning region, is to be given every two years, following an open competition 
organised at the regional, national levels, by competent tourist authorities. 
Another project co-financed during 1994 in the field of tourism and the environment was 
the Earthwatch Network (covering D, NL, I, ES), designed to encourage greater 
conservation awareness amongst tourists and related businesses. 
21 
In addition, in order to support an initiative that encourages all forms of environmental-
friendly tourism, the Commission intends to establish a pan-European network which will 
draw together the main interests from the environment and tourism fields and assist in the 
dissemination of information and guidance to the tourism industry, the public sector and 
other parties. 
2.5. RURAL TOURISM 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: Community action in this field is designed to 
develop tourist activities in a rural environment. 
Tourism needs to be part of a global concept of a rural development plan. While rural 
areas offer great potential for the development of European tourism, tourism, equally has 
had an important role to play in rural development. In regions where, because of their 
location, local communities are susceptible to disintegration, rural tourism can also have a 
role to play in maintaining these communities. Indeed, it is worth noting that under the 
LEADER I Initiative (concluded in 1994), intended to promote via local action groups, a 
bottom-up approach to rural development, tourism was identified as a priority (see Annex 
6, "Community Initiatives" for further details on "Leader"). 
Support for improved information for rural tourism operators and better access to the 
various Community aid schemes available for rural tourism was provided inter alia 
through a number of Community measures. The launch and realisation of the "Practical 
guide: Community measures affecting tourism" provides a complete analysis of the 
various Community policies, funds, programmes and measures which impinge on tourism 
development, including those affecting rural tourism development. 
Improvements in the quality of rural tourism and the implementation of best practices 
with regard to the products and services offered is heavily dependent on training. In 1994, 
the Commission's invitation to submit projects2, concerned with the development of 
tourism training and means of attracting young people to take up careers in the various 
aspects of the tourism industry, was also pertinent to the development of rural tourism. 
The definition and harmonisation of quality criteria and symbols on a voluntary basis 
within Europe for rural tourism products (e.g. rural tourism accommodation) and the 
development of a methodology for harmonised implementation is considered by experts 
to be essential for the definition and marketing of rural tourism products (e.g. criteria for 
computer reservation systems). The European Parliament24 and the Committee of the 
Regions25 also expressed the need for common quality criteria and symbols for European 
rural tourism. Work was developed in response to this by the Commission via a rural 
tourism expert group with a view to developing voluntary quality criteria for use by the 
industry. 
The conference "Eurotourism - Culture and Countryside" served to promote rural 
tourism, networking, and exchange of best practices. 
23 94/C 122/07 on 4.5.1994. 
24 Opinion of the Transport and Tourism Committee, EP. 210.138 of 20.10.1994. 
25 Resolution CDR 209/94 fin. 
22 
2.6. SOCIAL TOURISM 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: "Community activity in this field seeks to 
facilitate access to tourism by groups of people who for various reasons; but especially 
for social or health reasons, have difficulty in taking holidays". 
To promote a better sharing of information concerning the various methods used in the 
Member States to encourage holiday taking by certain categories of tourists, research was 
commissioned26 for the production of a guidebook for tourists with disabilities travelling 
in Europe; and for a manual of good practice for tourism professionals who may have to 
deal with travellers with disabilities. 
Research for the guidebook "Accessible Europe" was completed in 1994, and it is 
planned to make the country guides and general advice booklet available in 1995. As a 
supplement to mainstream guides, this publication is intended to provide tourists with 
disabilities with useful information on choosing, planning and booking holidays, possible 
sources of funding, insurance and healthcare, travelling and details on the destination plus 
useful information on specialist contacts. 
The "Group Independent living-Tourism for all" was established within the framework of 
the Community Action Plan to Assist Tourism and "Helios II", the third Community 
action programme to assist disabled people27 and convened on two occasions in 1994. 
This initiative represents a first step in realising the Commissions intention to provide 
support for the co-ordination between Member States of measures aimed at eliminating 
barriers to the development of tourism for the disabled and for the exchange of 
information in this field. 
Senior citizens represent an increasingly important segment of the tourist market and as 
such require greater consideration to be given to their needs as tourists if they are to be 
encouraged to take holidays in greater numbers than they do already. As the most 
commonly used form of transport for departing on holidays is the private motor car, 
support (11,000 ECU) was given to the Alliance internationale de Tourisme/Fédération 
Internationale d' Automobile (AIT/FIA) to prepare a study looking at the mobility of 
elderly people with particular attention paid to the aspects of tourism and the use of the 
motor car. The report was completed in 1994. 
2.7. YOUTH TOURISM 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: "Community action in this field is,... aimed at 
both promoting young people's knowledge of cultures and lifestyles in the various 
member states and at making it easier for young people to take holidays." 
The frequency and variety of tourism experiences gained by young people will influence 
their travel and tourism habits in later life. The 1994 "Study and pilot actions in youth 
tourism" seeks to examine opportunities to improve tourism for young people and thereby 
promote their knowledge of cultures and lifestyles in the various Member States. In order 
to develop the concept of "European Classes", a four-phase research project was 
commissioned covering, research, group discussion in an expert workshop, the 
26 Calls for Proposals and for Tenders (93/C 128/09), OJ of 8.5.1993. 
27 OJ L 56/93 of 9.3.1993. 
23 
development of models, designed to implement a school exchange network, a practical 
project based on the model selected and a final report on findings with recommendations 
for possible future actions by the Commission. 
The project selected at a cost of ECU 167.615 will try and establish two types of 
exchange model for each identified youth group, and will consider the outcome of 
exchanges organised in industrialised or rural areas. The model selected will be 
implemented in 4 countries using 100 young people as a sample. 
Understanding the demand is essential if the appropriate tourism offers are to be made. 
Thus complementary to this work, support (ECU 50,000) was given in 1994 to the 
European Travel Commission, who prepared a study on the youth travel market, 
identifying the particular market segments, the flows of young tourists to and from 
Europe with a socio-economic break down analysis of young tourists. 
2.8. EDUCA TION AND TRAINING 
Tourism is an important provider of employment in Europe and currently (for several 
regions) one of the very few net sources of job creation and income. Despite the fact that 
tourism is such a significant employer, sometimes an insufficient number of people are 
motivated to work in the sector. The reasons for this derive from the relatively 
unattractive image of employment in tourism. Education and training in tourism, aims to 
provide the managers and the human resources with the necessary qualifications that will 
lead to the establishment of high quality standards in tourism services. 
On that basis, the Council Decision 92/421/EEC states that "Community action in this 
field is aimed, through support for existing policies, at making the tourist industry in the 
Community more competitive through support for increased professionalism in 
Community tourism". 
In 1994, among the five measures listed in this Decision, the Community supported and 
promoted transnational and cross-border pilot projects aiming to28: 
familiarise young people with working in tourism, most notably by disseminating 
information on tourism activities, careers and skills; 
establish transnational and cross-border co-operation aiming to improve education 
and training in all areas of tourism and particularly in the field of training the 
trainers; and create contact networks, in order to improve the quality of the services 
offered. 
The ten projects selected were representative of the above measures, examining different 
issues relevant to tourism education and training: in the Alpine regions; developing and 
transferring training methodologies for tourism SMEs, involving education/training for 
sustainable tourism29. The EC financial contribution committed in 1994 for these projects 
was ECU 1,260,000. The monitoring of projects is to be continued during 1995. 
28 OJC 122, of 4.5.1994. 
29 A table of the ten projects is provided in Annex 3. 
24 
Selection of Tourism Education and Training Projects 1994 
"European Education & Training Initiative in Sustainable Tourism Management" 
By developing pilot curriculum material which can be employed and adapted in a variety of cultural 
settings throughout the EEA, and by disseminating good practice through existing transnational 
networks, the project provides an influential and cost effective means of improving the quality of 
tourism education & training. This project trains managers in the management of sustainable tourism 
development in order to ensure that the European tourism industry will remain competitive, maintain its 
economic sustainability and conserve its cultural and environmental resources. 
"Familiarisation of young people in Greece with careers in tourism: An Anglo-Greek 
comparison" 
The aim of this action developed in Athens and Nottingham, is to familiarise young people with 
working in tourism, most notably by disseminating information on tourism activities, careers and skills 
in Greece, in comparison with the UK. The actual target groups will be determined following the 
preliminary group discussions and surveys included in the project. School children aged between 15-16 
are the main target group. This project, having a comparative character, gives an in-depth insight of 
measuring the impact of this familiarisation by conducting questionnaire surveys in schools and by 
analysing and presenting their results. 
"Impact & Challenges of Future Labour markets for Systems of Education and Training in 
Tourism in the Alpine Regions of Austria, Italy & France 
By focusing on the Alpine region, this project aims to examine the changing trends in tourism 
employment as a result of the strong secular changes in the structure, conduct and performance of the 
various sub-sectors of tourism. In particular, this projects examines the efficiencies in the functioning of 
labour and training/education markets in establishing an adequate long-term supply of manpower to 
meet the changing demands for labour in tourism and its sub-sectors. 
Meanwhile co-operation and co-ordination with other Commission services continued for 
1994, mainly through the programmes FORCE and EUROTECNET. 
2.9. PROMOTION IN THIRD COUNTRIES 
The Council Decision 92/421/EEC states: "Community action in this field is directed at 
making Europe a more attractive destination for tourists from distant countries". 
In the last decade, Europe's relative market share of world tourism has declined as 
competition from emerging destinations has increased. The objective of the "Community 
action is to encourage more international visitors to come to Europe by raising awareness 
in target markets about Europe. 
Attention has been focused on promoting Europe as a tourist destination both to major 
existing markets, specifically the United States, and those which show rapid growth, 
notably Japan. The campaign is intended primarily for leisure visitors and seeks to 
promote the concept of Europe as an experience rather than specifically promoting any 
one of the many tourist products which exist. 
Campaign actions launched in 1994 concerned the USA market and included an 
advertorial in a major American magazine, use of a series of large illuminated display 
panels in seven US airports, the screening of 60-second video slots on 15,000 internal US 
flights and a total of 240 minutes divided into two-minute slots on an American cable 
television station. The overall intention is to influence in the long-term, potential clients 
who can be classed in the "young achievers" category. To monitor interest, a freephone 
number has also been established permitting direct responses from interested clients. In 
addition, an evaluation exercise (a "before and after" consumer survey on views of 
Europe) was included as a part of the overall campaign. The results are to be available in 
25 
1995. 
A research project examining market trends relating to inbound tourists was started by the 
European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) during 1994. The objectives of this project 
are to monitor the trends of major European destinations; identify new products and 
markets; and oner background research of future promotion actions to be undertaken in 
the future. 
3. CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION TO ENSURE 
GREATER CONSISTENCY OF COMMUNITY MEASURES 
As a result of in-depth discussions, the institutional dialogue improved during 1994 and 
actions were taken to strengthen co-operation and co-ordination at all levels (European, 
national, local) in order to achieve a more consistent and systematic approach to tourism. 
3.1. THE TOURISM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 
The Tourism Management Committee30, created to assist with the implementation of the 
tourism action plan and composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by 
the Commission was convened on four occasions during 1994 (4.1.1994, 24.3.1994, 
28.6.1994 and 14.11.1994) to assess the completion of the programme of work 
implemented in 1993, and for the purposes of consultation and approval of the 1994 work 
programme and its various elements. At the meeting of 14.11.1994, the Management 
Committee received an executive report of actions realised in 1994 to assist tourism and 
their budgets. Subsequently, the programme of work to be implemented under the 
Community Action Plan To Assist Tourism in 1995 was discussed and agreed with the 
Commission. 
Participation in this Committee was expanded to include representatives, from Finland, 
Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Austria, as a result of their membership of the European 
Economic Area and their financial contribution to the 1994 budget of the Tourism action 
plan which permitted active participation in all initiatives launched by interested parties 
from these countries. 
30 Council Decision on a Community Action Plan to Assist Tourism, Article 3,2. 
26 
3.2. THE TOURISM AD VISOR Y COMMITTEE AND INDUSTR YREPRESENTA TIVES 
The Tourism Advisory Committee11 and Industry Representatives, were convened on four 
occasions (5.1.1994, 25.3.1994, 1.7.1994, and 15.11.1994), for more general discussions 
on issues having an impact on tourism and for the purpose of exchanges of information. 
Moreover, for the first time a meeting was held with the National Tourist Boards on the 
issue of promoting Europe as a tourist destination in third countries, particularly the USA, 
in concertation with the promotion measures being implemented under the action plan. 
Again participation in the Advisory Committee was expanded to include the EEA-EFTA 
countries. 
3.3. CO-OPERA TION WITH THE PRESIDENCY 
Under the Greek presidency, an informal Council of tourism Ministers, held in Athens, on 
15.4.1994, was presented with the "Report on Community Measures Affecting 
Tourism"32 and a final report on the implementation of a two-year tourism statistics 
programme33. More significantly, the discussions held at this informal meeting of tourism 
Ministers provided the impetus for the Commission to open the debate on the role of the 
Union in the development of tourism in Europe, in the first instance by preparing a Green 
Paper on the subject. 
3.4. INTER-SERVICE CONSULTATION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE 
COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS 
To ensure a consistent approach to tourism in Community measures and policies (both 
direct and indirect) which reflected the objectives of the Council Decision 92/421/EEC, 
inter-service consultation and co-operation between the European Institutions was an on­
going process during 1994, with efforts being made to establish a proactive advisory role 
in the co-ordination of European measures affecting tourism. 
3.4.1 Intcr-scrvicc Consultation 
The Tourism Inter Service Group of the Commission was consulted on among other 
subjects, the first annual "Report on Community Measures Affecting Tourism", the 
implementation of the action plan as well as the development of a proposed Directive and 
Recommendation on gathering harmonised tourism statistics. 
Tourism issues were also taken into consideration within the context and development of 
various policies initiated by other services. "The Local Employment Initiative" (a follow 
up action to the White Paper on Growth, Competition and Employment) has identified 
tourism as an important source of local job creation. Implementation of the "Information 
Society" in order to stimulate greater competitiveness in the Union and Growth is of 
31 Council Decision of" 22.12.1986 instituting a process of consultation and cooperation in the field of 
tourism. OJ L 384/52, 31.12.1986. 
32 Report from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the Economic and Social 
Committee on Community Measures affecting tourism, COM(94) 74 final, Brussels, 8.4.1994. 
33 Final Report from the Commission lo the Council, European Parliament and the Economic and 
Social Committee on the implementation of the Council Decision 90/665/EEC, 17.12.1990 
concerning a two year programme 1991-1992 on the development of Community tourism statistics, 
COM(93)345 final, 1.9.1993. 
27 
interest for the tourism sector which increasingly depends on telecommunications for the 
marketing and sale of tourist products. With regard to the development of a European 
code of conduct for CRS, efforts were made to ensure that consequences for the tourist 
operators were taken into account. With respect to the Structural Funds, agreement of the 
Community support frameworks, Single Programming Documents and Operational 
Programmes has also required that attention be given to the tourism elements. The impact 
of tourism has also been considered in some of the specific research programmes 
developed under the Fourth Framework Programme such as the Environment and Climate 
Programme which is concerned with research for the protection of cultural heritage. 
Within the framework of external affairs, consultations took place to promote consistency 
with Community measures in third countries. The Commission met various delegations 
from Cyprus and Poland in October 1994 in order to exchange information and opinions 
about Tourism Development. "Raphaël", the proposed programme of actions in the field 
of cultural heritage will complement actions realised in the field of cultural tourism. 
Within the framework of the development of "Sustainable Cities" a working group exists 
to consider specifically the impact of Tourism. Spatial planning of the Community 
territory is essential if sustainable development is to be achieved; in this context, tourism 
activities and their location, have been given serious consideration. 
3.4.2. Co-operation between Community Institutions 
The Resolutions of the European Parliament on "Tourism in the approach to the year 
2000" (EP. 178.920 final of 18.1.1994) and the yearly report for 1993 on "Community 
measures affecting tourism (EP. 185.379 final of 15.12.1994) actively supported the work 
in tourism undertaken by the Commission. This support was further underlined by the 
additional 3 MECU allocated by the budgetary authority to the 1995 tourism budget for 
the development of Community Tourism statistics34. The Commission was also able to 
participate in the informal consultations of the European Parliament with Tourism 
industry representatives in the Tourism Inter Group on a range of tourism issues during 
1994. 
The Economic and Social Committee's own initiative Opinion on "Tourism"33 supported 
more attention being focused on the development of the tourist industry in the discussions 
concerning the revision of the European Treaties. It also recommended a follow-up to the 
current tourism action plan once the programmes comes to an end in 1995 and 
contributed to the debate on tourism development in the European Union. 
Similarly, the preparation by Sub-committee 2 "Tourism and Rural Areas" of the 
Committee of the Regions, of an Opinion on the development of Rural Tourism also 
served the same purpose with the discussion in this instance being focused on the 
development of rural tourism policies in the regions of the European Union. 
34 Final adoption of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 1995, JO L 369 
of 31.12.1994, p. 1096. 
35 ESC 453/94 final of 4.8.1994. 
28 
3.5. EXPERTS'GROUPS 
Rural Tourism 
A working group of 10 experts (coming from the main European associations involved in 
rural tourism) has been set up to define and harmonise voluntary quality criteria for rural 
tourism-accommodation and establish a methodology in order to eventually achieve a 
Europeanwide Standard for the definition and marketing of the rural tourism products. 
The work plan was to develop a first draft proposal of quality criteria for several rural 
tourism-offers and a list of symbols which could be agreed by the Member States. 
The group met twice, 21/22.2.1994 and 18/19.7.1994, to elaborate proposals for quality 
criteria for several rural tourism offers and a list of symbols, concerning various types of 
rural tourism offers: "Holidays in the countryside", "Farm holidays", "Holiday flats and 
houses", "Country hotels and country guest houses" and "Country camp sites" as well as 
"Riding holidays". All are examples of theme holidays offered in the countryside. 
As the Group includes representatives from three of the major European rural tourism 
networks with national and regional member organisations, the proposals were 
disseminated for general consultation in order to ensure that national and regional 
differences were taken into consideration, and that any quality criteria finally established 
will be easy to adopt by rural tourism operators on a voluntary basis. 
Social Tourism-"Gro up Independent Living - Tourism for All" 
In joint collaboration, the services of the Commission responsible for tourism and all 
aspects affecting the lives of people with disabilities, have stimulated the creation of a 
forum of experts in the fields of tourism, physical disability and mental disability. The 
participants were nominated by the tourism ministries of the Member States. The Group 
was convened for the first time on 8.3.1994. Under the title of "Group Independent 
living-Tourism for all" it is intended to bring these experts together at least twice per year 
and provide them with the necessary support to develop national networks of interested 
groups to share information and co-ordinate actions concerning the development and 
promotion of tourism in Europe for people with disabilities. The second meeting of this 
group in Brussels took place on 16.11.1994 and for the first time included representatives 
from all the Member countries of the EEA. In 1995, it is intended that sub-groups will be 
established to address specific issues of relevance to both the tourist industry and people 
with disabilities e.g. accessibility standards, information provision, quality etc. The group 
with its national networks of interested NGOs also represents a useful distribution tool for 
the dissemination of information at the national and local level on this particular aspect of 
tourism. 
As far as it is possible to evaluate these direct measures at this stage, it is obvious that 
there have been positive results in terms of their impact and efficacy on tourism 
development (notably, the deepening of knowledge about European tourism, the 
development of exchanges of best practices, the enhancement of transnational co­
operation and the heightened awareness about the role of tourism in fulfilling the 
fundamental objectives of the European Union), though these appear to be variable. 
29 
This general analysis needs to be further qualified by taking into consideration, on the one 
hand, the number and diversity of interventions required under the Council Decision and 
the limited resources available to support them, and on the other hand, the slowly 
evolving interest of the different partners in supporting these actions. Moreover, it should 
not be forgotten that the different actors involved, due to the heterogeneous nature of the 
tourist industry, do not always, nor indeed necessarily, share the same objectives or the 
same level of expertise. 
The second year of implementation of the Action Plan, however, does confirm for all 
concerned the need to keep on building on the common experience, though with a more 
focused approach, relying ever more heavily on co-ordination. 
30 
Ill OTHER COMMUNITY MEASURES AFFECTING 
TOURISM 
Tourism has been identified as a recurring element within the framework of many of the 
other Community measures. ' 
Indeed, the use of tourism as a tool to effect a policy is very much dependent on what the 
overall objective is of the particular measure in question and the degree of recognition 
given to the potential of tourism in the given context. 
Despite the large range of these interventions, however, this report shows how many of 
them relate - though not always in the most co-ordinated way - to what from a tourism 
perspective are considered to be the main elements of any global strategy, namely the 
tourist, the tourist industry and the tourist resources. 
/. THE TOURIST 
Ensuring the satisfaction of the needs of the tourist and facilitating their access to tourist 
opportunities, within the framework of tourism development, represents one of the three 
major priorities of any tourism development. The tourist, in order to realise his tourist 
expectations, needs to be able to travel with the minimum of restrictions, requires 
sufficient consumer information in order to be able to take up the tourism opportunities 
that exist and also to protect his personal safety and his legal and economic rights while 
outside of his usual environment. During 1994, within the framework of Community 
measures, a wide range of issues have been addressed which ultimately will serve to 
benefit the tourist in terms of greater freedom of movement, protection of personal 
interests and improved access to tourism, albeit indirectly. 
Some would go further and consider that European citizens have a right to tourism and 
leisure in the same way that they have a right to employment36. In this context, measures 
within the European Union have been undertaken to help to remove those obstacles which 
were preventing some citizens from taking holidays. 
/. 1. FREE MO VEMENT OF THE TOURIST 
In conformity with the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice, Community nationals as 
recipients of tourism services already enjoy rights of entry and of stay. 
1.1.1 The elimination of physical frontiers 
Article 7A of the Treaty calls for the establishment in stages of an internal market 
comprising "an area without internal frontiers". 
There are difficulties in attaining this objective, which contributes to the freedom of 
movement of tourists and the development of tourism, and these have prompted, for 
example, the resolution of the European Parliament of 11.3.1994 on the incompatibility 
36 "Tourism in the approach of the year 2000" EP 178.920/final, of 18.1.1994. 
31 
of passport checks carried out by certain airlines with Article 7a of the EC Treaty37. 
/. 1.1.1. Checks on persons 
Under paragraph 3 of Article 100C of the EC Treaty, and following its proposal for a 
Regulation of December 1993 determining the third countries whose nationals must be in 
possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the Member States38 and its 
proposal for a Decision of December 1993 establishing the Convention on the crossing of 
the external frontiers of the Member States39, on 4.8.1994 the Commission presented a 
proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down a uniform format for visas40. 
The Commission proposed that this visa, which should be uniform and clearly 
identifiable, should be issued by the Member States, and produced in the form of a sticker 
to be glued in the holder's travel document, containing all the necessary information and 
meeting very high technical standards, notably as regards safeguards against 
counterfeiting and falsification. 
In the same field, the Commission has also begun to draw up proposals for Directives on 
the right of nationals of non-Community countries to travel within the Community, and 
on the elimination of checks on persons at internal borders. 
It is very clear that this set of measures is such as to encourage flows of tourists, as much 
from within the Community as from non-Community countries, and to give these tourists 
the feeling that Europe, as such, is a single tourist destination. 
In view also of the progress made by the end of 1994 in the preparations for 
implementing the Schengen Agreement, the Schengen Executive Committee set 
26.3.1995 as the date of entry into force of Schengen Agreement concluded among seven 
countries of the Union, i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, 
Portugal, and Spain. 
1.1.1.2. Public Health 
Protection of the tourist is a stated objective of the Community action plan to assist 
tourism41. With greater movement of tourists, a part of that protection involves public 
health. The scope of EU policies and measures that have a bearing on the protection of 
the health of tourists is broadening. In 1994 the Commission proposed four Community 
action programmes on health promotion, combating cancer; combating AIDS42 and other 
transmissible diseases and the prevention of drug addiction. 
On 1.6.1994, the Commission adopted a communication accompanied by a proposal for a 
Parliament and Council Decision adopting a programme of Community action 
(1995-1999) on health promotion, information, education and training43. This programme 
37 OJ C 91, 28.3.1994, p. 316. 
38 OJC 11, 15.1.1994, p. 15. 
39 OJC 11, 15.1.1994, p. 6. 
40 OJ C 238, 26.8.1994, p. 8. 
41 Article 4 ,2(0 (92/421/EEC) OJ L 13.8.1992. 
42 A Common position was adopted 2.6.1994 on the Council and Parliament Decision to prolong the 
programme "Europe against Aids" -1991-1993- ( 4.6.1991, OJ L 175, of 4.7.1991) until 
31.12.1995 with a budget of ECU 18 million. "Activity 3" of this programme is concerned with the 
problems associated with travel and tourismCouncil Decision. 
43 COM(94) 202, Bull 6-94, point 1.2.201 of 1.6.1994, OJ C 252 of 9.9.1994 p. 3. 
32 
identifies priority areas for actions designed to influence behaviour in the field of health. 
1.1.2. The elimination of fiscal barriers 
Council Directive 94/4/EC of 14.2.199444 increases allowances for travellers from third 
countries and the limits on duty-free purchases in intra-Community travel. 
1.1.2.1. Duty-free shops 
Directive 94/4/EC raised from ECU 45 to ECU 90 the limit on duty-free purchases per 
passenger and per journey in the sales outlets permitted under Article 28k of Directive 
77/388/EEC45, as amended by Directive 91/680/EEC46 and 92/12/EEC47. The Member 
States were required to incorporate the new limit in their legislation by 1.4.1994 at the 
latest. 
1.1.2.2. Travellers from non-Community countries 
The limit of ECU 45 was raised to ECU 175 by the above-mentioned Directive 
94/4/EEC. For travellers under 15 years of age, the limit was raised from ECU 23 to ECU 
90. The Directive also contains transitional measures for Spain, as already mentioned in 
the 1993 Report48. 
The derogation for Germany was amended once again by Council Directive 94/75/EEC 
of 22.12.199449, amending Directive 94/4/EC and introducing a derogation measure 
applicable to Austria. Germany and Austria are authorised until 1.1.1998 at the latest, to 
apply a duty-free limit of not less than ECU 75 to goods imported by travellers entering 
German and Austrian territory across a land border linking them to countries other than 
the Member States and the EFTA member countries, or, where applicable, by coastal 
navigation from the said countries. 
1.2. PROTECTION OF THE TOURIST AS A CONSUMER 
The second year of the Second Action Programme for Consumer Policy (1993-1995)50 
continued to focus on the improvement of the main areas of consumer rights - consumer 
information, protecting consumers' physical health and safety, and representing and 
protecting the legal and economic interests of consumers. 
44 OJ L 60, 3.3.1994, p. 14. 
45 OJ L 145, 13.6.1977, p. 1. 
46 OJ L376, 31.12.1991, p. 1. 
47 OJ L76, 23.3.1992, p. 1. 
48 Report on Community measures affecting tourism COM(94) 74 final, 1.3.1994, p. 26. 
49 OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 52. 
50 COM(93) 378 final, 28.7.1993; Report on Community measures affecting tourism COM(94) 74 
final 1.3.1994. 
33 
Consumer participation, information and education 
Consumer Participation 
Following the Commission's Decision51, the functioning and membership of the Consumers' 
Consultative Council were modified. The European Consumers Forum was also set up with the aim of 
bringing together once or twice a year, representatives of those concerned with consumer affairs, 
namely producers, consumers, industry, experts and social partners. The first meeting of the Forum 
took place on 4.10.1994". The issues discussed were "guarantees and after sales services" and " access 
of consumers to justice" the latter being of special interest to tourists. 
Consumer Information and Education 
In "The European Consumer guide to the Single Market"" which provides useful information about 
consumer rights within the framework of European legislation in about twenty different areas, a whole 
section is devoted to tourism and travel. It covers the Package Travel Directive and the Council 
Regulation on the compensation system for denied boarding of scheduled flights, car hire across the 
Member States, the code of conduct relating to centra! reservation systems and health cover using the 
El 11 within the European Union. In view of the growing interest in electronic publications in general 
and in the INTERNET in particular, the "European Consumer's Guide to the Single Market" has also 
been made available via the World Wide Web (WWW). 
The "Co-line European Network" represents a pilot project to link a series of databases in Portugal, 
Spain, France, Luxembourg and Germany which provide information (references plus a summary) on 
applicable consumer legislation at the Community, national and regional level. It includes issues 
affecting tourism. The intention is to extend this network to Ireland, Italy, Greece, Belgium and Austria. 
1.2.1. Health and physical safety 
1.2.1.1. EH LASS - A ccident Prevention 
The Parliament and Council Decision (3092/94/EC)54 adopted on 7.12.199455, established 
a Community system of information on home and leisure accidents many of which take 
place in a tourist context. Over a period of 4 years information will be collected from 
hospitals and households on such accidents in order to take preventative measures. In 
1994, Member States received an 80% Community contribution to ensure the 
implementation of the system. 
1.2.1.2. Fire Safety in Hotels 
In response to the Resolution issued by the European Parliament of May 1994, the 
Commission has undertaken the initiative to produce a study on fire safety in hotels. The 
objectives are to analyse the application of existing EC and national regulations in this 
field across the Member States and formulate proposals, not necessarily of a regulatory 
nature, on how to improve fire safety in hotel accommodation. 
1.2.1.3. Safety of Gas and Liquid Fuel Appliances 
In the wake of an increasing number of reports of domestic accidents and deaths taking 
place either in the home or in tourist accommodation, caused by carbon monoxide 
poisoning resulting from either the faulty installation or maintenance of gas and liquid 
fuel appliances, the Commission launched a study on this subject56. The study is intended 
51 Decision 94/146/EC OJ L 64, 8.3.1994. 
52 Bulletin EU 10-1994 1.2.124. 
53 OPOCE, Luxembourg 1995. 
54 OJ L331 of 21.12.1994 p. 1. 
55 A proposal for a Council and Parliament Decision to modify this decision was in progress during 
1994. 
5ft 'Safety of Gas and Liquid Appliances' Call for Tender OJ C 235/13 of 23.8.1994. 
34 
to look at the provisions made across the Member States concerning the safety aspects of 
the installation and the maintenance of such appliances and consider possible courses of 
action to reduce the number of accidents that are occurring. By focusing on a specific 
sector where a need for attention has been established this study is also in line with the 
provisions of the "Communication from the Commission on new directions on the 
liability of suppliers of services"57. It is also complementary to the proposed amendments 
to the Directive on appliances burning gaseous fuels 58. 
1.2.2. Economic and legal interests 
Tourists, because of the nature of tourism activities, often find themselves in a vulnerable 
position with regard to their economic and legal interests. They buy tourism products and 
services, sight unseen, relying on the accuracy of information provided and while on 
holiday have to rely more heavily, on others to protect their interests. A number of 
consumer measures are of particular interest to the tourist sector. 
L 2.2.1. The Package Travel Directive59 
This Directive aims by setting minimum standards to approximate laws relating to package 
holidays, package tours and package holidays and also establish common minimum 
standards of protect and thus offer the consumer comparable conditions in any of the 
Member States. 
As yet, the Directive has not been transposed by all Member States into their national 
legislation even though the deadline for implementation was 31.12.1992 to take effect 
from 1.1.1993. By the end of 1994 nine countries had notified the Commission of 
transposition: Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Portugal, the 
Netherlands, Italy, France and Denmark. Ireland, Greece and Spain have still not done so 
to this date. 
The biggest problem with implementation has been associated with the creation of 
guarantee schemes to protect consumers' interests following the purchase of a package, 
prior to departure and after departure in the holiday destination. The Commission intends 
to carry out a study concerning article 7 of the Directive and the problems it has given rise 
to in the Member State as regards creating guarantee schemes. 
1.2.2.2. Times hare 
The Directive concerning protection for purchasers in respect of contracts relating to the 
purchase of the right to use immovable properties on timeshare basis was finally adopted 
on 26.10.199460. It seeks to regulate a growth sector of the tourist market that is evolving 
rapidly, particularly in the types of products on offer. The Directive lays down provisions 
concerning the prior information which purchasers must receive on the constituent parts 
of a 'timeshare' contract, the procedures for cancellation and withdrawal from the contract 
(consumers have a 10-day cooling period) and places a ban on advance payments during 
the 'cooling period'. This is a major step towards enabling consumers in any Member 
State to purchase rights in timeshare properties in any other Member States, confident 
that their legal and economic interests are protected. The Directive should be 
57 COM(94) 260 final, 23.6.1994 Brussels. 
58 Council Directive 90/396/EEC. 
59 Council Directive 90/314/EEC, OJ L 158/59, 23.6.1990. 
60 Council and Parliament Directive, 94/47/EC, OJ L 2802/83. 29.10.1994. 
35 
implemented by all Member States no later than 30 months after its publication in the 
Official Journal. The Directive does not make any provisions concerning the long-term 
management and maintenance of timeshare properties or the resale of timeshare rights as 
is occurring in the more developed markets. 
1.2.2.3. Proposal for a Directive Concerning Contracts Negotiated at a Distance 
("Distance Selling")6' 
This Commission proposal for a Directive sets out the minimum standards of protection 
for consumers when negotiating contracts with suppliers of goods and services at a 
distance by media such the telephone, fax, or TV shopping. 
During 1994, the proposal was the subject of much discussion but was not adopted. The 
text of the proposal under discussion was revised twice with a view to adopting a 
Common Position in 1995. 
The question of the extent to which all services including "services with reservation" (i.e. 
transport, accommodation, catering and entertainment services) will be covered in scope 
of the text has been an issue of discussion. 
1.2.2.4. Communication on New Directions on the Liability of Suppliers of Services62 
Effectively the new approach taken in this Communication means withdrawing the 
proposed Directive covering suppliers of services liability for physical damage to persons 
or property63 which if adopted would have had an impact on tourism services offered 
individually and not already covered by the Package Travel Directive. Instead, the 
Commission now intends to focus on improved information for consumers, the 
preparation of specific texts concerning sectors for which particular needs are established 
and support for initiatives relating to access to justice. 
1.2.2.5. "Access of Consumers to Justice and the Settlement of Consumer Disputes in 
the Single Market" 
This green paper (COM(93) 576)64 which deals with the global issue of what is required 
in order to enable the European consumer to obtain redress wherever his physical safety 
or economic and legal interests have been endangered or breached-an issue of particular 
interest for tourists-received favourable responses from the Council, European 
Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. All 
of these institutions stressed the importance of taking concrete initiatives at Community 
level in order to improve the settlement of consumer disputes. 
7.5. OTHER MEASURES FA CILITA TING A CCESS TO TOURISM 
Various measures associated with strengthening European citizenship or solidarity within 
the social dimension of the Community have had an impact indirectly on improving 
access to tourism for various categories of tourists: people with disabilities; older people; 
etc. 
61 COM(92) 11 of 20.5.1992, OJ C 156 of 23.6.1992 p. 14. 
62 COM(94) 260 final, 23.6.1994 Brussels. 
63 COM(90) 482 OJ C 12, 18.1.1991. 
64 COM(93) 576 of 16.11.1993. 
36 
Sport as a means of strengthening European Citizenship 
Sport and tourism are very closely associated to the extent that often tourism products are heavily 
reliant on sports activities and also sports activities may have important built-in tourism components. 
Within the European Commission, sport has been awarded an initial budget of 2 million ECU of which 
1,3 million ECU has been allocated by the European Parliament to sport for the handicapped and 0,7 
million ECU towards the EURATHLON programme65. 
EURATHLON, which is the first Community programme to assist sport for all, specifically targets aid 
for sport at the grass-roots level. 
1.3.1. Initiatives to Assist Disabled People 
The development of tourist products, facilities and services to cater for tourists with 
disabilities and those accompanying them is a market segment with potential that has still 
to be fully exploited. On 6.12.1994 the Council adopted a Decision (94/782/EC)66 
concerning the continued development until 31.12.1996 of the "Handynet" system within 
the framework of the HELIOS II (93/136/EEC)67 the third Community action programme 
to assist people with disabilities. "Handynet" the multilingual computerised information 
system which offers a database, an electronic journal and a networking facility has been 
extended to improve the available information on technological aids intended to help 
people with disabilities in all aspects of their lives e.g. personal mobility, participation in 
leisure activities and thus tourist activities and general improvements to the normal living 
environment. 
In response to the Council Resolution of 16.12.199168, the Commission drew up a 
Community action programme on the accessibility of means of transport to persons with 
reduced mobility69. This programme lays down the actions which can be taken at 
Community, national, regional and local level for giving easier access to means of 
transport. At the request of the Council Working Party on Transport, at its meeting on 
27.4.1994, the Commission drew up a list of priorities for measures to be taken70. In this 
list, priority is given to drafting legislation laying down minimum standards, such as, for 
example, type-approval guidelines on the particular provisions to be laid down for road 
and rail coaches to give easier access to persons with reduced mobility on the basis of 
existing national specifications, and legislation on the various problems of access and 
movement in airports and aeroplanes. 
This action programme also provides for the coordination of research and information 
programmes. The COST 322 action on research on low-floor buses is aimed at 
demonstrating the need for buses which are easier of access, collecting the points of view 
of passengers and carriers, evaluating efficiency compared with other methods, and lastly 
stipulating the specification criteria for buses and infrastructures. The new work plan 
TIDE (Technological Initiative for Handicapped and Aged Persons) encompasses 
personal control over safety of access to public transport, which monitors projects 
connected with transport in the current TIDE programme. 
65 OJC 297/06 of 25.10.1994. 
66 OJ L 316 of 9.12.1994 p. 42. 
67 OJ L 56 of 9.3.1993 p. 30. 
68 OJC 18, 24.1.1992. 
69 COM(93) 433, 26.11.1993. 
70 SEC(94) 1590, 10.10.1994. 
37 
Three pilot projects on information 
The first, in Newcastle, is to design an information system for local transport. The objective is to draw 
up guidelines and recommendations enabling persons with reduced mobility to obtain the information 
they need for programming their local travel. 
The second, in Barcelona, is to set up a database giving information on urban and inter-city transport 
for persons suffering from motor disabilities. 
Lastly, a third pilot project in Wuppertal aims to design a combined system of information on 
requirements covering the whole transport chain. 
1.3.2. Actions in favour of senior citizens 
Within a tourism context, greater attention to the needs, interests and tastes of older 
tourists is required if such tourists are to be catered for satisfactorily. 
The size of Europe's ageing population is increasing rapidly relative to other age groups 
and thus is requiring greater attention to ensure that this category of European citizens are 
not left on the margins of society but fully integrated into all aspects of life and that there 
is a continuing solidarity between older people and the younger generations. 
The Parliament resolution of 24.2.199471 welcomed the results of both the multi-annual 
action programme and the European Year of Older People. 
As a follow up to these measures, a communication from the Commission has been 
prepared proposing a "Council Decision on Community Support for actions in favour of 
older people". This provides an evaluation report on the actions taken during the 
European Year of Older People and sets out the objectives of this measure with a 
proposed budget of 23 MECU to develop issues relevant to Europe's ageing population 
up to the year 2000. 
2. THE TOURIST INDUSTRY 
The development of the tourist industry is taking place in a context of competitiveness 
which depends to a great extent on the smooth operation of the market mechanisms, i.e. 
the Single Market in this case. However, this will not be possible without assistance in 
the form of measures to offset malfunctions that may appear in the market, and also, more 
generally, to provide the balance which is considered to be indispensable. 
In both cases, the efficiency of the action is subjected to a reliable analysis, using 
high-performance observation tools, in which the statistical apparatus is a key factor. 
71 OJC 77 of 14.3.1994. 
38 
Community statistics: A key element in analysing the development of tourism. 
By continuing the work on implementing the priority actions in the field of statistical information 
(Framework Programme I993-1997)72 the means of analysing and investigating tourism can be 
improved by implementing the measures adopted to improve information on other Community policies. 
In particular, the Commission's proposal on passenger transport and the implementation of the four-year 
programme (1994-1997), which is aimed at providing regular statistics on the environment in 
cooperation with the European Environment Agency,71 will produce a better assessment of the features 
of, and trends in, tourist flows and the state of the European ecosystem, which is one of the essential 
factors in the tourism industry. 
The revision of the European System of Integrated Economic Accounts, which was completed in 1994, 
also affects tourism, in that national economic results can now be compared. 
Particular attention was also paid to tourism as part of the qualitative and quantitative improvement of 
the dissemination of statistical information collected at Union level, since it was included in several 
horizontal publications by the Statistical Office74. 
2.1. THE SINGLE MARKET - A DYNAMIC CONSTRUCTION ASSISTING 
COMPETITIVE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 
For simplicity, we shall distinguish between three types of complementary concerns, 
depending on whether the emphasis is on tourism activity, tourism enterprises or the 
people and techniques employed in tourism. 
2.1.1. Facilitating tourism activity in the framework of the completion of the 
Internal Market 
As stated above, tourism can help to make Community citizens and enterprises fully 
aware of the possibilities offered by the internal market and the advantages it offers in 
terms of competitiveness, growth and employment. 
Among the many actions relating to the operation of the internal market which have been 
undertaken on the basis of the strategic programme "Getting the best out of the Single 
Market"73, some are more particularly concerned with tourism activity. 
2.1.1.1. Eliminating technical and legal barriers 
The idea of an area without internal borders for tourism implies notably free circulation, 
on the one hand of tourists as recipients of tourist services, on the other of tourist 
operators as suppliers of this type of economic activity. Two Court judgements in 1994 
served once again to highlight this double impact on tourism. 
Taking tourists first, it should be noted that for them freedom of movement implies, as a 
consequence, non-discriminatory treatment. This was ruled by the Court of Justice in a 
judgement of 15.3.1994 (Case C-45/93), which states that "by applying a system whereby 
Spanish citizens, foreigners resident in Spain and nationals of other Member States of the 
EEC under 21 years of age benefit from free admission to national museums, while 
nationals of other Member States more than 21 years of age are required to pay an 
entrance fee, the Kingdom of Spain has failed to fulfil its obligations under Articles 7 and 
59 ofthe EEC Treaty". 
72 Council Decision 93/464/EEC, OJ L 219, 28.8.1993. 
73 Council Decision 94/808/EEC, 15.12.1994. 
74 Eurostat catalogue, publication and electronic service, Publications Office, Luxembourg, 1995. 
75 See also the first Annual Report (1993) on the internal market (COM(94) 55), which the 
Commission adopted on 14.3.1994. 
39 
As regards persons professionally engaged in tourism, mention should be made of the 
judgement of the Court of Justice of 22.3.1994 (Case C-375/92) - in the sequel to the 
decisions of 26.2.1991 - concerning access to the profession of tourist guide and 
guide-interpreter, and engagement in these activities. Among the main defects noted by 
the Court in this case should be noted: 
the fact of restricting access to the profession of tourist guide and guide-interpreter 
to persons with Spanish nationality; 
the fact of failing to establish a procedure for examining qualifications acquired by 
a Community national who holds a diploma as tourist guide or guide-interpreter 
issued in another Member State and comparing them with those required by Spain; 
the fact of requiring possession of a licence as evidence of having acquired training 
confirmed by passing an examination as a condition for working as a tourist guide 
and guide-interpreter travelling with groups of tourists from another Member State, 
when that work consists of accompanying those tourists to places other than 
museums or historical monuments where a guide with special qualifications is 
required. 
These decisions each constitute practical responses to particular problems regarding 
freedom of movement of tourists and persons professionally engaged in tourism. 
It should be noted that tourism enterprises wishing to practice transnational activities, 
whether on a permanent basis (under the right of establishment) or only occasionally 
(under a less onerous regime of freedom to supply services), must not be subject to 
excessive national requirements and formalities. Moreover, tourism enterprises continue 
to benefit not only from the increasing harmonisation of the Member States' legislation on 
company law but also from the creation of appropriate structures (EEIGs), the aim of 
which is to make it easier to operate on the European scale. 
2.1.1.2. Elimination of tax barriers 
With regard to direct taxation, in connection with the White Paper on Growth, 
Competitiveness and Employment, the Commission adopted a Communication on the 
improvement of the fiscal environment of small and medium-sized enterprises76, and a 
Recommendation concerning the taxation of SMEs77. All these subjects are sensitive for 
the many SMEs engaged in tourism. 
With regard to indirect taxation, the main work has been to improve and ensure the 
functioning of new common systems78, in-particular through new simplifying measures, 
and also to initiate work on a definitive VAT system. In this connection, on 24.10.1994 
the Council adopted conclusions on the criteria which were essential for establishing a 
definitive VAT system, viz.: 
reducing the administrative obligations on enterprises and authorities and 
76 COM(94) 206 Final, 25.5.1994. 
77 OJL 177, 9.7.1994, p. 1. 
78 On this point, see notably the Commission's reports on "The common system of VAT: 
arrangements for taxing transactions carried out by non-established taxable persons 
(COM(94) 471 final, 3.11.1994) and on "The functioning of the transitional VAT taxation system on 
intra-Community trade" (COM(94) 515 Final, 23.11.1994). 
40 
substantially simplifying taxation; 
no reduction in the tax revenue of the Member States; 
no increase in the risk of tax evasion; 
maintenance of tax neutrality in terms of competitiveness. 
Concerning more precisely the question of the approximation of VAT rates, a 
Commission report79 examines particular VAT aspects of significant interest for the 
tourist and the industry: 
the role that VAT rate approximation plays in the functioning of a single market in 
so far as its influence on the pattern of cross border purchasing behaviour of private 
individuals in that market is concerned; 
the scope of the reduced rate and the coverage of supplies of goods and services laid 
down in Annex H to the sixth Directive; 
the operation of certain transitional VAT rate provisions which may be applied by 
Member States during the transitional period referred to in Article 28 (1) of the 
Directive. 
To this must be added the adoption of the special VAT arrangements applicable to 
second-hand goods, works of art, collectors' items and antiques, as specified in Council 
Directive 94/5/EC of 14.2.199480, supplementing the common system of value-added tax 
and amending Directive 77/388/EEC (Sixth VAT Directive). 
This Directive, since it affects the development of cultural tourism, establishes a 
particular VAT system which consists of taxing at the point of sale the profit margin of 
taxable dealers instead of the total price of the goods in question. Sales between 
individuals are not liable to VAT and can be made throughout the Union without 
formalities. 
In addition, a rate reduced by at least 5% is applied to imports of works of art, collectors' 
items and antiques from non-Community countries by the Member States. 
Up to 30.6.1999 the United Kingdom can apply an effective rate of 2.5% to imports of 
works of art, collectors' items and antiques which were exempt in this country on 1 
January 1993. Up to 30.6.1999 Germany can offer the choice between taxation on the 
profit margin or the application of the reduced rate of VAT on deliveries of works of art, 
collectors' items and antiques. 
The Member States were required to take the necessary steps for the new system to enter 
into force by 1.1.1995 at the latest. 
With more particular regard to tourism services81, the only change to the system described 
in the 1993 report concerns the VAT system applicable to passenger transport, and here -
having consulted the European Parliament - the Commission has forwarded an amended 
proposal for a Council Directive82. Although three of the amendments proposed by the 
Parliament were accepted by the Commission, another - under which the principle of 
79 C0M(95)I84 final, 13.12.1994. 
80 OJ L60, 3.3.1994, p. 16. 
81 Cf. the three tables in Annex 4 for VAT rates applicable to the main tourism services. 
82 COM(94) 378 Final, 7.9.1994, OJ C 266, 23.9.1994, p. 2. 
41 
taxation in the Member State of departure would be extended to all modes of transport as 
from 1.1.1997 - was rejected so as not to prejudice the Commission's future options 
regarding the taxation of passenger transport under a definitive system. 
Still on tax matters, in a judgement of 5.5.1994 (Case C-38/93) the Court had occasion to 
rule that Article 11a, paragraph 1, (a) of the 6th VAT Directive should be interpreted as 
meaning that "the taxable amount in respect of gaming machines offering a chance of 
winning (slot machines) does not include the statutorily prescribed proportion of the total 
stakes inserted which corresponds to the winnings paid out to the players." 
2.1.1.3. Simplifying transborder payments 
The Commission has continued its policy of improving systems of cross-border 
payments. On 19.10.1994 it adopted a Communication comprising a proposal for a 
Directive on cross-border transfers and a draft Communication on the application of rules 
of competition in this sector83. 
With more specific reference to the proposal for a Directive, this would require banks to 
comply with contractual obligations concerning transfer periods, and make it illegal to 
double-charge fees or to require reimbursement of lost payments, and would increase 
transparency. 
Pending a single currency 
The start of the second phase of Economic and Monetary Union on 1.1.1994 and preparations for the 
third phase on the basis of studying the practical problems of introducing the ECU as a single currency, 
directly concern tourism enterprises and citizens travelling for leisure, professional or other purposes. 
The advantages to tourism of changing over to a single currency include: 
the abolition of transaction costs and exchange risks, thus simplifying for enterprises the 
problems of accountancy and cash-flow management, and - for citizens - travel throughout the 
Union without having to change from one currency to another in the Union; 
easier comparisons of goods and services available in the various countries through greater 
transparency of official prices. 
2.1.2. Strengthening tourist undertakings by means of enterprise and competition 
policies 
Although competition, which is indisputably a regulating factor, produces broadly 
beneficial effects on the competitiveness of the tourism industry, the diversity of 
enterprises in this field, and more particularly the high number of SMEs, justifies a 
specific and tailored approach, in particular from the point of view of enterprise policy. 
2.1.2.1. Enterprise policy 
The new dimension of enterprise policy launched by the Integrated Programme in favour 
of SMEs and craft industries, adopted by the Commission in June 199484, enables tourism 
enterprises, in a global and cohesive context, on the one hand to benefit from measures to 
improve the administrative, legal and tax environment of their activities, and, on the 
other, to make better use of the specific instruments set up for helping and sustaining the 
development of SMEs. 
83 COM(94) 436 Final, 18.11.1994, OJ C 360, 17.12.1994, p. 13. 
42 
In view of the structural characteristics of tourism enterprises, which are often small and 
even family businesses, the Recommendations that the Commission presented to the 
Member States on 7.12.1994 on the transfer of SMEs85 and later on the payment periods 
for commercial transactions86 should put enterprises engaged in tourism activities in a 
better position to tackle the two major problems which often threaten their survival or the 
expansion of their entrepreneurial activity. 
In order to gain a better understanding of the problems of access to finance and credit 
facing SMEs, to identify existing best practices in the Member States and to draw up 
practical proposals for improving access, the work of the Commission-inspired Round 
Table of leading representatives of the banking sector was completed in 1994 with the 
preparation of a final report with recommendations. The Commission expressed its views 
on this report in a communication adopted 28.10.199487. 
The work of the information network for enterprises (Euro-Info Centres) and the 
transnational cooperation networks ("BRE" and "BC NET") is a factor in the continuation 
and improvement of the work of the correspondents in all the regions of the Union in 
assisting those tourism enterprises which are interested in knowing more about 
Community programmes and actions of interest to them, or in looking for a transnational 
partner. 
Through the BRE, 116 partner-searches were carried out in the field of hotels, restaurants, 
travel agencies and tourism in general. 
Most requests concerned the search for a partner to start cooperation of a commercial 
nature, while interest in financial or technical cooperation was much more limited. 
The Business Cooperation Network (BC NET), the network for confidential partner-
searches, handled some 20 applications for cooperation in 1994, half of which concerned 
hotel enterprises and holiday centres. 
The adoption and implementation of the multi-annual programme of work for co­
operatives, mutual societies, associations and foundations in the Community88 enabled the 
social economy enterprises engaged in tourism activities to maintain their special areas of 
interest and to develop specific evaluation and production techniques particularly 
appropriate to the various segments of the tourism market. 
2.1.2.2. Competition policy 
In implementing competition policy the Commission took into consideration, on the one 
hand the effects of the economic slowdown in 1993 - which have also been felt this year 
in spite of indications of an economic upturn - and, on the other, the process of 
restructuring initiated in response to this situation in 1993 and carried over into 1994, as 
well as the actions of Member States to assist enterprises in economic difficulty. 
84 COM(94) 207, 3.6.1994. 
85 COM (94) 3312 of 7.12.1994 OJ L 385, 31.12.1994, p. 14 and Explanatory memorandum, OJ C 
400, 31.12.1994, p. I. 
8ft COM(94) 3283, 30.11.94, OJ 127, 10.6.1995 and Explanatory Memorandum, OJ C 144, 
10.6.1995, p. 3. 
87 COM(94) 435 Final, 28.10.1994. 
88 COM(93)650, 16.2.1994. 
43 
Against this background, the Commission continues to ensure that sanctions are applied 
against some enterprises' or Member States' practices which militate against competition 
and tend to distort the functioning of the tourism market. 
As regards the latter, competition policy thus contributes to the completion of a true 
Single Market, and encourages the opening up of markets which are protected by 
agreements, abuse of dominant position or state aids. 
» Application of competition rules to enterprises 
On 21.12.1994, the Commission adopted a notice concerning the agreements of minor 
importance which do not fall under by Article 85 (1) of the EC Treaty89. The purpose of 
this, which amends the 1986 communication, is to raise from ECU 200 million to 
ECU 300 million the turnover threshold below which undertakings may benefit from the 
advantages of the application of that notice. 
On the same date the Commission adopted a new Regulation concerning the form, 
content and other details regarding applications and notifications submitted in 
implementation of Council Regulation n° 17, with a new form, with a view to speeding 
up considerably its procedures on agreements90. 
Two decisions in the transport field are of indirect interest to tourism. That of 23.9.1994, 
in which the Commission authorised an agreement concluded between British Rail, 
Deutsche Bahn, Nederlandse Spoorwegen, La Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer 
Français and the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges - for rail transport of 
passengers by night trains (operated by "European Night Services Limited", a joint 
subsidiary of the rail enterprises) between the United Kingdom and the Continent91, and 
that of 13.12.1994, in which the Commission approved the agreement between 
Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel concessionaire, and BR/SNCF, two of the rail enterprises 
in a position to use international trains92. 
With more specific reference to the organisation of travel and stays, it should be noted 
that the Bundeskartellamt forced TUI and NUR to end the agreements restricting 
competition which the two enterprises had concluded with Spanish hoteliers for reserving 
beds during the 1994-95 winter season and all the following seasons. Under the terms of 
these contracts, the hoteliers had undertaken either to refuse to certain other German 
tourism enterprises the reservation of beds in the same hotels or to restrict or not to 
expand the number of other German organisers of travel which were admitted up till then, 
without the consent of their partner. The exclusivity clause described above had the 
purpose and effect of separating the establishments where TUI and NUR had reserved 
beds, in particular those of their competitors who offered their customers more 
advantageous prices. The Bundeskartellamt considered that such agreements led to a 
restriction of competition within the Common Market and were liable to affect trade 
between Member States. In this matter the parties concerned have appealed to the Berlin 
Kammergericht. 
89 OJ C 368, 23.12.1994, p. 20. 
90 OJ L 377, 31.12.1994, p. 28. 
91 Decision 94/633/EEC, OJ L 259, 7.10.1994, p. 20. 
92 Decision 94/894/EEC. OJ L 354, 31.12.1994, p. 66. 
44 
The Court of Justice had occasion to specify in more detail the concept of an enterprise. 
In its judgement of 19.1.1994 (Case C-364/92) it ruled that Eurocontrol, the European 
organisation for the safety of aerial navigation, did not constitute an enterprise within the 
meaning of Articles 86 and 90 of the EC Treaty. The Court considered that, taken as a 
whole, Eurocontrol's activities were connected with the exercise of powers relating to the 
control and supervision of air space which were typically those of a public authority. 
They were therefore not of an economic nature justifying the application of the Treaty's 
rules of competition. It is worth noting that the case behind this ruling - Eurocontrol vs. 
SAT, the airline company governed by German law - concerned the recovery of route 
charges payable by SAT to Eurocontrol. 
Concerning checks on mergers, the Commission has made efforts to increase 
transparency and accelerate procedures in order to make them more efficient and not to 
constitute a brake on enterprises adjusting to their economic environment. During this 
year it also adopted several texts of a general nature on mergers. 
Still on this subject, two judgements by the Court of First Instance should be noted. That 
of 24.3.1994 (Case T-3/93), in which the Community Judge rejected a first appeal by Air 
France against the Commission, which was accused of not having intervened in the resale 
of Dan Air by British Airway, and that of 19.5.1994 (Case T-2/93), concerning the 
acquisition by British Airways of 49.9% of the capital of TAT, which ended in the 
rejection of a second appeal by Air France. 
• Application of rules of competition to state aid 
In the context of implementing the competition policy on state aid, of the 440 schemes 
examined and to which the Commission decided not to raise objections, 18 specifically 
concerned tourism. 
The favourable attitude adopted in general towards this aid was thus confirmed in 1994 
by the fact that most of these cases of aid concerned small-scale tourism projects which 
were not liable to affect tourism activities in the Community to an extent which was 
contrary to the general interest. 
In many cases these aid schemes contributed to developing less-favoured regions. 
45 
STATE AID SCHEMES, BY COUNTRY, TO WHICH THE COMMISSION 
DID NOT RAISE ANY OBJECTIONS 
Germany 
N/0242///94 
N/0659//94 
N/0735//94 
N/0745/E/94 
Denmark 
N/0012//94 
N/0714//94 
Spain 
N/0135//94 
N/0137//94 
N/0102//94 
N/0103//94 
N/0256//94 
N/0257//94 
N/0311//94 
N/0431//94 
N/0439//94 
France 
N/0499//94 
Italy 
N/0203//94 
Portugal 
N/0005/94 
2.1.3. 27.7.94 Grant for farm holidays (Thiiringen) 
21.12.94 Regional programmes in the tourism sector (Bavaria) 
22.12.94 Grants in the tourist industry (Lower Saxony) 
8.3.95 Land of Hesse programmes to assist public tourism infrastructures 
17.2.94 Measures to support tourism activities 
3.2.95 Measures to support tourism 
30.3.94 Grants for tourism (Andalusia) 
30.3.94 Grants for SMEs in the tourist industry (Madrid) 
11.4.94 Grants for tourism (Basque Country) 
11.4.94 Measures to support tourism countries (Basque Country) 
20.5.94 Grants in the tourist industry for converting tourist accommodation 
20.5.94 Grants in the tourist industry for setting up new hotel chains 
27.7.94 Aid to improve tourist facilities in Navarre 
24.8.94 Grants for SMEs in the tourist industry (La Rioja) 
9.11.94 Aid to improve rural tourism structures (Castile-Ia-Mancha) 
7.10.94 IOP, Objective I- Support for tourist facilities 
22.6.94 Measures to assist tourism (Ombrie) 
4.3.94 Measures to promote investment in tourism OJ C 267, 24.9.94 
OJC 111,21.1.94 
OJC 307, 1.11.94 
OJC 389, 31.12.94 
OJC 389, 31.12.94 
OJC 390, 31.12.94 
OJC 259, 16.9.94 
OJC 153,4.6.94 
Improving tourist production and distribution processes through social, 
education and research policies 
Since tourism is a service activity, it is essential that enterprises' human resources should 
be able to be mobilised around the objective of competitiveness, and this has already 
prompted several measures for improving both working conditions and training. At the 
same time, the rapid changes in techniques allows - and even imposes, in certain cases -
changes to production and distribution systems. 
2.1.3.1. Employment and social policy 
• Creation of Employment 
"Employment in Europe"*" which covers current and future employment trends in Europe 
shows improved future prospects for employment. In Essen, in December 1994, the 
Commission presented an action plan for employment based on the 7 points identified at 
the Brussels Council, of 10/11.12.1993, and intended to follow-up the conclusions 
reached in the White Paper on Growth Competitiveness and Employment. In order to 
achieve a new model of sustainable development, a proactive job creation and 
employment policy was recognised as an essential priority. 
The European Council in Essen was also presented with a working document which 
provided areas with a potential for job creation and local development94. Tourism was one 
93 COM(94)381. 
94 SEC(94)2199, 19.12.1994. 
46 
of 17 fields identified in which there is scope for rapid employment creation based on 
initiatives taken at the local level which respond to new types of service needs that are 
currently in demand. 
As a service sector, tourism can be included with those services which are meeting new 
needs and have been recognised as having the potential to create 5 times as many new 
jobs as the public administration sector and 10 times as many new jobs as would be 
created with a regeneration of the heavy industry sector. 
Evolution of the Labour Market 
Following the Green and White Papers on Social policy, at the Social affairs Council on 
6.12.1994, the Commission agreed to propose a new work programme in the social field, 
intended to identify some 75 specific actions to be taken in the medium-term on a rolling 
basis in the field of employment, consolidation and development of legislation, equal 
opportunities and the creation of a society for all. Within this framework a number of 
measures will have an impact on tourism. 
In addition, there are a range of EU employment programmes that have been created to 
develop innovative ways of dealing with unemployment and job creation. Tourism is 
already being used as a means to achieve these goals or has the potential to do so. 
LEDA 
Within the framework of the Local Employment Development Action (LEDA), 42 mini-networks 
including a network on rural tourism development, have been created in areas of high unemployment in 
order to develop local employment and economic development strategies. 
EURES 
The database "EURES"95 - European Employment Services - aims to facilitate employment mobility 
within the European Economic Area, taking advantage of the benefits already gained from the 
completion of the Internal Market and the continuing process of integration. Increased information has 
given employers and employees increased access to offering or taking up job opportunities in the 
European labour market. Data is collected on employment opportunities taken from public employment 
service computer systems and centralised in the EURES database according to various sectors and 
criteria. Tourism is included. Another database, "General Information" also exists to provide 
information on living and working conditions. By facilitating transnational recruitment and experience, 
EURES can serve to reduce existing structural labour market barriers. Persons seeking employment in 
various aspects of the tourist sector have already found employment using this tool 
ERGO- Phase II (1993-1996) 
This programme with an annual budget of 1 MECU takes a three-pronged approach to combating 
long-term unemployment: research and evaluation of projects in order to develop best practice; 
establishment of a permanent "partnership pool" permitting constant dialogue between key actors and 
the distribution ofinformation to policy makers; and support for pilot actions aimed at developing good 
practices for reinserting long-term unemployed persons back into the world of work. Increasingly, 
cultural activities and tourism are being recognised for their job creation potential which is in line with 
this programme's aims which consider not only the aspect of job creation but also the quality of the job 
and the work. One of the projects supported by ERGO provides training for nature 
uuides/conservationists in combination with re-establishment of local nature zones. 
95 Council Regulation EEC N° 2434/92 OJ L 245/1 of 26.8.1992. 
47 
• Women in Employment 
44% of women aged between 25 and 49 are in active employment in the Community. 
Within the tourist sector, together with young persons they account for between 45 and 
65% of the workforce. 
Of the 16 million small and medium sized enterprises that exist in the European Union, 
some 20-30% are managed by women. Moreover, 25-30% of all new enterprises are 
created by women. These enterprises are mainly in the service sectors for various reasons, 
including the lower start up costs. It should be noted that enterprises being created by 
young women are giving rise to the development of new types of services in the fields of 
culture, leisure and tourism which contribute to the creation of new employment. 
However problems exist for women in gaining access to the assistance needed to start up 
enterprises. 
The Social Affairs Council of 6.12.1994 adopted a Resolution on Women and 
Employment, whereby the Member States agreed to develop policies which incorporate 
equal opportunities in the fields of organisation of working time, the promotion of 
women's training especially in new technologies, keeping women employed and 
facilitating women returning to the workforce. 
LEI 
Local Employment Initiatives for Women is a programme with a 1.5 MECU budget annually which 
supports the creation of innovative companies, co-operatives and job creation initiatives by women 
concerning women and for women across the Member States. The priority of this programme is 
employment for women especially in the peripheral regions of the Community. Among the actions 
eligible for support in the context of job creation are activities in the fields of culture, leisure actions in 
rural areas particularly tiiose that are a part of a local development plan and the development of 
transnational actions. 
IRIS II ( 1994-1998) 
With a budget of 1 MECU in 1994, this programme is a network bringing together a large number of 
women's training programmes from all over the Community. It links these programmes at national and 
European level by means of exchange visits, partnerships seminars and network publications. It also 
operates a database and electronic mail. A significant number of training programmes in the IRIS 
network carry out training activities for women in the tourism sector. A database of IRIS members is 
available on diskette. 
• Employment and Improved Living and Working Condi t ions-
Post ing of Workers A broad96 
The nature of the tourist industry means that employees in various activities will need to 
be posted abroad, away from their normal country of residence, e.g. holiday tour 
representatives, tour guides and managers etc. To ensure that such workers are provided 
with sufficient social security under such conditions by their employers the Commission 
proposed a Directive to address this issue. 
This proposal for a Directive concerns the social regime to be applied to posted workers 
within the framework of providing services. The main aim is to ensure the legal security 
of workers posted wherever in the European Union. It seeks to facilitate the provision of 
% COM(93)225 0J C 187/93. 
48 
services in the EU and prevent the creation of a exploitative labour market while at the 
same time not preventing secondments nor introducing measures that run counter to the 
principle of the free movement of workers. 
The proposal is still under consideration by the Council, however a number of problems 
remain to be resolved concerning the definition of the threshold period for the application 
of local conditions in particular, with respect to minimum rates of pay, and annual paid 
leave (that is the moment when a worker from a Member State, posted by his employer to 
another Member State to work, is subject to the social regime of the country in which he 
is posted). The scope of the directive is also an issue of discussion. Article 3 contains a 
list of provisions concerning various matters such as working time, health and safety, 
equality between men and women etc. to which the host country regime must apply. 
Concern within the tourist industry has been expressed in particular about the possible 
application of the Directive to conditions of work not mentioned on the list. 
A-Typical Work 
The Commission made three proposals for Council Directives concerning a-typical 
employment relationships with a view to realising several objectives: 
removing elements of competitive distortion sometimes created by part time or 
temporary employment relationships as compared to open-ended full time 
employment relationships97; 
the introduction of rules to improve working conditions for part-time and temporary 
workers with regard to vocational training, information and social security 
benefits98 and; 
the treatment of temporary workers, in terms of health and safety at the work 
i 99 
place . 
Much of the employment in the tourist industry is categorised as being a-typical and thus 
the industry has continued to monitor closely the progress of the proposals still under 
consideration. 
It is intended that these proposals will be revised. The Commission, with the Social 
Partners within the framework of the Social Protocol, will make fresh proposals for 
Community Instruments which will achieve similar objectives and apply to all Member 
States with the exception of the United Kingdom who will be entitled to opt out. 
• Improvement of Social Dialogue 
Employment in the HORECA sector (i.e. accommodation and catering) accounts for 
almost half of all the jobs in the tourist sector (approximately 4 million jobs). Among the 
1.2 million enterprises operating in this sector, 95% are micro-enterprises (with less than 
9 employees) which employ 60% of the work force. Another notable characteristic across 
the industry is the willingness to form groupings and associations on a voluntary basis in 
order to exploit strategies involving diversification of the supply through segmentation 
and the creation of niches which are often complementary. Thus although very large firms 
have evolved to take advantage of the economies of scale; small (often local) firms have 
97 COM(90) 533/1 final, OJ C 305/12, 5.12.1990. 
98 COM(90) 228/1 final, OJ C 224/4, 8.9.1990. 
99 Council Directive 91/383/EEC, OJ L 206/19, 29.7.1991 
49 
until now held their own as a group and continue to play an equal role in conditioning the 
future of the industry. 
European Works Councils 
The Directive on the establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in 
Community scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the 
purposes of informing and consulting employees was adopted on 22.9.1994'00 for 
transposition by the Member states at the latest by 22.9.1996. With the presence of 
transnational under-takings and groupings in both the HORECA and transport sectors of 
the tourist industry, this measure should offer a means for creating a balanced two-way 
structure for consultation on developments such as mergers and take-overs. 
Social Dialogue 
The Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament 
concerning the implementation of the Social Protocol101 set out the new consultation 
procedures between the social partners and the types of collective agreements that could 
be concluded between them. With the support of the Commission, in the HORECA sector 
(i.e. accommodation, catering and restauration), HOTREC on behalf of the employers 
(independently from UNICE) and ECF-IUF (who belong to the European Trade Unions 
Confederation) on behalf of the employees are the sectorial representatives. 
During 1994, the working group concerned with the mobility of workers conceived and 
implemented an ambitious project analysing the future development of professionals in the 
sector and qualifications in the sector. Other issues under consideration include flexibility 
at work and the development of rural tourism. 
2.1.3.2. Education and vocational training 
Measures implemented within the framework of education, vocational training and 
assistance for young people have had a significantly helped to upgrade and maintain higher 
levels of quality in the provision of tourism services. Community measures in this field 
produced concrete results during 1994. 1994 also saw the completion of most of the "old 
generation"'02 programmes and implementation of proposals for the new global 
programmes for this sector. 
• Higher Education 
Under the COMETT (1986-94) programme103 funding allocated to tourism projects has 
amounted to ECU 590,500 (1% of the overall COMETT budget). In total, COMETT II 
gave rise to 7,700 work placement measures for students, 228 staff exchange schemes and 
500 joint training courses corresponding to 700 training sessions104. 
ERASMUS (1987-94)105 provided, in total, mobility to 67,531 students and 8,060 
teachers'06 in the academic year 1994/95. Since 1987 ERASMUS has provided mobility 
too Council Directive 94/45/EC, OJ L 254/64 of 30.9.1994. 
101 COM(93) 600 final of 14.12.1993. 
102 COMETT, ERASMUS, PETRA, EUROTECNET, FORCE, LINGUA, TEMPUS and Youth for 
Europe II. 
103 COMETT (1986-89): OJ L 222, 8.8.1986. 
COMETT II (1990-94): OJ L 13, 17.1.1989. 
104 COM(94) 368, Report of the Commission on COMETT II. 
105 OJ L 166, 25.6.1987; OJ L 395, 30.12.1989. 
106 COM(94) 281, Report of the Commission on ERASMUS. 
50 
for 400,000 students and 50,000 teachers, and involved the participation of 1,700 higher 
education establishments and 20,000 departments. 
The tourism/leisure sector has integrated successfully into the ERASMUS Programme. In 
the current 1994/95 period, approximately 2 350 students are making a recognised study 
visit in one or other Member State and. 280 higher education establishments will be 
involved, at a budgetary cost of ECU 390 000 or, in other terms, 36 inter-university 
cooperation programmes have been approved in this discipline by the Commission. 
The coordinators of these programmes have initiated some remarkable schemes for 
creating the European dimension by establishing European diplomas in tourism. 
ERASMUS has contributed to the creation and development of ATLAS, a network of 
European universities and similar schools in the field of tourism and leisure studies, with 
70 members from 13 European countries, co-ordinated by the University of Tilburg in the 
Netherlands. On 12 and 13.12.1994, the ATLAS network, organised jointly with the 
Commission a conference in Tilburg (Netherlands) to evaluate the inter-university 
cooperation established in the fields of tourism and leisure. Recommendations were 
produced affecting the discipline as a whole and which could be implemented notably 
within the thematic networks envisaged in the SOCRATES Decision. 
ERASMUS: STUDENT EXCHANGES IN TOURISM AND LEISURE 1994 
Host 
Home 
B 
D 
DK 
E 
F 
GR 
I 
IRL 
NL 
P 
UK 
A 
CH 
FL 
IS 
N 
S 
SF 
Total B 
25 
8 
15 
14 
9 
1 
21 
10 
16 
2 
8 
8 
8 
145 D 
3 
20 
57 
12 
5 
29 
15 
5 
76 
9 
2 
4 
13 
6 
256 DK 
1 
1 
2 
1 
2 
1 
8 E 
20 
29 
60 
7 
6 
5 
27 
4 
80 
3 
4 
2 
247 F 
2 
79 
2 
61 
24 
17 
20 
21 
16 
211 
2 
2 
14 
4 
475 GR 
9 
6 
21 
3 
4 
6 
1 
22 
2 
74 I 
16 
10 
9 
2 
4 
5 
5 
2 
53 IRL 
28 
2 
3 
27 
8 
2 
3 
I 
15 
4 
1 
94 LUX NL 
17 
22 
23 
19 
7 
2 
6 
2 
95 
21 
6 
220 P 
2 
6 
2 
7 
3 
1 
2 
27 
1 
51 UK 
16 
92 
2 
78 
151 
30 
11 
23 
92 
28 
14 
1 
4 
14 
17 
573 A 
2 
5 
1 
3 
12 
23 CH 
2 
2 
1 
2 
2 
9 N 
2 
2 
2 
4 
3 
13 S 
10 
4 
14 
19 
2 
14 
63 SF 
3 
6 
4 
6 
4 
23 
46 Total 
69 
331 
15 
229 
391 
102 
54 
90 
215 
69 
601 
39 
16 
16 
67 
46 
2350 
Source: Erasmus Bureau 
• Vocational Training 
The PETRA programme107 (1988-94) has been particularly effective in tackling the 
problems associated with the lack of suitable applicants for tourism-related jobs. Trainee 
exchange schemes in tourism and leisure enterprises have been supported under various 
PETRA projects. Some of them have been co-ordinated by established pan-European 
associations such as HOTREC (on behalf of the hotels) and ECTAA (on behalf of travel 
agents). 
107 OJ L 346, 10.12.1987, OJ L 214, 2.8.1991. 
51 
• Continuing Training 
Under EUROTECNET06 (1990-94), three tourism projects are included in the network of 
innovative demonstration projects which permit the study of the impact of technological 
changes on employment, working procedures and qualifications. These projects are now 
acquiring a transnational dimension as part of the reinforcement of the programme under 
the Community's EUROFORM initiative. 
Following calls for proposals issued in 1991 and 1992109, 30 different projects relating to 
tourism activity were selected under FORCE (1991-1994) at a cost of 1,554,400 ECU. On 
the basis of the results of 33 FORCE and EUROTECNET projects in the field of tourism, 
a survey report called Continuing vocational training in tourism enterprises is being 
produced by a group of Member States experts and supported and co-ordinated by the 
Commission. Recommendations for future actions have been proposed in a six-point 
action plan and a report costing ECU 300,000 is being produced. Moreover, through the 
FORCE programme and in co-operation with CEDEFOP, a series of twelve national 
reports examining the Food and Beverages sector (which is very closely connected to the 
tourism industry), has been published in English. 
• New Programmes 1995-1999 
A new generation of programmes have been prepared during 1994 to replace existing 
Community programmes in the fields of education, training and youth. 
LEONARDO DA V1NCIU\ with a budget of 620 million ECU will run for five years in the 
field of vocational training replacing PETRA, FORCE, EUROTECNET, COMETT and 
part of LINGUA. LEONARDO will be implemented through transnational projects and 
programmes of placement and exchange schemes. The programme is expected to offer the 
opportunity to tourism enterprises to develop programmes of vocational training for the 
human resources working in all the sectors of the tourism industry. 
SOCRATES111, is the first Community programme to apply to the whole field of education, 
incorporating once again and developing notably ERASMUS and LINGUA, but also 
adding totally new Community actions (particularly for schools and for open and distance 
learning). More than half of its agreed budget of ECU 850 million targets co-operation 
between higher education establishments. The part Erasmus (concerning university and 
higher education establishments) is addressed to 11,000,000 students, 18,000 educators 
and 5,000 higher education institutions. The part Comenius (concerning schools) is 
intended to assist 500 partnership actions involving 2,000 schools and 800 actions 
involving teacher exchanges. 
YOUTH FOR EUROPE IIIU\ with a budget of 126 MECU, replaces the programme 
Youth for Europe II, part of PETRA (related to the topic: "youth") and the "youth 
activities" previously developed within TEMPUS. Among others, the programme includes 
measures concerning under-privileged young people, youth exchange schemes, trainee 
schemes on a voluntary basis, youth initiatives of local, regional, national or European 
character, co-operation with third countries and between state-run and non-governmental 
structures responsible for youth affairs in the Member States. It is estimated that about 
108 OJL 393, 30.12.1989. 
109 OJC 111 of 26.4.1991, C 1 of 4.1.1992 and C 92 of 2.4.1993. 
110 Council Decision 94/819/CE of 6.12.1994, OJ L 340 of 29.12.1994. 
111 Common Council position N° 29/94, of 16.6.1994, OJ C 244, 31.8.1994. 
112 Common position. 
52 
trainee schemes on a voluntary basis, youth initiatives of local, regional, national or 
European character, co-operation with third countries and between state-run and 
non-governmental structures responsible for youth affairs in the Member States. It is 
estimated that about 70,000 young people will benefit from Youth for Europe III. 
2.1.3.3. Research, information & communications technologies 
• Research & Technological Development 
All Community research & technological development is conducted under the 
Framework Programmes. 1994 marked the completion of the Third Research and 
Technological Development (R & TD) Framework Programme (1990-1994)^13). The 
new Fourth Research & Technological Development Framework Programme 
(1994-98)"4, with its twenty specific programmes, provides the possibility for further 
support to actions and projects in various fields of R&TD. It has a total budget is ECU 
12.3 billion which is expected to increase in order to maintain the overall level of EU 
research following the accession of the three new Member States"3. 
Within this framework there are a range of various research programmes which contain 
elements that have implications (direct or indirect) for the improvement of tourism, e.g. 
"Environment and Climate", "Industrial and Materials Technologies", "Transport", 
"Training and mobility of researchers", Standards, measurements and testing" 
"Agriculture and Fisheries", "Non-nuclear Energy" "Target socio-economic research" 
"International cooperation" "International Cooperation". Actions developed under COST 
(in particular, the transport elements, see point 2.2.2.3) should also be considered within 
this context. The particular input of the specific programmes relating to communication 
technologies and telematics applications is dealt with in the section below under 
"Information and communication technologies". 
Environment and Climate 
Tourism frequently exerts stresses on cities and areas of environmental fragility such as 
coastal zones, alpine and other upland regions. Many of the Community programmes are 
based on scientific research in order to propose solutions in this field. The Environment 
and Climate programme has five priority objectives aiming at the protection or the 
restoration of the environment from which tourism could benefit. The link with tourism is 
even more evident in the case of R & TD activities aimed at the protection and the 
rehabilitation of European cultural heritage (see Annex 11), which are developed within 
this programme. 
Transport 
A number of research activities relevant to tourism have been developed within the 
specific programme Industrial and Materials Technology in relation to means of 
transport. Here tourism could indirectly benefit from results of R & TD activities through 
the development of safer, cleaner, cheaper, more comfortable and more rapid transport 
modes. The specific programme on Transport is developing actions which have the 
potential to indirectly influence tourism. 
The specific research and technological development programme that includes the field of 
113 Council Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, OJ L 117, 8.5.1990. 
114 European Parliament & Council Decision of 26.4.1994, OJ L 126, of 18.5.1994. 
115 Austria, Sweden and Finland. 
53 
transport (1994-1998) has been allocated a budget of 240 MECU. 
The programme covers seven sectors: Strategic Research; Rail transport; Integrated 
transport chains; Air transport; Urban transport; Water transport and Road transport. The 
Programme is aiming to: 
develop an efficient, safe and more environmentally friendly transport system for 
both passengers and goods; 
improve the inter-connection and inter-operability of the various transport 
networks; 
increase the efficiency of each transport mode taken individually and improve the 
integration between these modes; 
promote the conception and management of infrastructure with a view to reducing 
the damage caused to the environment and improving the relationship between 
quality and price; 
to obtain for the industry, operators, transport users and the public authorities 
adequate means of making decisions based on a better knowledge and a greater 
understanding of mobility, traffic flows, how they interact and how they are 
interdependent on each other. 
Although the effect of the research programme on tourism may not be directly 
quantifiable, the research conducted will have and important impact on the improvement 
of the transport systems which represent an essential element for the tourist industry. In 
the modal sectors for example, research is examining issues linked to the aspect of speed, 
safety, accessibility and the relationship between price and quality of transport in order to 
better respond to users' needs. 
Human Capital and Mobility Programme and Training and Mobility of Researchers 
Programme 
In the 3rd Framework programme, the specific programme "Human Capital and 
Mobility" (1992-1994), with a budget of 556 MECU, was aimed to boost the quantity and 
the quality of researchers in the EU enabling them to improve their training through 
research by increasing their mobility among research centres in the different Member 
States. The programme covered a broad variety of scientific areas. 
In the Fourth Framework programme, "Human Capital and Mobility" has been replaced 
by the new specific programme "Training and Mobility of Researchers" (1995-1998) with 
similar aims and scientific areas covered by it. The budget of TMR is 744 MECU. 
54 
Information and Communication Technologies 
The Information Society Issue 
The Commission has presented an action plan on the implementation of the Information Society"6, 
focusing mainly on four aspects: I) Creation of a legal framework, 2) Promotion of initiatives based on 
private-public partnership, 3) Comprehension and control of the Information Society in relation to its social 
and cultural aspects, and 4) Raising the citizens' awareness of the Information Society through promotion 
activities. 
The Essen European Council broadly endorsed the report and wished that the work in progress continues. 
The same European Council stressed the importance for a liberalised European telecommunications 
infrastructures market by 1.1.1998 and welcomed the G7 ministerial conference on the global information 
society, to be held in Brussels in February 1995 (A projects presentation - including tourism projects - will 
take place within the framework of this conference). 
In this respect, tourism is an interesting experimental ground for evaluating the impact of this Information 
Society. The work could focus on two types of considerations related on the one hand, to the new ways of 
living and working together which are being generated, and on the other hand, to the fact that this is a 
market-driven revolution. 
For the tourism industry, that means that changes brought about need to be systematically evaluated in 
order to determine the way in which this new resource can be best exploited, without being detrimental to 
the interests tourism demand. On the offer side, it entails that tourism operators should be made aware of 
the need for a new regulatory environment allowing full competition, to ensure a rapid emergence of 
efficient European information infrastructures and services. 
This approach raises questions about the future role of tourism intermediaries in the distribution process 
and, assuming co-operation of the private sector, the implications for public authorities whether national 
and/or European as to what could be done in a co-ordinated way to accompany this evolution. 
Standardisation is a field where significant progress has been made during recent years. 
This work has also had an impact on the information and communication technologies 
used for tourism and leisure purposes. The Community programme Trade Electronic 
Data Interchange Systems (TEDIS)U1 supported projects concerning the adoption of the 
UN/Edifact standards and the development of the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). 
TEDIS has considered legal aspects for telecommunications, security of data and 
provision of information to the public. 
Community support was also provided to the Western European Edifact Board"8 on 
standardisation. Within this body, specific working groups were responsible for the 
development of structured standards for the electronic transmission of data for tourism 
and leisure purposes. Work in this field includes the following areas: 
specification of the general layout and content of tickets, vouchers and similar 
documents; 
definition of a standardised man-machine language and procedure, based on a 
vocabulary of understood terms within the industry, called the "Inter professional 
Vocabulary for Tourism & Leisure"; 
creation of a data flow model for the tourism and leisure industry and the 
establishment of precise functions for messages to be developed within this model; 
116 Communication of the Commission, "Towards an Information Society - An Action Plan" COM(94) 
347, Brussels 19.7.1994. 
117 OJ L 208, of 30.7.1991. 
UK Directive 83/189/EEC, OJ L 109, of 26.4.1983. 
55 
definition of data requirements of these functions; 
proposal of amendments or additions to ISO 7372 "Trade Data Elements 
Directory"; 
development of tourism and leisure messages conforming to UN/Edifact 
recommendations. 
Furthermore, during 1994, tourism information applications are expected to benefit in the 
future both from the Council's adoption of a common position"9 on the proposed 
guidelines from the development of the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) as a 
trans-European network, and from the Council's agreement120 on the proposal concerning 
trans-European telematics networks for the interchange of data between administrations 
(IDA). 
• Specific programmes including actions with a relevance to tourism 
Communication Technologies 
The programme "Research and Development in Advanced Communications technologies 
in Europe" (RACE), focused on advanced networks and advanced communications' 
technologies at a pre-commercial and pre-competitive stage. From 1995 onwards, RACE 
will be succeeded by a new programme Advanced Communications Technologies and 
Services (ACTS)121, with a budget of 630 MECU. The RACE priority "Advanced 
Communications Experiments"122 provided financial assistance worth ECU 5.2 million 
(50% of the total budget) to the project "Tourism Information & Marketing (TIM)" over a 
period of four years ending in 1994. This project, designed to support multimedia 
information services for direct marketing links between enterprises of tourism and leisure 
and their points of sales, has developed links with the major Computer Reservation 
Systems in order to promote the purchase of tourist packages and the booking of 
reservations. Another project, the "Multimedia Marketing via IBC networks (MNET)", a 
1994/95 project of EC financial support of 180,000 ECU (total budget: 239,000 ECU), 
aimed to investigate - through test trials - those tourism marketing applications which 
might benefit from the use of advanced communication networks. 
Telematics 
The programme "Te lematic systems of general interest" ended in 1994 to be replaced by 
the programme "Telematics Applications of general interest"m which has a total budget 
of 843 million ECU over five years. This programme focuses on specific application 
areas which are commercially feasible. Tourism should benefit from the development of 
projects within the specific topics of this programme: telematics for services of public 
interest (administrations and transport), telematics for knowledge (distance education and 
training, etc.), telematics for improving employment and the quality of life (urban and 
rural areas, environmental protection, disadvantaged social categories, etc.). Measures in 
favour of small and medium sized enterprises are also supported in this programme. 
119 Council meeting of 22.12.1994. 
120 Council meeting of 17.12.1994. 
121 Council Decision 94/572/EEC of 27.7.1994, OJ L 222 of 26.8.1994 p. 35. 
122 Including interpersonal communications, telemarketing, the distribution of entertainment and leisure 
services, multimedia interpersonal messaging and information assembly. 
123 Council Decision 94/801/EC, OJ L 334, 22.12.1994. 
56 
The Opportunities for Rural Areas" sector of the programme focused on the application 
of telematics in rural areas and provided financial assistance for sixteen projects, two of 
which related to tourism. The "Distributed Inter-regional Agri-tourism Multimedia 
Management System" project (DIAMMS) addressed the need for a co-ordinated approach 
towards the development, marketing and promotion of agri/rural tourism in the Union. 
DIAMMS provides access to a multimedia database containing maps, site plans, 
photographic images and a holiday reservation system. It received 550 KECU over three 
years. The "Telematics Applications for Tourism and Leisure in Rural Areas" project 
(RUTOTEL) identified telematic services suitable to be implemented in rural areas to 
serve tourism and leisure activities. RUTOTEL developed a demonstration system on the 
application of telematics in tourism and leisure services. It received 920 KECU over three 
years. 
Information Market 
The programme Information Market Policy Actions (IMPACT/24 is currently in its 
completion stage having supported four projects using tourism as their application (see 
table). IMPACT supported commercially feasible projects as part of its objective to 
establish an internal European information market. In 1995, the programme INFO 2000 
replaces IMPACT. 
IMPACT-II PROJECTS (BUDGETARY COMMITMENTS 1994) 
Project 
CAP 95 
TITAN 
EXPLORER 
VITAL Subject 
Self service terminals providing tourist information for the 
visitors to the city of Luxembourg. To be launched in 1995, as 
the City of Luxembourg is European Cultural Capital 1995 
Production and distribution of tourist information for personal 
computers 
Creation of an application generator for holding tourism 
information 
Information to the city traveller about possible itineraries Total 
(ECU) 
1,000,000 
560,000 
763,000 
718,000 EC 
Contribution 
100,000 
275,000 
300,000 
300,000 
2.2 A WHOLE RANGE OF SPECIFIC INTERVENTIONS CONTRIBUTING TO 
BALANCED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 
The dynamic of the Single Market, in itself, is not always sufficient to ensure the 
balanced development of tourism. This is why assistance is required. This is obvious in 
the internal dimension, and can also be perceived with regard to the external dimension of 
trade. 
2.2.1 The Internal Dimension 
2.2.1.1. Economic and social cohesion 
Strengthening the economic and social cohesion of the Member States within the 
European Union, continues to be an on-going commitment. This type of cohesion will 
124 Council Decision 88/524/EEC, OJ L 288, 21.10.1988, p. 39. 
57 
only be achieved where there is greater parity in the levels of development across the 
regions of Europe and furthermore development which is sustainable in the long term and 
which brings with it improved quality of life, favourable environmental conditions and 
economic prosperity. Tourism is a recognised factor of development in those regions 
generally lagging behind in development, experiencing industrial decline or are of a 
highly rural nature. It also has much potential for job creation and employment. 
The main financial instruments for implementing the structural changes necessary to 
achieve sustainable development come in the form of either subsidies (European Funds) 
or loans (European Investment Bank). 
• European Funds 
Although the Cohesion Fund is not without its effect on tourism123, the analysis will 
concentrate on the Structural Funds, which provide the main finance for expanding 
tourism. 
The Council Regulations adopted on 31.7.1993, amending the regulations governing the 
framework, co-ordination126 and implementation of the structural funds127 have had the 
effect of extending the eligibility to Community structural resources to new regions and 
to new kinds of structural actions, initiatives and in the new period 1994-1999. There are 
also a number of new concepts being developed for addressing the problems of the 
regions particularly with regard to spatial planning and the urban environment. 
Measures have also been put in place to simplify and speed up the programming 
processes negotiated and agreed with the national and regional authorities) with better 
specified and more quantifiable objectives. Allocation of resources now requires greater 
involvement of the Commission, the national and regional authorities in the selection of 
projects and monitoring of the structural funds implementation and the application of the 
principle of additionality in the Member States. 
Better specified and more quantifiable objectives 
Regional policy and investment of the Structural Funds are intended to achieve a number 
of objectives, some regionally determined (i.e. Objectives 1, 2, 5b, 6) and others not (i.e. 
Objectives 3, 4, 5a). Objectives 3 (combating long-term unemployment and improving 
employment chances for the young) and 4 (adapting the workforce to industrial changes) 
have been modified to respond more effectively to the need to stimulate more 
employment and job creation. A new provision has also been agreed giving Objective 1 
treatment to certain under populated areas in Sweden and Finland mainly in the region of 
the Arctic Circle which are very under populated. 
Allocations of structural funds (the European Regional Development Fund, the European 
Social Fund, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund-Guidance and the 
Financial instrument of Fisheries Guidance) to tourism have been determined in the 
Community Support Frameworks (CSFs) or Single Programming Documents (SPDs) 
(drawn up in agreement between each of the Member States and the European 
125 Cf. Annex 5 for a presentation. 
126 Council Regulation EEC 2082/93 of 20.7.1993, OJ L 193/20. 
127 Council Regulation EEC 2080/93 (FIFG) of 20.7.1993, OJ L 193/1, Council Regulation EEC 
2083/93 (ERDF) of 20.7.1993, OJ L 193/34, Council Regulation EEC 2084/93. (ESF) of 
20.7.1993, OJ L 193/39, Council Regulation EEC 2085/93 of 20.7.1993, OJ L 193/44, 31.7.1993. 
58 
Commission) to achieve a number of results: 
improving the supply of tourism accommodation and facilities ; 
improved organisation of tourism related businesses and increased professionalism 
among tourism operators; 
support for detailed tourism strategies based on the "indigenous potential in the 
regions"128 concerned. 
The contribution of Structural Funds to Objective 1 regions for expenditure on 
development for the period 1994-1999 will be 93,810 million ECU. Of this, the planned 
allocation to tourism under the heading of "productive environment" alone (i.e. industry 
aid schemes and sectoral investment, support of industries and services in particular 
SMEs and Tourism and support infrastructure) for the 12 Member States totals 3,313 
million ECU or 3,5% of the total contribution. Similarly in Objective 2 regions, planned 
expenditure on tourism development (under productive environment) between 1994 and 
1996 accounts for 6,8 % or 473 million ECU of the total Structural funds contribution to 
Objective 2 development expenditure. 
Tourism has increasingly gained recognition as a means for regional development by the 
national and regional authorities. In the Objective 1 regions - including the recent 
additions under the new period, the new German Länder, East Berlin, Cantabria, Spain, 
Hainaut, Belgium, and Flevoland, Netherlands, Merseyside, United Kingdom and the 
Highlands and Islands, United Kingdom - tourism has been identified as a priority within 
the CSF of Italy and the Single Programming documents of Guadaloupe, France, and the 
Highlands and Islands. This does not take account of the tourism sub-programming 
documents or operational plans prepared by other Member States and regions within the 
framework of other priorities e.g. Greece, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Merseyside. 
On 20.1.1994129, the Commission adopted the list of areas affected by industrial decline 
eligible under Objective 2 for the period 1994-1996 and on 11.2.1994130 it fixed the 
indicative allocation to the Member States of the commitment appropriations from the 
Structural funds for this Objective. 
Objective 5(b) targets regions, with low socio-economic rural development with a high 
level of agricultural employment, low levels of agricultural income and or evidence of the 
demographic factor (low population density or significant depopulation). The list of areas 
approved as eligible under Objective 5(b) for 1994-199913' have about 8.2% of the of the 
Community's populations. The SPDs for Objective 5(b) were approved on 5/15.10.1994, 
16.11.1994 and 7.12.1994. 
The Arctic regions identified as Objective areas for assistance may also see tourism as a 
means of development132. 
128 Council Regulation EEC 2083/93 of 20.7.1993, OJ L 193/34, article lc, 31.7.1993. 
129 OJL 81 24.3.1994. 
no OJ L 82, 25.3.1994. 
131 Approved by the Commission on 26.1.1994 Bull 1/2-1994, point 1.2.112. 
132 Tables and budgets do not show any allocation of resources for the new Member States, as these 
were still under negotiation in 1994 and the countries in question had still to join the Union. 
59 
Improving monitoring of the Structural Funds 
The European Regional Development Fund is the major source of Structural funding for 
tourism development. Funding is allocated under 3 main headings: 
investment in production, 
investment in infrastructure and, 
the development of the indigenous potential of the regions. 
Structurât Funds contributions to tourism based on the Community Support Frameworks and the 
Single Programming Documents for Objectives I and 2 regions 
Millions of ECUs at 1994 prices 
°DJective ' (1994-1999) Objective 2 (1994-1996) 
^^^^^^^Hl: ERDF : ERDF 
Belgium 32 10 
Denmark not eligible 9 
Germany 0 15 
Greece 683 not eligible 
Spain 538 (3 
France 99 147 
Ireland 354 not eligible 
Italy 775 66 
Luxembourg not eligible 0 
Netherlands 4 34 
Portugal 571 not eligible 
United Kingdom 118 242 
TOTAL 3174 523 
Two periods of 3 years have been established for the allocation of funding to Objective 2 regions which 
offers scope for introducing adjustments to eligible areas and the CSFs at the end of the first 3 year 
period 
Of the total ERDF allocation to Objective 1 regions (5.6 billion ECUs approximately) 5.6% can be 
clearly identified as contributing to tourism development. In Objective 2 regions (2.2 billion ECUs 
approximately for ERDF) 9.7% will contribute to tourism. 
Article 10 of the ERDF Regulations provides for an ERDF contribution of up to 1% of 
the annual budget for the financing of studies, pilot and demonstration projects for the 
exchange of experience and good practice in matters relating to regional development 
which can also cover regional tourism development. Actions under Article 10 may be 
applied to the whole of the Community's territory, thus providing an articulation between 
eligible and non-eligible regions of the Community which is essential for the promotion 
of social and economic cohesion. 
During the period 1989-1993, 326.5 MECU was allocated for projects and studies under 
main categories: spatial planning at Community level; cross-border cooperation (this was 
later developed as the initiative INTERREG I); cooperation between cities and regions 
60 
(RECITE) and urban issues. 
During the period 1994-1999, four main priorities for support under article 10 by means 
of studies, pilot projects and cooperation networks have been identified which all are of 
potential relevance to the development of tourism activities. 
Inter-regional cooperation 
Support is available for inter-regional cooperation between local and regional 
authorities to participate within the European Union the exchange of experience 
programme PACTE, (6.3 MECU available in 1994) and the networks of 
cooperation (RECITE). Support is also available for inter-regional cooperation with 
partners from third countries under the OUVERTURE/ ECOS programme. 
Spatial planning 
There are several aims to this priority: a research programme leading to a better 
understanding of spatial planning; support for development plans or feasibility 
studies which contribute to better transnational spatial planning; and pilot projects 
which focus on spatial planning for specific types of areas. 
Innovative actions in regional development 
Within this priority the main theme of interest for tourism is the attention that will 
be given to the economic impact of the exploitation of regional cultural heritage, a 
major pole of all tourism in Europe. . 
The development of urban policies 
Cities while being main sources of economic development and tourism, also suffer 
more acutely from the negative aspects of life, congestion, pollution, industrial 
decay and social exclusion. As a complement to the Urban Initiative, this priority 
will fund pilot projects that deal with urban city problems in both eligible and 
non-eligible regions. 
The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund-Guidance provides resources 
for Objective 1 and Objective 5b regions (rural areas in decline). Assistance for tourism 
development is mainly in the form of encouragement to invest in tourism development 
and the development of artisan crafts including improvement of the natural and cultural 
environment and development of agricultural products. 
Community funding is allocated to rural tourism under the different Objectives, 
particularly l,5(a) and 5(b). However, the EAGGF Guidance Section has been given a 
broader remit and certain measures with a direct or indirect bearing on rural tourism are 
mentioned explicitly in the new rules governing the Structural Funds133: 
Pilot projects134 support the same terms as under the previous legislation, but the 
framework is defined in more general terms. Projects can concern the adjustment of 
agricultural and forestry structures and the promotion of rural development. This wording 
leaves enough leeway to promote a wide range of innovative projects in rural areas, 
including rural tourism. 
133 EEC Regulation n° 2085/93 OJ I. 193. 31.7.1993. 
134 Article 8 of EEC Regulation n° 2085/93. 61 
TABLE 1 
BUDGETARY RESOURCES ALLOCATED TO TOURISM135 IN OBJECTIVE 1 
REGIONS UNDER EAGGF FOR 1994-1999 
Member 
States 
Germany 
Belgium 
Spain 
Greece 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
Portugal 
United 
Kingdom 
European 
Union Structural 
Funds 
13,640.0 
730.0 
26,300.0 
13,980.0 
2,190.0 
5,620.0 
14,860.0 
150.0 
13,980.0 
2,359.8 
93,809.8 EAGGF 
0 
MECU 
2,644.5 
47.0 
*> 1 i ^ o 
J,JI j.o 
1,800.0 
431.4 
1,058.0 
2,228.0 
21.5 
1,894.2 
245.9 
13,684.3 % 
19.4 
6.4 
12.6 
12.9 
19.7 
18.8 
15.0 
14.3 
13.5 
10.4 
14.6 Contribution to tourism 
MECU 
800.0(1) 
1.7 
549.35 
39.6(1) 
7.0(1) 
9.6 
862.1 (2) 
1.2 
38.9 
1.0(1) 
2310.45 % of EAGGF 
30.25 
3.61 
16.58 
2.2 
1.62 
0.91 
38.69 
5.58 
2.05 
0.41 
18.65 
(1) Estimated value 
(2) Taken from the CSF 
TABLE 2 
SINGLE PROGRAMMING DOCUEMNTS (SPDs) FOR OBJECTIVE 5B (1994-1999): Funding 
for measures to assist the tourism sector. 
MECU (current prices) 
Member 
State 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Germany 
Spain 
France 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
United 
Kingdom Total Cost 
All SPDs 
a 
266.24 
201.52 
5205.29 
1798.72 
7832.01 
4728.42 
25.51 
592.08 
2012.33 tourism 
measures 
b 
30.90 
57.47 
382.89 
149.72 
891.05 
914.42 
4.45 
72.86 
418.96 Community Contribution 
All SPDs 
c 
78.09 
54.00 
1229.09 
664.00 
2229.30 
903.70 
6.00 
150.00 
820.47 tourism 
measures 
d=f+g 
10.23 
14.71 
86.68 
45.21 
258.43 
168.61 
0.98 
20.89 
174.89 tourism 
measures 
e=d/c 
13.1% 
27.2% 
7.1% 
6.8% 
11.6% 
18.7% 
16.4% 
13.9% 
21.3% tourism measures 
EAGGF 
f 
0.76 
6.48 
42.45 
7.67 
27.36 
37.57 
0.06 
1.38 
38.78 ERDF 
g 
9.47 
8.23 
44.24 
37.54 
231.07 
131.05 
0.93 
19.50 
136.11 
TOTAL 22662.12 2922.40 6134.59 780.64 12.7% 162.50 618.14 
135 Tourism in this context is taken to include any action which could assist people making trips. 
62 
Objective 5b, Examples of Programmes Where Tourism Has Been Identified As A Priority 
Country 
Belgium 
Belgium 
Denmark 
France 
France 
Italy 
Italy 
Italy 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
Netherlands 
Netherlands 
Netherlands 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK 
UK Region 
Meetjesland 
Westhoek 
Denmark 
Auvergne 
Bourgogne 
Friuli-Veneziia Giulia 
Piemonte 
Valle d'Aosta 
Veneto 
Luxembourg 
Friesland 
Groningen/Drenthe 
Limbing 
Overijssel 
Central Scotland/Tayside 
Cast Anglia 
English Northern Uplands 
Lincolnshire 
SW England 
The Marches 
Wales Identified Priority 
Tourism development 
Tourism development 
Tourism 
Tourism, open areas, environment 
Tourism Potential/ natural & cultural heritage 
Tourism 
Strengthening tourism activities 
Rural Tourism & natural environment 
Valorisation of tourism resources 
Tourism & quality of life 
Natural resources and countryside ,Tourism & recreation 
Tourism 
Tourism 
Agricultural development, Tourism & nature 
Tourism 
Tourism development 
Tourism 
Tourism 
Tourism 
Tourism 
Tourism development ERDF 
546.357 
1.241.752 
102.050.000 
416.400.000 
233.330.000 
7.601.577 
14.613.000 
1.966.500 
7.738.492 
1.780.000 
7.080.000 
4.975.000 
3.295.000 
3.238.000 
7.510.000 
12.200.000 
14.570.000 
7.000.000 
35.680.000 
5.200.000 
36.280.000 EAGGF 
0 
0 
6.480.000 
282.240.000 
4.545.000 
1.842.105 
0 
0 
4.369.353 
1.193.750 
18.290.000 
1.383.000 
0 
4.734.000 
0 
0 
4.050.000 
2.200.000 
5.200.000 
0 
7.500.000 ESF 
0 
0 
31.750.000 
18.650.000 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
2.020.000 
405.000 
1.620.000 
1.120.000 
7.000.000 
1.400.000 
9.900.000 
Of the 69 programmes adopted under Objective 5b, in the 9 Member States concerned, 21 of the regional programmes above have a priority axe 
explicitly concerned with tourism. Some aspects of the regional programmes particularly those concerning Objective 2 (Industrial regions in 
decline) and Objective 5b (rural areas in decline) are still under negotiation and have yet to be adopted. Work is currently in progress to classify 
by theme (tourism included) all credits made under Objective 5b, extracting details on expenditure (e.g. on tourism) even in those programmes 
where it is not a priority axe. 
63 
The potential of the tourist industry as a source of new employment, particularly for more 
vulnerable groups in society (e.g. women and young people), is being increasingly 
recognised and given increased attention. 
The role of the European Social Fund116 in the European Union is the twofold: 
development of human resources and improved efficiency of the labour market. 
Furthermore, three priorities have been identified for use of ESF: 
- improving access to and the quality of education and initial training, and boosting 
human potential in research, science and technology 
- increasing competitiveness and preventing unemployment by adapting the workforce 
to the challenge of change through a systematic approach to continuing training 
- improving the employment opportunities of those exposed to long-term 
unemployment and exclusion through the development of a package of measures 
which form a pathway to integration. 
The new Community Support Frameworks or Single programming documents for the 
period 1994-1999 do give some indication of the support that will be given to tourism. 
However, it is very difficult to identify precisely the exact allocation that will be spent on 
the tourism sector. 
In Objective 1 regions resources will be used to strengthen tourism development within 
the framework of operational programmes comprising resources for capital investment 
from the European Regional Development Fund ERDF and ESF resources for developing 
the labour force in the tourism sector. 
In Objective 2 regions (in industrial decline) ESF resources will be used to assist in the 
retraining and re-qualification of the workforce and aid for employment. 
In the whole of the EU under Objectives 3 and 4, one of the priorities for ESF support is 
the development of leisure and cultural activities particularly where they are associated 
with local job creation initiatives. 
Under the new regulation for ESF the amount of employment aids will no longer be 
determined by the Community but, as for training will depend on national aid 
arrangements. 
136 Council Regulation (EEC)N° 2084/93 of 20.6.1993, OJ L 193/39, 31.7.1993. 
64 
ESF RESOURCES TO ASSIST TOURISM IN OBJECTIVE 1 & 2 REGIONS 
(1994 prices in MECU) 
Member States 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Spain 
France 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Greece 
Ireland 
Portugal 
Total Objective 1 
3.00 
-
11.80 
-
87.50 
1.00 
35.00 
10.00 
102.00 
47.00 
297.30 Objective 2 
-
1.80 
-
2.80 
4.60 
7.50 
46.00 
-
-
-
62.7 TOTAL 
3.00 
1.80 
11.80 
2.80 
92.10 
8.50 
81.00 
10.00 
102.00 
47.00 
360.00 
The allocations from the European Social Fund (ESF) correspond only to those actions 
specifically identified for tourism. It should be noted that many other training actions 
may indirectly be of benefit to tourism. 
The Community Initiatives: Following approval of its proposed guidelines for 13 
Community initiatives from the European Parliament, Economic and Social Committee 
and the Committee of the Regions, the Commission adopted the final version of the 
guidelines on 15.6.1994 and proceeded to issue notices to the Member States137. A total of 
11.9 billion ECU has been allocated to the 13 initiatives approved thus far, leaving a 
reserve of 1.6 billion ECU to be allocated over the period 1994-1999138. 
Indicative allocations were adopted for each of the initiatives on 13.7.1994, not including 
Rechar, Résider, Konver and Retex (new areas). The initiatives all have 3 particular 
features: support for the development of trans-national, crossborder and inter-regional 
co-operation; a "bottom-up" approach to implementation; and the high profile on the spot 
which they give to Community measures. 
The Commission approved the financial allocations for the Member States and the list of 
eligible zones for the Initiatives concerned with industrial change on 12.10.1994 and 
officially invited the Member States to submit operational programmes by 15.11.1995. 
The 13 initiatives cover 7 subjects: 
Cross-border, trans-national and inter-regional 
co-operation and networks 
Rural development 
The most remote regions INTERREG II 
LEADER II 
REGIS 
137 Communication to the Member States setting out guidelines on the Community Initiatives for the 
period 1994-1999, OJ C 180/1, 1.7.1994. 
138 Articlel2.5, Council Regulation EEC N° 2081/93 of 20.7.1994, OJ 193/16, 31.7.1993. 
139 For a detailed presentation see Annex 6. 
65 
Employment and the development of human 
resources -
The management of industrial change -
The development of crisis-hit urban areas 
Restructuring of the fishing industry -EMPLOYMENT - NOW, HORIZON, 
YOUTHSTART 
ADAPT, RECHAR, RESIDER, 
KONVER, RETEX, TEXTILES, 
SMEs 
URBAN 
PESCA 
Within the majority of these initiatives (except RETEX) tourism related measures are 
identified as being eligible for support. Following publication of the Commission's 
guidelines (OJ C 180, 1.7.1994) the Member States were given till November 1994 to 
submit their programmes. 
Operational programmes for a number of the Initiatives in a number of the Member States 
were already adopted by the end of 1994. 
Spain: 
Portugal: 
Greece: 
Northern Ireland: 
Netherlands INTERREG, REGEN/Portugal 
INTERREG, and REGEN/Spain, Regis, Résider and Rechar 
INTERREG/external frontiers, a part of REGEN and URBAN 
URBAN, SME 
RESIDER 
A new initiative for Northern Ireland: following the start of the "peace process" in 
Northern Ireland in July 1994, the Essen European Council approved in principle a 
multi-annual programme for the period 1995-1999. A Community contribution of MECU 
300 for the first 3 years will apply Northern Ireland and to the five bordering counties of 
the Irish Republic. The priorities of this programme will focus on urban and rural 
regeneration, employment creation, cross-border development, social inclusion and 
industrial development. 
Investment of the structural funds in tourism as a means of implementing regional policy 
has a major role to play in achieving sustainable tourism development. The modifications 
made to the Structural Funds Regulations concerning improved monitoring committees 
for the various programmes during this new period offer greater scope for all partners 
concerned at the local, national and European level to examine effectively what has been 
planned, how actions are being implemented with the resources allocated, and with what 
effective results. 
A detailed evaluation of the previous period 1988-1993 is in progress. As over 2 billion 
ECU was allocated to tourism development, analysis of the results of this investment will 
be an essential consideration for future co-ordination procedures for allocating resources 
in line with a more comprehensive strategy. 
• European Investment Bank 
As part of its task of providing long-term finance for investments contributing to the 
implementation of Community policies, the European Investment Bank (EIB) assists 
tourism in various ways. 
Most of the EIB's activities are concerned with reducing regional disparities, a priority 
66 
confirmed by the Maastricht Treaty. Accordingly, action to strengthen tourism facilities 
is restricted almost exclusively to regions in receipt of Community Structural Funds: 
more than three-quarters of the finance granted between 1990 and 1994 fell under this 
heading, i.e. ECU 1 014 million, of which ECU 151 million were granted in 1994. 
Finance provided by the EIB to assist the "tourism/leisure" sector 
1990 to 1994 and in 1994 (ECU 000 000) 
Country 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Spain 
France 
Greece 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
Portugal 
Germany 
United 
Kingdom 
Total 1990-1994 
Total 
24.2 
0.4 
77.8 
322.8 
29.4 
29.5 
342.2 
14.0 
78.0 
62.3 
33.6 
1014.2 Loans 
181.5 
32.8 
30.5 
15.7 
260.5 Funds via 
global 
loans 
24.2 
0.4 
77.8 
141.3 
29.4 
29.5 
309.4 
14.0 
47.5 
62.3 
17.9 
753.7 1994 
Total 
6.0 
0.0 
3.1 
31.6 
4.4 
15.7 
79.2 
4.5 
0.0 
0.6 
6.2 
151.3 Loans 
6.2 
6.2 Funds via 
global 
loans 
6.0 
3.1 
31.6 
4.4 
15.7 
73.0 
4.5 
0.6 
6.2 
145.1 
The assistance given to these regions is mainly to small or medium-sized hotels (nearly 
1 200 projects received ECU 632 million between 1990 and 1994, cf. Table 2), and is 
financed by global loans concluded with banks and financial intermediaries which are in 
close touch with local conditions and with which the EIB works closely. The hotel 
projects are concerned to a great extent with business tourism, which throughout the year 
supports the economic expansion of regions less immediately attractive to tourists. A 
particularly large volume of investment has been made, since 1990, in the eastern regions 
of Germany, where such establishments were very rare. Furthermore, over the same 
period, some ECU 50 million in individual loans was granted for hotels and several 
motels in the United Kingdom and Portugal. 
Most of the other investments covered very diverse establishments and served to 
reinforce the tourist appeal of the regions concerned: camp sites, ski lifts, leisure areas 
and also, particularly in Italy, buildings and sites of a cultural or architectural interest 
which warranted a visit by tourists. 
In addition to the regions receiving regional development aid, the EIB financed an 
exceptionally large-scale project contributing to the Community's tourist appeal, i.e. the 
Euro Disney park in the Paris area. 
67 
Funds granted via global loans in the "tourism/leisure" sector 
1990 to 1994 (ECU 000 000) 
Country 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Spain 
France 
Greece 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
Portugal 
Germany 
United Kingdom 
Total Number 
28 
7 
82 
345 
29 
80 
624 
20 
41 
236 
27 
1 519 Amount 
24.2 
0.4 
77.8 
141.3 
29.4 
29.5 
309.4 
14 
47.5 
62.3 
17.9 
753.7 of which hotels 
19.4 
0.3 
75.6 
102.3 
27.5 
19.5 
256.6 
9.1 
47.3 
58.4 
15.5 
631.5 
In addition to these sources of finance, there are more specific mechanisms, such as loans 
under Article 56 of the ECSC Treaty (Annex 7). 
2.2.1.2. Improved communications - "Trans European Networks" 
Within the context in Title XII of the Treaty on European Union140, and the White Paper 
on "Growth, Competitiveness, Employment"141, two expert groups were established by 
the Commission to take forward proposals on the trans-European networks: The 
"Christophersen Group", made up of representatives of the Heads of State or 
Government, on transport, energy and environmental infrastructure networks; and the 
"Bangemann Group", which comprised of leading figures from the telecommunications 
industry, to consider information infrastructure and the "information society" 
The identification and financial support of priority projects and measures concerning 
European transport, telecommunications and environmental infrastructure is expected to 
be of large benefit to tourism. "Networks are the arteries of the Single Market"142 and 
tourism is an industry which depends heavily on road, rail and air transport, 
telecommunication infrastructures transmitting on-line tourist information and allowing 
reservation and marketing possibilities, as well as environmental infrastructures, a 
prerequisite for the sustainable development of tourism. Energy networks are expected to 
benefit tourism indirectly, mainly by reducing the costs for European economies of 
providing necessary energy supplies, and thus, allowing their smooth functioning on a 
long-term basis. 
140 OJ C 191, of 29.7.1992, p. 25. 
HI White Paper on "Growth, Competitiveness, Employment. The challenges and ways forward into the 
21st century", p. 75. 
142 Idem. 
68 
2.2.1.3. Transport facilities 
Transport is an essential factor for the tourist industry and the measures taken in this 
sector have a significant effect on the expansion of tourism. 
The White Paper on the Future Development of the Common Transport Policy, adopted 
by the Commission on 2.12.1992, remains the frame of reference for Community activity 
in this matter, proposing a global approach based on the development, on the one hand, of 
integrated multi-modal systems of transport, environmentally friendly, taking account of 
the requirements of reliability, safety and comfort of European citizens and, on the other, 
of the development of trans-European networks offering a framework favourable to the 
mobility of all. 
• Actions and measures in the field of transport which affect tourism 
In accordance with the basic principles of the Common Transport Policy, i.e. mobility 
and freedom of choice of the individual under certain conditions and within the context of 
sustainable development, the Union continued its work in this field in 1994. 
Trans-European Transport Network 
On 7.4.1994 the Commission forwarded to the Council a proposal143 aimed at establishing 
guidelines covering objectives, priorities and main lines of action for achieving a 
trans-European transport network. In addition, this proposal identifies projects of 
common interest which, when achieved, should contribute to developing the network. 
This multi-modal proposal is intended to replace and complete the three "modal" 
decisions adopted by the Council on 29.10.1993, which concerned only the development 
of road, inland waterway and combined transport networks. These guidelines include 
besides the aforementioned networks, railroads, ports, airports and information and 
management systems for the whole network. The proposal has already been discussed 
several times within the Community institutions. 
Air transport 
On 14.12.1994 the Commission adopted the proposal for the Directive to facilitate access 
to the ground handling market and to promote fair competition144. Implementation of the 
third air transport package continues to open up new possibilities for tourism in the 
Union. Effective access to the market still poses a problem, and a study on the 
distribution of time slots is being carried out. The results of this study scheduled to be 
available during the second half of 1995. Work on improving the situation regarding the 
air navigation management system is also of some interest to tourism. 
Computerised reservation systems 
While ensuring implementation of the code of conduct on CRSs145, and following several 
complaints regarding the non-compliance of the tariffs charged by the CRSs with the 
provisions of Article 10.1 of this code, the Commission has encouraged a wider 
discussion of pricing principles. A working group composed of the parties concerned 
(representatives of airlines, travel agencies and CRSs) has been formed and has met to 
examine the current situation and possible changes. To give a better picture of the impact 
143 COM(94) 106 final - OJ C 220, p. 1, 8.8.1994. 
144 COM(94) 590 Final. 
145 Council Regulation (EEC) No 3089/93, 29.10.1993, amending Regulation (EEC) 2299/85. 
69 
of various pricing policies on the enterprises concerned, a study has also been initiated 
and its development followed directly by the members of the working group. The results 
of the study are expected in the second half of 1995. 
Safety on board means of transport 
- Articles 8.1 and 8.2 of Directive 94/58/EEC of 22.11.19941*5 concerning the 
minimum level of training for persons at sea lay down specific provisions regarding 
communications on board passenger vessels. 
- Directive 94/56/EEC of 22.11.1994147 lays down fundamental principles governing 
requests regarding accidents and incidents in civil aviation. The technical enquiry laid 
down in the Directive is not intended to establish faults or blame but to extract 
information which might prevent future accidents and technical incidents and 
consequently to produce safety recommendations. 
• Budgetary list of actions taken in thejleld of transport with an effect on tourism 
Transport infrastructure policy 
During the period 1982-1994, a total of ECU 1 088 million was devoted to implementing 
the transport infrastructure policy, forming part of a total investment of ECU 15 000 
million. Although the effect on tourism is not quantifiable, it is obvious that this policy 
has a substantial impact on promoting infrastructure of European interest. 
During the period 1993-1994, the legal basis for the programme of action in the field of 
transport infrastructure (the trans-European networks budgetary heading) was Council 
Regulation (EEC) No 1738/93 of 25.6.1993 on the implementation of an action 
programme in the field of transport infrastructure with a view to the completion of an 
integrated transport market. This Regulation was an extension of the 1990 triennial 
Regulation of 1990 on following up the guidelines of the transport infrastructure 
programme at both political and budgetary level. The Regulation expired on 31.12.1994. 
It had a transitional role and ensured continuity between the Action Programme launched 
by Regulation No 3359/90 and the entry into force of a new Regulation, for which the 
proposal to the Council was approved by the Commission on 2.3.1994148 for the transport, 
energy and communications sector. The purpose of this Regulation is to provide, on the 
basis of Article 129 of the Treaty on European Union, a legal basis for Community 
financial actions relating to the implementation of trans-European networks. The finance 
planned for the trans-European transport networks is ECU 1 868 million for the period 
1994-1999. 
COST Actions 
Four actions are presently being implemented, for which the Commission provides the 
administrative and technical secretariat. The financial contribution for these is between 
ECU 400 000 and ECU 600 000 per year per action. 
146 OJ L319, 12.12.1994, p. 28. 
147 OJ L 319/94. 12.12.1994. 
148 COM(94) 62. 
70 
These actions are: 
COST 317: Socio-economic effects of the Channel Tunnel 
To devise a methodology for observing the socio-economic effects of a large-scale 
infrastructure. 
COST 318: Interaction of air transport and high speed rail transport 
Analysis of interaction and complementary features, and identification of the 
advantages to users and the general public. 
COST 322: Low-floor buses 
To draw up specifications for vehicles and boarding points, in particular for persons 
with reduced mobility. 
COST 328: Strategies for integrating transport infrastructure networks in Europe 
To find methods for the socio-economic evaluation of European infrastructures, 
taking into account the degree to which the transport networks can be operated 
jointly and can be interconnected. 
2.2.2. The External Perspective 
Under the policy of economic, financial and technical cooperation pursued by the 
Community in non-Community countries, tourism has been able to benefit in particular 
from the instruments established to associate operators in the private sector with actions 
of mutual interest to both the Community and the partner countries. 
Under the programme for setting up joint enterprises (European Community Investment 
Partner - ECIP) launched in 1988 to encourage European enterprises to invest directly in 
developing countries in Asia, Latin America and the Mediterranean regions, the 
Community gives appropriate financial support to the various phases of setting up a joint 
venture project. Over the period 1989-1994, 25 projects connected with tourism were 
selected, valued at approximately ECU 2.9 million (Annex 8). 
The projects financed in 1994 concerned the search for partners for developing business 
tourism and congresses in Morocco and for promoting environmentally friendly tourism 
and adventure tourism in South Africa. 
2.2.2.1. Establishment of networks in the Mediterranean region 
Under the decentralised cooperation of the programmes MED URBS (a local 
communities labour network) and MED CAMPUS (a university network), a number of 
projects were initiated in the tourism sector to develop training, technical assistance or 
know-how-transfer projects between operators on the two coasts of the Mediterranean. 
Three projects involving Community finance totalling ECU 538 000 were launched in 
1994 under MED URBS. 
71 
MED URBS 
Project 
Coast Map 
Development of the Economy 
and Tourism 
Pharos 
Development of Tourism 
Sealink Nepon 
Development of the Economy 
and Tourism Objectives 
Transfer of information and experiences, 
development of new ideas, implementation of 
practical projects and establishment of lasting 
relations in order to: 
. develop new markets; 
. establish an economic development strategy; 
. foster high-quality services in the tourism 
sector. 
. Foster new forms of cultural tourism 
. Consolidate the network of local 
communities with a lively interest in 
expanding cultural tourism. 
. Establish a procedure for devising and 
mounting tourist/cultural products. 
. Disseminate the results of the network and 
pilot projects. 
Improve relations between the port and the 
town and involve the local authorities in 
managing the port. 
Make one of the objectives of the network the 
transfer of know-how on the control of 
pollution generated by port activities and try to 
integrate ports into the economic and social 
development of the city. Partners 
Limassol 
CYPRUS 
Sivom Cap Corse 
FRANCE 
Regione 
Campania 
ITALY 
Mate-Asher 
Regional Council 
Dun Laoghaire 
IRELAND 
Lakatamia 
CYPRUS 
Bremen 
GERMANY 
Patras 
GREECE 
Ashdod 
ISRAEL 
Haifa 
ISRAEL 
Brindisi 
ITALY Amount 
Total 
300 000 
200 000 
280 000 Of which 
EC 
200 000 
160 000 
178 000 
72 
EUROMED 
Under EUROMED, ECU 431000 is available for tourism in 1994 to finance five 
cooperation projects between university institutes. 
Project 
"Sustainable Tourism" in 
Egypt 
Teacher Training 
Unimed Objectives 
. Draw up guidelines for supporting the 
development of San Sina, taking account of 
the proposed marina of AI Homayera and the 
Ras Naqab airport. 
. Use the guidelines for San Sina to draw up 
other guidelines for support and 
recommendations for the future development 
of tourist centres in the Red Sea region. 
. Devise mechanisms for monitoring the 
development of San Sina, the structuring and 
follow-up of operations, and ensure its 
long-term viability. 
. Communicate the methodologies used for 
drawing up and implementing guidelines as 
a model for developing tourist centres in 
other developing countries 
Revise the training programmes; 
Train instructors in the new concepts of 
quality management of services and their 
methodology; 
Produce data which can be used by teachers 
and people professionally engaged in tourism. 
The main objectives are: 
. to increase the number of projects based on 
energy-saving in the MNCs concerned; 
. to increase the cost-benefit applications of 
new and renewable energy sources; 
. to increase the rational and efficient use of 
energy, taking account of the environmental 
aspects; 
. to encourage the movement towards the use 
of new and renewable energy sources in the 
existing energy system; 
. to increase the number of transnational 
projects and programmes based on involving 
the MNCs in research and innovation. Partners 
University of 
Alexandria 
EGYPT 
Centre hautes 
Etudes 
Touristiques 
FRANCE 
University of the 
Balearic Islands 
SPAIN 
Sheffield, Hallam 
University 
UNITED 
KINGDOM 
University of 
Provence 
FRANCE 
University of 
Ancona 
ITALY 
Mohamedia 
School of 
Engineering 
MOROCCO 
Faculty of 
Science, Semlalia 
MOROCCO 
AI. Baath 
University 
SYRIA Amount 
Total 
150 000 
105 520 
187 190 Including 
EC 
60 000 
79 140 
112310 
73 
Project 
Unimed 
Euromed Tourism Objectives 
The objective is to train 20 experts in the 
methodologies for the planning, reclamation 
and protection of the Mediterranean coastal 
areas. These experts will be able to assess the 
appropriateness of such measures. 
The objective of the project is to create a 
cooperation network between higher education 
institutes in the EC and the MNCs to train 
businessmen, government officials, and 
university staff and students, educate them and 
make them aware of past experiences, 
problems and solutions regarding cultural and 
ecological tourism in the NMCs in the long 
term. Partners 
Epau 
ALGERIA 
University of 
Tiziouzou 
ALGERIA 
Gent University 
BELGIUM 
Ecole Nation. 
Sup. du paysage 
FRANCE 
University of 
Rome 
ITALY 
University of 
Venice 
ITALY 
University of 
Malta 
MALTA 
Universidad 
Complutense de 
Madrid 
SPAIN 
University of 
Cyprus 
CYPRUS 
University of 
Alexandria 
EGYPT 
Università di 
Bergamo 
ITALY 
University of 
Tunis 
TUNISIA 
University of 
Surrey 
UNITED 
KINGDOM 
University of 
Wales 
UNITED 
KINGDOM Amount 
Total 
200 000 
150 000 Including 
EC 
120 000 
60 000 
2.2.2.2. Tourism's contribution to the Peace Process in the Middle East 
Recognising the role of tourism as a factor of economic development for the Middle East 
and as a contribution to the peace process, the Working Group on regional economic 
development (REDWG) led by the Commission has implemented the "Copenhagen 
Action Plan", which outlines a number of different projects and includes tourism among 
nine sectors of activity. 
74 
To supervise all the activities of the Copenhagen Action Plan, a Monitoring Committee 
was created in May 1994 under the chairmanship of the REDWG gavel holders, with 
membership of the Egyptian, Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian parties and all other 
regional parties and the participation of the co-sponsors and co-organisers. One of the 
four sub-committees set up is specially designated to tourism. The Tourism Committee, 
following the Casablanca Conference, reviewed proposals from the regional parties on 
the idea of establishing a tourism mechanism for the Middle East such as a regional 
tourism board or association including both the public and private sectors. 
TOURISM ACTIONS IDENTIFIED UNDER THE "COPENHAGEN ACTION PLAN" 
Sponsor Subject Status 
Japan Workshop on regional co-operation in 6/7.2.1994 - Cairo 
tourism (number 1) 
Japan Workshop on regional co-operation in 27/28.11.1994 - Cairo 
tourism (number 2) 
Japan Workshop on regional co-operation in 28/30.3.1995 
tourism (number 3) 
Japan Seminar on policies for promotion of 16/29.1.1995 - Cairo 
small-medium enterprises, including those 
related to tourism 
Japan Regional joint mission for marketing the Spring 1995 - Japan 
Middle East 
EC Workshop of European tour operators and 23/25.1.1995 - Aqaba 
regional tourism officials 
US Workshop of American tour operators and 28/29.1.1994 - Cairo 
regional tourism officials in Egypt 
Switzerland Feasibility Study on regional training of hotel completed 
and tourism personnel 
2.2.2.3. Relations with Central and Eastern European Countries 
During 1994, PHAREl49continued with its programmes in Tourism Development in 
Albania, the Baltic States, Poland and Romania. These programmes, which had mostly 
been launched in 1992 and 1993 are aimed at addressing basic issues of institutional 
structures, developing a service mentality and, enhancing the quality of the service. This 
is followed up by promotional campaigns. The programmes vary by country, depending 
on local conditions and the priorities set by the governments of the partner countries. 
The total PHARE budget for 1994 was 975 MECU, bringing the total aid package since it 
began in 1990 to 4,275 MECU. Of this, the global amount allocated to Tourism 
Development is around 29 MECU. Albania has received 1.2 MECU, the Baltic States 1.8 
MECU, Bulgaria 4 MECU (1993 PHARE allocation not disbursed to-date due to no local 
consensus), Poland 12.5 MECU, and Romania 9,5 MECU. 
14*; Council Reg. n° 3906/89, OJ L 375, p. 11, 1989. 
75 
In 1994 programmes continued in the following countries: 
• Albania 
Under the 1993 Private Sector Development Programme, PHARE initiated a project 
amounting to 1.2 MECU for the development of small-scale tourism in the southern 
region of Albania. The projects which are on-going include the establishment of a credit 
line for ECU 800,000 and the availability of technical assistance for entrepreneurs in 
order to prepare their loan applications. 
• Baltic States 
In 1992, an identification of tourism development needs was carried out. A 2-year 
programme followed at the beginning of 1993 (1.8 MECU) which focused specifically on 
4 aspects: 
institutional strengthening in order to establish the appropriate institutional 
framework and organisational structures (the relevant Ministry is responsible for 
policy making and the national tourism administration is in charge of its operational 
implementation) 
manpower development to improve the quality of management and skills in the 
industry (training courses) 
product development to give direction for the development of the industry (control 
of quality with licensing and classification of hotels, restaurants and B&B; 
development of regional information systems) 
tourism promotion in the major source markets (production of promotional 
brochures, participation in trade fairs, studies on the European market demand, on 
the motivations and expenditures of travellers to help define a market strategy). 
A second programme should be launched by the end of 1995 for the 3 countries (budget 
1.5 MECU to be take from 1995 PHARE funding). 
• Poland 
The 1992 Programme, TOURIN I, expires at the end of June 1995. The key elements of 
the technical aid were institutional strengthening, training of sector personnel, preparing a 
National Tourism Development Strategy, and running promotional campaigns. 
All elements were basically successful but owing to delays in preparing the strategy, the 
promotional campaigns will not be run until later during 1995. In particular, the training 
of sector personnel (both public and private sector) and institutional development have 
been highly valued by the Polish authorities. 
TOURIN II, which came out of 1993 PHARE funding, started activity with a very 
thorough needs analysis and programme design phase. TOURIN II has four main 
components: computer reservation systems, road user assistance, developing rural tourism 
and implementing the strategy prepared under TOURIN I. 
The first two are highly technical subjects, involving deep knowledge of computer and 
télécoms systems application to tourism needs. Rural tourism is a "core" tourism activity 
which has several sub-components including rural accommodation, activity tourism, 
eco-tourism and identification of a wide range of related small infrastructure projects. 
76 
Implementation of the strategy includes a major institutional reorganisation at both 
central and local levels (with establishment of a Tourism Board being planned) and very 
practical action in several regions to develop a series of tourism products according to 
local conditions. 
• Romania 
The first Tourism Assistance Programme for Romania started in 1993 and will end 
mid-1995. Its budget of 4.5 MECU was targeted at four activities: Institutional 
Development (assistance to the Ministry of Tourism), Manpower Development (Training 
and Re-Training), Product Development (Identification and Positioning of Product) and 
Marketing (Promotion Material, Tourism Fairs, Advertising Campaigns). 
A second programme, starting mid-1995 and ending in 1996 has been prepared (worth 
around 5 MECU on 1994 PHARE funding). It will continue to support the Ministry of 
Tourism, but also include a number of decentralised, regional activities such as the 
development of rural tourism or the strengthening private associations of entrepreneurs in 
the tourism industry. Links will be established with other PHARE Programmes addressed 
to SMEs and Regional Development. 
• Related Activity 
Tourism is also addressed through several PHARE Programmes, such as SME 
development, regional development and investment attraction. In Hungary, for example, 
investment has been attracted to hotel/commercial complex development schemes. 
As a result of the communication process established between the Commission and the 
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the support strategy drawn up for 
Tourism in the Ukraine was able to draw on the.general objectives set out in the Council 
Decision 92/421/EEC intended to achieve balanced, sustainable and high quality tourism 
development. Similar consultations were held with the Baltic States and Poland. 
2.2.2.4. De ve lop men t and co-operation 
The current framework for ACP/EU development cooperation is the Forth Lomé 
Convention, an international trade and aid agreement covering the period 1990-2000. 
Cooperation activities under the Convention are financed through European Development 
Fund resources as opposed to the annual general budget of the EU. Cooperation with the 
Overseas Countries and Territories is covered by parallel provisions in the Council 
Decision of July 1991. 
Tourism presents a considerable challenge within the framework of development because 
of the poor co-ordination of the industry, its fragmentary and disparate nature and a 
complex array of economic, social and cultural impacts. 
The industry can contribute substantially to economic development but, if allowed to 
grow unchecked in developing regions, it also has the potential for causing lasting 
damage. In order to ensure that it acts as a positive factor in economic development, 
therefore, particular attention needs to be paid to the manner in which tourism is 
developed and promoted in these regions. 
77 
The fourth Lomé Convention recognises the importance of the sector by dedicating a 
separate chapter to tourism. Articles 121 and 122 encompass provisions relating to the 
four main areas of sector support: human resources and institutional development, 
product development, market development and tools to monitor and encourage sector 
development in the form of research and information. 
Moreover tourism is covered by Article 138, which provides for operations of a regional 
character in trade and services, and is among the sectors qualifying for support from the 
EIB for productive programmes and projects. Lastly, a joint declaration calls for greater 
emphasis to be placed on the development of trade and services including tourism150. 
Though not a priority in all ACP States, for an increasing number, it has become one of 
the most important sources of foreign exchange and employment. For countries which 
have little or no industrial base, a bias towards primary commodity production and 
limited potential for diversification or development in other areas, but which enjoy 
comparative advantage due to location, climate, landscape, natural or man-made assets, 
and a relatively cheap labour force, there is usually a case to be made for some degree of 
tourism development. 
Under Lomé IV, sector support led to the creation of fully integrated tourism programmes 
in the Caribbean, the Pacific and in the Indian Ocean where they also have a part to play 
in fostering regional co-operation and integration. They all aim to achieve a long-term 
sustainable growth in tourist arrivals from Europe and other markets. The provision of 
resources to pump-prime tour operator and other market-based activity is complemented 
by assistance with policy formulation, tourism education and training, research and 
statistics. Tourism fair participation, previously funded separately, are now an integral 
part of this latest generation of programmes. Activities in Africa are not yet of a 
comparable scale. 
The measures undertaken in 1990-1994 are set out in Annex 9 and show that the 
combined commitment appropriation for this period totals 78.026 MECU. 
3. TOURISM RESOURCES 
3.1. ARCHITECTURAL AND CUL TURAL HÉRITA GE 
Cultural tourism in Europe is a significant aspect of the tourism product on offer. It 
demands that consideration be given to the various dimensions (social, economic, cultural 
and ecological) of its development. Increasing concern about the effects of visitor 
pressures on historical city centres which in turn has an impact on urban development, 
prompted increasing attention to be given to the need to implement measures concerned 
with visitor management. 
Despite a growth in the development of cultural tourism policy and increasing recognition 
of its economic and social significance, there is currently no comprehensive treatment of 
the subject available. Previous work has to a large extent tended to emphasise either the 
tourism or the cultural aspects of the issue, but rarely are both treated together using an 
150 see Annex XX of the Lome Convention. 
78 
integrated approach. However, some proposals currently being developed offer scope for 
at least greater complementarity in the development of the two issues (culture and 
tourism). 
3.1.1. Cultural Actions 
Following on from Antwerp in 1993, Lisbon was the nominated City of Culture in 1994. 
Thus making it the venue for cultural events and cultural interchanges between the 
peoples of Europe. 
The 1994 programme 'Kaleidoscope Scheme' was launched on 17.8.1994'51 to provide 
funding for projects concerning cultural actions and events in either the performing arts, 
visual arts, applied arts, multimedia arts, books and reading, architecture, movable and 
immovable heritage, and history. Of the 1000 projects submitted to this programme in 
1993, 100 were selected in March 1994 by means of an independent jury for 
implementation in 1994 with co-funding limited to 25%. 
The arts occupy a very unique place in European culture, not just in terms of heritage but 
also in term of live popular culture. They represent very often a major tourism attraction 
and also involve a heavy infrastructure to support them. Keeping this culture alive and 
preserved is important not only for the cultural well-being of the peoples of Europe but 
also as an important aspect of Europe's tourism infrastructure. 
In the field of culture, two proposals for European Parliament and Council decisions were 
developed in 1994: Kaleidoscope 2000'32, a support programme for artistic and cultural 
projects with a European dimension (Annex 10); and a proposal for a programme of 
support for the cultural heritage of Europe "Raphael". 
3.1.2. Safeguarding Architectural Heritage 
Community action to protect the cultural and architectural heritage continued to be 
developed on the basis of the Council Resolution of 13.11.1986 on the protection of 
Europe's architectural heritage133 enhanced by the provision of Article 128 on Culture in 
the Treaty on European Union154. 
Action supported in 1994 were as follows: 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 Pilot projects 
Symbolic Action 
Grants for Studies 
Awareness actions 
European Heritage 
Campuses 
Total for 1994 ECU 
ECU 
ECU 
ECU 
ECU 
ECU 
ECU 
ECU 4.095,000 
400,000 
300,000 
250,000 
400,000 
1.500,000 
250,000 
7,195,000 Acropolis 
Athos 
Chiado 
151 OJC 227/12, 17.8.1994. 
152 COM(94) 356 final Brussels 27.7.1994 (94/0188(COD). 
153 OJC 320/1, 13.12.1986. 
154 Research technologies which are complementary to these actions have been developed within the 
framework of the Research and Technological Programmes (see Annex 11) for the environmental 
protection and conservation of European cultural heritage. 
79 
Pilot Projects 
In providing support for pilot projects intended for the preservation of European 
Architectural Heritage, a different architectural theme is selected each year by the 
Cultural Affairs Committee. In 1994, financial support was provided for 61 pilot projects 
(from a total of 537 submissions) to preserve historic buildings and sites related to 
entertainment and the performing arts155. The call for proposals published in the Official 
Journal sets out the selection criteria and selection is made by a jury of independent 
experts. The projects that receive support are required to submit to the Commission an 
activity report on the process and completion of the restoration and conservation works. 
A report on the projects of 1993, whose theme was " Gardens of Historic Interest" is due 
to be ready by Spring 1995. The report should give a social and economic impact 
assessment of the results of the projects. In 1994, an employment survey conducted on 
the 66 pilot projects supported in 1993, revealed that 1074 jobs had been created as a 
result of these projects. 
Symbolic Actions 
Since 1983 the Community has been supporting restoration and conservation work on 
European monuments and sites of great historic importance, namely the Acropolis and the 
Monasteries on Mount Athos in Greece and the Chiado District of Lisbon, all of which 
are important tourist attractions. The managers of these projects report to the Commission 
on an annual basis on their activities. 
Grants for Further Studies in Conservation and Restoration 
Preservation and conservation of the architectural and cultural heritage requires specialist 
training in the field. Thus the EC has granted subsidies to seven conservation institutes in 
the from of grants for further training of architects, archaeologists, art historians, town 
planners and craftsmen. 
A wareness Actions 
In order to heighten awareness of the problems involved in the cultural heritage and the 
response to these problems being made by the Commission, support is given for a series 
of exhibitions, seminars and conferences. In addition, every two years a block grant is 
made for a European Architecture Prize - Mies Van Der Rohe - for outstanding 
contemporary architecture. The Mies Van Der Rohe Foundation manages the award and 
the prize winner is selected by an independent jury. 
Raphaël 
On the basis of a request from the Council, the Commission prepared a proposal for a 
Decision concerning a third Community cultural action, the Raphaël programme to 
promote and support the Member States' actions in favour of cultural heritage and the 
dissemination of knowledge of the culture of the peoples of Europe. With a proposed 
budget of 67 MECU, the 5 year action programme is intended to provide incentives and 
stimuli. While paying heed to the principle of subsidiarity, Raphaël will provide financial 
support for approximately 300 innovative cultural projects with a European Dimension 
155 OJC 283/7, 11.10.1994. 
80 
covering all the heritage disciplines and based on genuine European co-operation. The 
five main areas identified for action in the programme are spreading the cultural heritage 
in Europe, development of networks and partnerships, access to heritage, research and 
specialist training for professionals in the sectors and co-operation with third countries 
and international organisations (Annex 12). Given that European tourism is largely 
dependent on both the natural and cultural heritage, it is expected that this programme if 
adopted will have a major complementary impact on the development of cultural tourism. 
3.2. NATURAL & BUILT ENVIRONMENT 
Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union refers to the promotion of a "harmonious and 
balanced development of economic activities, sustainable and non-inflationary growth 
respecting the environment". The preservation and strengthening of the quality of the 
natural and built environment is a prerequisite for all successful tourism development. 
Tourism is influenced by its environment and the environment is influenced by tourism. 
A concerted and co-ordinated Community action is, therefore, needed in order to obtain 
the benefits of sustainable tourism development in Europe. Setting sustainable tourism 
development as one of its targets, the Commission has developed action originated in 
environmental legislation, based on the Fifth Environmental Action Programme and 
supported through certain Community initiatives and financial instruments. More 
intensive action is, however, needed in many areas, especially in order to examine and 
analyse better the consequences of tourism upon the natural and built environment and to 
find the correct equilibrium between sustainability and tourism development. 
3.2.1. Spatial Planning and Environment 
The Council on Spatial Planning (Leipzig 21.9.1994) proposed that a European Spatial 
Development Perspective (ESDP) should be developed by the Commission. This 
perspective should be a "framework for reflection" for Member States, examining the 
interdependence between environment, land use and spatial planning and identifying the 
territorial implications for two basic objectives of the EU: economic & social cohesion 
and sustainable development. The ESDP concept is important for the future of tourism 
development and is related to the new mid- and long-term land-planning in Europe, 
setting the general framework for the balanced development of the Union's territory156. 
3.2.2. Towards Sustainability 
Integration of environmental protection requirements into the definition and 
implementation of Community policies is the key principle of the Fifth Community 
Action Programme on the Environment "Towards Sustainability'^51. In particular, it 
permeates the activities of the Commission, which has drawn up a series of internal rules 
to ensure that the environment is taken into account at the earliest possible stage when 
legislative or other measures are being drawn up. An important aspect of the programme 
has been the introduction of "the polluter pays" principle aiming to establish a better 
balance between various activities and environmental protection. Tourism is one of the 
priority areas of this action programme158. Chapter 16 of the Fifth Action Programme 
calls for a review during 1995 in the light of new scientific data and major reviews of EU 
156 "Europe 2000 + - cooperation for spatial planning in Europe" ISBN 92-826-9098-9 OPCOE. 
157 COM(92) 23 final, 27.3.1992, Vols. 1-3. 
158 Sec also COM(94) 74 ol 6.4.1994, Chapter III-10. 
81 
policies on industry, energy, transport, agriculture and structural funds. The reviewed 
programme will run during the period 1996-2000 with the aim to fully accomplish the 
targets set during the previous years. The products envisaged during the programme's 
review are: 
1 ) The report Updated State of the Environment, to be presented to the European 
Parliament and the Council planned and published during the second semester of 
1995 by the Environment Agency, now situated in Copenhagen. 
2) The Second Progress Report on the Implementation of the Fifth Action Programme 
also to be available at the same period. 
3) The Mid-term review document, highlighting the political message and presenting 
the conclusions to be drawn from the review process, the above mentioned 
documents and other relevant material. 
3.2.3. Environmental Legislation 
Current environmental legislation is comprehensively presented in the last year's report 
"on Community measures affecting tourism"159. The more important 1994 developments 
are presented hereafter: 
Bathing Water 
Following the results of the Edinburgh European Council, the Commission proposed160 
the revision of the Bathing Water Directive161 of 1976 in order to better adapt it to the 
present technical and scientific knowledge and apply the principle of subsidiarity. The 
proposed revision to the Directive will not significantly change the impact of the existing 
Directive on small and medium sized enterprises. Like the existing measure, the revised 
Directive will also improve the environment in which they operate, assuring, thus, a 
long-term and sustainable development for them. 
Coastal zones management 
As is the case with urban environment and noise, the competence for the coastal zone 
issue in the first instance lies with local and regional authorities, in particular with regard 
to land use planning and policies to attract economic activity in these very fragile zones. 
However, the economic future and the environmental quality of coastal regions are 
inseparably linked. While environmental assessment for projects is becoming established 
through the application of national and European legislation; consideration of 
environmental impacts is often insufficient. 
There is a need for more communication; exchange of information and coordination at 
local and regional level and the creation of fora that work across existing divisions of 
competence. The Commission is working on a Communication and a demonstration 
programme on how to ensure integrated management of coastal zones. 
159 COM(94) 74 final of 6.4.1994. 
160 COM(94) 36 final, of 16.2.1994. 
161 OJ L 31, of 5.2.1976. 
82 
Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A.) 
The E.I.A. directive162 strongly affects the development of infrastructure in many tourism 
areas, introducing a set of criteria for the assessment of the impact of various projects to 
the environment. In April 1994 the Commission put forward a "proposal for a Council 
Directive amending Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain 
public and private projects on the environment"163. According to the proposal, tourism 
and leisure (point 1 la of the proposal) have been considered as areas of application of the 
new directive, focusing on: 
"(a) Ski-runs, bob sleigh tracks and ski-lifts and artificial snow installations. 
(b) Golf courses and associated developments. 
(c) Marinas. 
(d) Holiday villages, hotel complexes and associated developments. 
(e) Camp sites and caravan sites. 
(f) Leisure centres"164. 
The Commission has arranged for the production of documents and reports concerning 
the EIA Directive. One of them; the "EIA Review Checklist" aims to provide practical 
assistance for reviewing environmental information submitted to the competent 
authorities. Two more documents addressing the screening and scooping stage of the EIA 
process will be published soon. 
Moreover, work has started for the presentation of a proposal for a Council Directive on 
the "Strategic Environmental Assessment" which is expected to be ready by the end of 
1995. 
Ecolabels. 
An ecolabel165 is a label awarded to a product identifying its environmental 
characteristics. The eco-labelled product has a less harmful effect on the environment 
than other competing products in the same category, but is as good in terms of 
performance. The Eco-label Award Scheme"* gives the opportunity to*a variety of 
product manufacturers to apply for the use of a special logo to distinguish their products 
as less environmentally damaging products. The eco-label regulation covers products 
such as detergents and does not cover services such as tourism. An expert group, led by 
the Greek Eco-Labelling Competent Body in co-operation with their French counterpart, 
was set up under the 1994 Greek presidency of Council, with the support of the 
Commission, in order to examine the possibilities of establishing an ecolabel for tourist 
services. The Greek Eco-Labelling Competent Body will present the conclusions of the 
work in 1996 with any recommendations to adapt the Regulation in order to include 
services for eco-labels. A review of the Eco-label regulation is planned for 1997. 
162 OJ L 175, of 5.7.1985. 
163 OJC 130, of 12.5.1994. 
164 OJC 130, of 12.5.1994. 
165 Council Regulation (EEC) N° 880/92 of 23.3.1992. 
Commission Decision of 13.5.1993, establishing indicative guidelines for the fixing of costs and 
fees in connection with the Community eco-label. 
166 Council Regulation (EEC) N° 880/92 of 23.3.1992. 
83 
3.2.4. Urban Environment 
The urban environment was examined in the Commission's Green Paper of 1990. As a 
follow up to the Green Paper ton Urban Environment167, the Commission is supporting a 
European Sustainable Cities Project, co-ordinated by a group of experts from the Member 
States and which will produce a report and recommendations at the end of 1995. A part of 
this report will examine the quality of the built environment, examining the relationship 
of activities related to tourism and leisure to cultural heritage and historic centres. 
3.2.5. Financial Support to Environmental Projects 
Cohesion Fundm 
This is a new fund established by the Maastricht Treaty on the European Union in order 
to complement the Structural Funds for the period 1994-1999 with a total budget of 13.6 
billion ECU. The aim of the Cohesion Fund is to support large projects in Objective 1 
regions of the Union in the fields of the environment and of transport infrastructure. Both 
fields are closely related to tourism. 
LIFE 169 
Through LIFE, a total of 400 million ECU should be allocated until the end of 1995 to 
projects following specific priorities. One of the selected socio-economic priority for 
1994 was tourism focusing on demonstration actions relating to "the promotion of 
sustainable tourism as well as to the implementation of new concepts which draw 
particular attention to respecting of the natural environment"170. Within this framework, 
LIFE '94 has provided financial support for eighteen projects from seven Member States 
(Annex 13). 
A first LIFE progress report was presented to the Council and the European Parliament in 
1994, including an evaluation of the impact of all past environmental financial 
instruments such as ACE, MEDSPA, NORSPA and ACNAT. A proposal for a new 
Council Regulation, modifying the LIFE Regulation, is expected to be adopted by the 
Commission during 1995. 
167 Document EUR 12902, of 1990. 
168 See also Chapter "Economic & Social Cohesion" of this report. 
169 OJL 206, of 22.7.1992. 
no OJC 270, of 6.10.1993. 
84 
Environmental A wareness Raising 
In relation to coastal zones and tourism, seven pilot demonstration projects were 
supported by the Commission during 1994, related to information provision and 
awareness raising. Financial support totalling 650,000 ECU has been committed for these 
projects, representing an average of 47% of the total projects' proposed budget (see table 
1994 Projects on Environmental Awareness Raising). 
1994 PROJECTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS RAISING 
ORGANISATION 
EURONATUR 
EURONATUR 
EUROPEAN 
UNION FOR 
COASTAL 
CONSERVATION 
(EUCC) 
EUROPEAN 
CENTRE FOR 
ECO AGRO 
TOURISM 
COASTWATCH 
EUROPE 
CRETES 
FRIENDS OF THE 
EARTH BENEFICIARY 
Former Eastern 
bloc 
D, 1. E, GR, 
Former Eastern 
bloc 
NL. GR. P 
Former Eastern 
bloc 
IRL, I.GR, B, E, 
P, F, UK, DK. 
F, P, E 
MED TITLE AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT 
"The environment in Europe" - CEEC campaign on the 
integration of the environment into agriculture and 
tourism (congrcsses-seminars-newslctters, brochures) 
"Eco-lslands: sustainable & environmentally friendly 
development of islands regions, with an emphasis on soft 
tourism" (tourism pilot project) 
"European regions tor a sale and clean coast": network, 
workshops and conference to raise awareness of the 
problems of coastal and marine pollution ( local and 
regional authorities, NGOs, industry) 
"Sustainable tourism on ecological farms (STEF)" -
creation of network of ecological farms open to tourists in 
the CEEC with F, P, GR. Training and awareness 
campaigns. 
"Environmental information and training pyramid" -
production of documentation of a set of environmental 
information and training modules, especially in the 
tourism sector. 
"Karst Mediterranean meetings " - pilot project 
consisting of 3 awareness seminars for tour operators. 
"Mediterranean concerted action plan with the tourism 
industry and local authorities" AMOUNT 
COFINANCED 
(ECU) 
101 548 
102 235 
92 421 
99 968 
79 003 
84 765 
90 000 •/.OF TOTAL 
COFINANCED 
47.5 
51 
47 
43 
50.5 
50 
40 
3.2.6. Energy Policies that have an effect on the Tourist Environment 
Within the framework of the Energy policy, specific programmes such as THERMIE171, 
SAVE172 and ALTENER173, provide financial support to innovative projects aiming to 
develop alternative and/or renewable soft energy, reducing the consumption of traditional 
energy, producing "green" forms of energy and contributing, thus, to environmental 
protection. 
Some of the projects supported by the Commission in 1994 have a direct benefit 
relationship to tourism and its relevant sectors. However, the extent of this benefit is not 
always possible to be clearly identified, since the relationship between tourism and 
energy is often an indirect one (Annex 13) Areas where energy policies may effect the 
tourist environment include, 
the indirect effects of energy prices, like electricity (air conditioning), heating or 
fuels (transport); 
the direct negative effects to the environment of the use of energy, which indirectly 
171 OJ L 185, of 17.7.1990. 
172 OJ L 307, of 8.11.1991. 
173 OJ L 235, of 18.9.1993. 
85 
affect the promotion of tourism in certain areas; 
the direct effect of the construction of electricity cable and in general of all energy 
networks on the natural and historic landscape, which again indirectly also affects 
tourism; 
investment in new energy technologies; mainly to rationalise the use of energy, has 
direct beneficial effects on environment and so indirectly on tourism. Tourism 
could be a very good way to influence the increase and development of investments 
in new clean energy technologies. 
* 
* * 
The way in which tourism intervenes either directly or as a tool for other Community 
policies is constantly under review. As already stated and demonstrated in this report, to 
achieve a global approach to tourism interventions, greater emphasis must be placed on 
co-operation and co-ordination. 
Aside from the concrete results being achieved174, the Council Decision on a Community 
Action Plan to Assist Tourism, if only in the short and medium term, has already served 
to highlight this need. 
A long-term strategy is of major interest. Such a strategy, building on the current 
achievements and improved co-operation and co-ordination: 
offers a means to a more rational approach at the European Union level; 
would help to ensure that the conditions necessary for the competitiveness of the 
Community's tourist industry are fulfilled; 
could permit a more targeted use of the various Community measures by the 
Member States to improve their own tourism development. 
174 The preparatory work for the report on the evaluation of the results of the Action Plan (Article 6 of 
the Council Decision) started in 1994. 
86 
ANNEXES 

ANNEX 1 SHARE OF EACH REGION'S INTERNATIONAL TOURIST ARRIVALS AND 
RECEIPTS WORLD-WIDE, 1960 - 1994 (IN %) 
I960 1970 1980 1990 1994 
AFRICA 
Arrivals I.I 
Receipts 2.6 
AMERICAS 
Arrivals 24.1 
Receipts 35.7 
EAST ASIA/PACIFIC 
Arrivals 1.0 
Receipts 2.9 
SOUTH ASIA 
Arrivals 0.3 
Receipts 0.5 
EUROPE 
Arrivals 72.5 
Receipts 56.8 
MIDDLE EAST 
Arrivals 1.0 
Receipts 1.5 1.5 
2.2 
23.0 
26.8 
3.0 
6.1 
0.6 
0.6 
70.5 
62.0 
1.4 
2.3 2.6 
2.6 
21.6 
24.6 
7.4 
8.4 
0.8 
1.5 
65.6 
59.5 
2.1 
3.4 3.3 
2.0 
20.6 
26.6 
11.6 
14.9 
0.7 
0.8 
62.1 
53.8 
1.7 
2.0 3.4 
1.9 
20.3 
18.8 
14.0 
17.5 
0.7 
0.7 
60.1 
50.0 
1.5 
i.l 
Source : "Tourism Market Trends Europe", World Tourism Organisation (WTO), 1985-1994 
TOURIST ARRIVALS: REGIONAL GROWTH RATES 1990-2000 
EUROPE WORLD MIDDLE EAST AMERICAS SOUTH ASIA EAST 
ASIA/PACIFIC 
Source: "Tourism in 1994-High lights", WTO 
89 

ANNEX2 IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNCIL DECISION 92/421/EEC OF 13.7.1992 ON 
A COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN TO ASSIST TOURISM -1994 BUDGET 
Unit: ECU 31.12.1994 
RESOURCES 1994 
Appropriation 1994 6 000 000 
EEA contribution 1994 566 400 
Carried over from 1994 0 
Total available in 1994 6 566 400 
EXPENDITURE 1994 (COMMITMENT APPROPRIATIONS) 
Actions Budget approved by the 
Management Committee for 
1994 
1. Information/cohesion: 
a) Development of Community statistics on tourism 416 233 
b) Studies/Guides: 
- production 725 600 
-dissemination 145 054 
2. Staggering of holidays 122 257 
3. Transnational actions: 
- European Union 129 000 
- CEEC / Maghreb 61 100 
4. Consumers 160 610 
5. Cultural tourism 1 093 863 
6. Tourism and environment 390 540 
7. Rural tourism 43 200 
8. Social tourism 0 
9. Youth tourism 167 615 
10. Training and education 1258 813 
11. Promotion in non-Community countries 0 
Other 199 503 
Uncommitted balance 153 012 
Total expenditure 1994 5 066 400 
Carried over to 1995 = Establishment of tourism statistics 1 500 000 
Total expenditure (Commitment appropriations) 6 566 400 
91 

ANNEX3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COUNCIL DECISION 92/421/EEC ON A 
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN TO ASSIST TOURISM - DETAILED SECTORIAL 
PRESENTATION OF STUDIES, GUIDES AND PROJECTS, 1994 
STUDIES/GUIDES 
COUNTRY ORGANISATION | TOPIC 
Portugal Arthur Andersen & Co., s.a.s. Yield Management in Small and 
Medium Sized Enterprises in the 
Tourism Industry. 
France Horwath France S.A. Business and Conference Tourism in 
EEA. 
Italy Movimento Consumatori (Associazione Practical Guide for Tourists. 
Autonoma Senza Fini di Lucro) 
Italy Centro Turistico StudentescoeGiovanile Youth lour ism(OspiliamoVEuropa). 
(C.T.S.) 
CULTURAL TOURISM 
Involved Name of lead partner Title of Project 
countries'75 
A, D, CZ GemeinnUtziger Verein zur Förderung Glas als kulturtouristische Attraktion: 
der Region Sandl - Unteres MUhlviertel 
D, B, F, L Naturfreunde Saarland e.V. Industriekuliurwege in 
Saar-Lor-Al-Lux / Netzwerk 
Europäische Kultur der Arbeit 
(NEKTAR) 
N, UK, FIN S YGN A A/S Potential of Using New Technology in 
Cultural Tourism 
A, B, DK, F, D, Fédération des Offices du Tourisme des Art Cities in Europe 
UK, L, NL, P, E, Villes Européennes (FOTVE / FECTO) 
CH 
UK, F, I, S Royal National Institute for the Blind European Cities within Reach 
D, NL, A BC Brandenburg-Consult GmbH Minderheiten, Volksgruppen und 
Kulturtourismus 
D, UK, IR, GR, ForschungsstelleNiedersächsische Routes to the Roots 
N, NL, DK, FIN, Auswanderer in den USA, Universität 
S, IS Oldenburg 
S, I, D, F, UK Agence Européenne pour la Culture Alliance des Réseaux d'Information et 
d'Expériences en Europe 
S, DK, D, N, FIN Baltic Tourism Co-operation BTC Cultural Tourism Project 
I, A, CR II Quartettone Itinerari mozartiani in Europa 
DK, D, S, N, Fonden FYN.TOUR Culture-Historical Cruises in the Baltic 
PL, EST 
175 Initials for European countries: A: Austria, B: Belgium. CH: Switzerland, CZ: Czech Republic, D: 
Germany, DK: Denmark, E: Spain, F: France, FIN: Finland, GR: Greece, I: Italy, IR: Ireland, IS: 
Island, L:Luxemburg, N: Norway, NL: Netherlands. PL: Poland, S: Sweden, UK: United 
Kingdom. 
93 
TOURISM EDUCATION & TRAINING 
Involved Name of lead partner Title of Project 
countries 
E, P, NL, I, D, Fondo Iberico para la Conservacion de la Sustainable Tourism in practice. 
GR, A Naturaleza (member of ECOTRANS) Environmental protection in Tourism: 
Training programme for tourism 
employees 
F, GR, I Association Réunionaise L'agrotourisme de qualité dans les îles 
Interprofessionelle pour l'Insertion et la 
Formation Continue (A.R.I.F.O.C.) 
F,IRL, P Greta du Golfe (membre: Arc Atlantique) Assistant Technique du Tourisme 
E, UK, NL Universidad de Deusto-Bilbao (membre European Education & Training 
ATLAS) Initiative in Sustainable Tourism 
Management 
GR, UK, (USA) Effective Management International Familiarisation of young people in 
(EMI) Greece with careers in tourism: An 
Anglo-Greek comparison 
GR, F, E, P Centre méditerranéen de l'Environnement Création et développement d'un réseau 
d'Athènes de campus européens du tourisme 
A, I, F Institute of tourism and service Impact & challenges of Future Labour 
economics (ITD) University of Innsbruck Markets for Systems of Education of 
Austria, Italy & France 
UK, GR, I, ES, D, Lancashire Enterprises (COAST network Development & Transfer of Training 
F funded previously by RECITE) Methodologies for SMEs and Young 
People in the Tourism Sector 
I, ES, GR Consorzio Civita Le nuove professionalità nelsettore 
turistico 
DK, D, NL, UK Hjoerring Business College/Training Development of a training strategy for 
Center employees and trainers within the 
tourism sector in the cold water regions 
around the North Sea 
TRANS-NATIONAL ACTIONS 
Involved Name of lead partner Title of Project 
countries 
NL, CEEC ATLAS-Department Of Leisure Studies Conference on transferring Skills and 
know-how to Central and Eastern 
Europe 
IRL, CR Concorde Travel Youth Travel in Central Europe 
94 
TOURISM AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
Involved Name of lead partner Title of Project 
countries 
D, EEA AFI-Alpenforschungsinstitut GmbH 1TB Berlin 1995 - European Day 
"Tourism & Environment" 
Earthwatch 
Prix Tourisme et Environnement 
OTHER 
Involved Name of lead partner Title of Project 
countries 
UK, EU European Tour Operators Association Market Research Study (Promotion of 
Europe in Third Markets) 
EU European Travel Commission European Youth Travel Market Survey 
(Youth Tourism) 
F Ministère de l'Equipement, des Conférence Européenne: 
Transports et du Tourisme Tourisme - Emploi - Formation (held in 
1995 under the French Presidency) 
STATISTICS 
Involved Technical Assistance Title of Project 
countries 
EEA Gruppo Clas Sri Tourism Statistics 
95 

ANNEX 4 VAT RATES IN THE HORECA SECTOR 
W$!8i®$$838%&f8$* 
Belgium 
Denmark 
France 
Germany 
Greece 
Ireland 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
Portugal 
Spain 
United 
Kingdom 
Austria 
Finland 
Sweden Accommodation in 
a Hotel 
Standard 
6% 
25% 
5.5% 
15% 
8% 
12.5% 
10% 
3% 
6% 
5% 
7% 
17.5% 
10% 
6% 
25% Luxury Catering services 
Standard 
20,5% 
25% 
18.6% 
15% 
8% 
12.5% 
10% 
3% 
6% 
17% 
7% 
17.5% 
10% 
22% 
21% Luxury 
18% 
19% 
20% Takeaway 
5.5% 
7% 
•17.5% Delivered 
7% 
17.5% Alcoholic 
beverages 
20,5% 
25% 
18.6% 
15% 
18% 
21% 
10% 
15% 
17.5% 
17% 
16% 
17.5% 
20% 
22% 
25% Bars et Cafés 
Standard 
20,5% 
25% 
18.6% 
15% 
8% 
12.5% 
10% 
3% 
6% 
17% 
7% 
17.5% 
10% 
22% 
21% Luxury 
15% 
19% 
17.5% disco 
15% 
18% 
19% 
16% 
17.5% Alcoholic 
beverages 
20,5% 
25% 
18.6% 
15% 
18% 
21% 
10% 
15-12% 
17.5% 
17.5% 
20% 
22% 
25% Shop-purchased food and beverages 
Food 
25% 
7% 
4-19% 
0% Non­
alcoholic 
beverages 
20,5% 
25% 
5.5% 
7% 
8% 
21% 
4-19% 
3% 
6% 
17% 
6-16% 
17,5% 
20% 
22% 
25% Alcoholic 
beverages 
20,5% 
25% 
18.6% 
7% 
18% 
21% ' 
12-19% 
15-12% 
17.5% 
17-5% 
16% 
17-5% 
20% 
22% 
25% 
* Cold food to be taken away for consumption outside the shop is exempt from VAT if sold individually 
General remark: 
The blank spaces indicate that the general rate is applied for the category of goods and services concerned. 
97 
VAT RATES FOR PASSENGER TRANSPORT (%) 
National Transport 
M.S. 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Germany 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Portugal 
Spain 
Greece 
Austria 
Finland 
Sweden AIR 
6 
exo 
15 
5.5 
exo 
10 
6 
0(9) 
5 
7 
8(10) 
10 
6 
12 SEA 
6 
exo 
7 
5.5 
exo 
10 
-
6/exo (7) 
0(9) 
5 
7 
8(10) 
-
6 
12 WATER (*) 
6 
exo 
15/7(3) 
5.5 
exo 
19 
exo 
6/exo (7) 
0(9) 
5 
7 
8 
10 
6 
12 RAIL 
6 
exo 
15/7(3) 
5.5 
exo 
10/exo(6) 
*> 
6 
0(9) 
5 
7 
8 
10 
6 
12 ROAD 
6 
exo (2) 
15/7(3) 
5.5 
exo 
10/exo (6) 
*% j 
6 
0(9) 
5 
7 
8 
10 
6 
12 International Transport (taxation of journey on national territory) 
AIR 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
exo 
exo 
exo SEA 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
-
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
-
exo 
exo WATER (*) 
6 
7 exo (4) 
5.5 
0 
exo 
6 
-
0 
7 
-
exo 
exo 
exo RAIL 
6 
exo 
15/7(3) 
0 
0 
0 
0 
6 
0 
0 
7 
0 
10 
exo 
exo ROAD 
6 tump-sum 
amounts (1) 
exo 25 lump-sum 
amounts (1) 
15/7 lump-sum 
amounts ( 1 ) 
5,5 / exo (5) 
0 
0 
0 
6(8) 
0 
0 
7 
8 
10 
exo 
exo 
(*) Inland waterways. 
(1) Generally, lump-sum amounts are charged on entry into the country on vehicles registered abroad. A rate of VAT is applied to domestic vehicles. 
The exemption in Denmark applies to all regular traffic, domestic and foreign. In Germany, a rate of 7 % is applied for short distances. 
(2) Non-scheduled traffic 25%. 
(3) I .onj* distance 15% -short distance 7%. 
(4) Exemption for ferries on the Rhine, Danube, Oder and Neisse. 
(5) Transit: exempt. Others: 5.5%. 
(6) Urban transport: exempt. 
(7) Ferries opting for taxation and scheduled boats: 6%. 
(8) In practice no VAT. 
(9) Means of transport < 12 persons: 17.5%. 
( 10) 6% for transport on and between certain islands. 
98 
VAT RATES APPLIED TO THE MAIN TOURIST SERVICES 
Services 
Hotels, etc. 
Restaurants 
International 
passenger transport 
Admission to 
sporting events 
Admission to 
theatres, cinemas, 
etc. 
Use of sports 
facilities 
Travel agencies B 
6% 
20,5 % 
Exon. 
6% 
6% 
*) 
6% 
6% 
20,5 % DK 
25% 
25% 
Exon. 
*) 
25% 
*) 
25% 
Exon. 
Exon. D 
15% 
15% 
Exon. 
15%) 
7% 
7% 
*) 
7% 
15% 
15% E 
7% 
7% 
Exon. 
7% 
7% 
15% 
7% 
Exon. 
16% 
16% F 
5,5 % 
18,6% 
Exon. 
18,6% 
c in. 
5,5 % 
théât. 
2,1 % 
5,5 % 
18,6% 
18,6% GR 
8% 
8% 
18% 
Exon. 
8% 
théât. 
4% 
autres 
8% 
8% 
18% IRL 
12,5% 
12,5% 
Exon. 
Exon. 
*) 
12,5% 
12,5% 
Exon. I 
10% 
10% 
19% 
Exon. 
10% 
10% 
19% 
19% L 
3% 
3% 
Exon. 
3% 
3% 
3% 
12% NL 
6% 
6% 
6% 
Exon. 
17,5 % 
17,5% 
17,5% 
Exon. AT 
10% 
10% 
20% 
10% 
Exon. 
20% 
*) 
10% 
*) 
20% 
20% P 
5% 
17% 
Exon. 
5% 
*) 
5% 
17% 
17% UK 
17,5% 
17,5% 
Exon. 
17,5% 
17,5% 
17,5% 
17,5% FI 
6% 
22% 
Exon. 
6% 
6% 
12% 
22% SE 
25% 
21% 
Exon. 
Exon. 
Exon. 
Exon. 
25% 
*) Certain activities are exempt. 
99 

ANNEX 5 THE COHESION FUND 
Following on from the temporary financial instrument established on 31.3.1993, the 
definitive Cohesion Fund, provided for in Article 130D of the EC Treaty was set up by 
Regulation (EC) N 1164/94 on 16.5.1994176. Through providing resources for improving 
transport infrastructure and environmental protection in Ireland, Greece, Portugal and 
Spain (i.e. those Member States which have a per capita gross national product of less 
than 90% of the Community average) in line with a programme that will lead to 
fulfilment of the conditions of economic and social convergence, the Cohesion Fund will 
also be doing much to improve the tourism infrastructure base, particularly in terms of 
communications and preserving those elements that attract tourists to a location, in those 
Member States where tourism is already a key factor in the national GDP and 
employment. 
Commitment appropriations 1993-1994 Cohesion Fund 
Greece 
Spain 
Ireland 
Portugal 
Total 
Technical 
assistance Environment 
MECU 
198.1 
519.3 
71.8 
134.1 
923.4 
-% 
60 
51 
43 
40 Transport 
MECU 
134 
498.9 
96 
200 
929 
-% 
40 
49 
57 
60 Total Breakdown 
MECU 
332.1 
1018.2 
167.8 
334.3 
1852.587 
13.337 % 
17.92 
54.95 
9.05 
18.05 
99.97 
Of the total Cohesion Fund allocation (ECU 15.15 billion), the commitment 
appropriations for the financial years 1993 and 1994 were set at ECU 1.565 billion and 
ECU 1.853 billion respectively. In 1994, the resources available shown above were used 
to fund 51 projects of which 20 were in Greece, 9 were in Spain, 9 were in Ireland and 13 
were in Portugal. 
176 Council Regulation EEC 1164/94 of 16.5.1994, OJ L 130, 25.5.1994. 
101 

ANNEX 6 THE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES 
INTERREG II, combining the functions of INTERREG I and REGEN, aims to promote 
crossborder cooperation between regions with common interests and help areas on the 
Union's internal and external frontiers (NUTS III areas on internal and external land 
borders and NUTS III areas on sea borders) to overcome specific problems arising from 
their comparatively isolated position in comparison to other national economies in the 
EU. Secondly the initiative aims to complete energy networks. The planned allocation for 
1994-1999 for crossborder cooperation is ECU 2.4 billion of which ECU 1.8 billion will 
go to Objective 1 regions. Co-financing of the measures by the EU and the Member 
States will be up to 75%: 25% in Objective 1 regions and 50: 50% in Objective 2 and 5b 
regions. Cross border measures to promote tourism generally and farm based tourism are 
among the eligible measures. Under INTERREG I, this resulted in support for measures 
such as the development and management of natural parks for tourism purposes 
straddling a frontier. 
The LEADER Initiative concerns rural development and is based on development projects 
carried by groups working at the local level. The aim of this initiative is the development 
of innovative demonstration projects which have a "bottom-up" approach and can be 
easily transferred elsewhere in order to promote activities other than farming in these 
areas, within the framework of acquisition of skills, rural innovation programmes 
including rural tourism development, transnational cooperation and networking. Of the 
217 groups, 71 have included development measures concerning rural tourism in their 
projects. In 25 of those projects, tourism has pride of place. Work programmes presented 
by the various groups in 1991 are near to ending in 1994. 
This approach would appear to be based on the fact that mass tourism is seen as facing 
certain difficulties and that a proportion of tourists are turning away from heavily 
crowded sports in search of different types of countryside and contacts. This opens up 
opportunities for rural tourism, provided it can meet these needs. 
An external body is in charge of co-ordinating the Community network aiming at the 
dissemination of know-how and good practices. During the period, 1991-1994, rural 
tourism has been a key component of the networks activities. 
Building on LEADER I, (which had a budget of 400 million ECU for the period 
1991-1994) LEADER 11,(1995-1999) covering Objectives 1 and 5b regions, has a planned 
allocation of 1.4 billion ECU (drawn from ERDF, EAGGF and ESF). 900 MECU is 
intended for Objective 1 regions with a further 35 million ECU intended to support 
activities of the Community network and national networks created for the exchange of 
experience and know-how. 
Financial assistance (up to 75% in Objective 1 regions and up to 50% in Objective 5b 
regions) will be made available to "local action groups" (as defined in LEADER I, i.e. 
groups of public and private partners jointly involved in devising innovative rural 
development measures) and also rural bodies, in the public and private sector (e.g. local 
authorities and Chambers of Commerce) provided that their more specialised work 
contributes to rural development in local areas. 
Most of the LEADER 11 programmes have already been approved for the Objective 1 and 
5b regions. The number of new local groups and their business plans are not yet known, 
103 
but all the programmes envisage the implementation of measures related to tourism. This 
means an enlargement of the focus on rural tourism based on development of local 
resources and potential cultural opportunities. 
REGIS II (Poseidom, Poseima and Posican) with a planned allocation of 600 MECU for 
the period 1994-1999, this initiative seeks to foster closer integration into the Community 
of the most remote regions of French overseas departments, the Azores, Madeira and the 
Canary Islands. The measures identified for assistance come economic diversification, 
consolidating links with the rest of the Community, cooperation among the remote 
regions, precaution against natural disasters and vocational training. Tourism has been 
identified both as a means of economic diversification "development of "discovery" 
holidays/adventure tourism" and also as an area of vocational training. 
RECHAR II, has a planned allocation of ECU 400 million (ERDF and ESF resources) 
with additional resources available under Community grants and loans from the European 
Investment Bank and under the ECSC Treaty, for the period 1994-1997 to support the 
economic conversion of those coal-mining areas in the EU hardest hit by industrial 
decline and unemployment identified under RECHAR I (i.e. 28 coal mining areas in six 
Member States). The shorter period is intended to permit a reassessment of the those coal 
mining areas in difficulty. Other criteria of eligibility include: at least 1,000 coal mining 
job losses since 1.1.1990, at least a further 1,000 job losses subsequently, further losses of 
coal mining jobs in the future. Apart from environmental improvements and restoration, 
promotions of tourist activities and in particular those associated with industrial heritage 
have been identified as eligible measures. 
RESIDER II (1994-1999) With a planned allocation of ECU 500 million, this initiative 
aims support the economic and social development of regions suffering decline due to the 
collapse of the Steel industry. Priority is being given to support for the environment, new 
economic activities and human resources. Eligible regions are those located in Objective 
1, 2 and 5b regions which have experiences at least 1,000 job losses in the steel industry, 
and are experience high unemployment, environmental degradation and isolation. 
Measures related indirectly or directly have been identified as eligible: rehabilitation of 
industrial buildings, support for job and enterprise creation as well as promotion of tourist 
activities particularly those based on industrial heritage. 
KONVER (1993-1997) 500 million have been allocated for the period 1994-1997 (at least 
ECU 250 million is intended for Objective I, 2 and 5b regions) to support the economic 
diversification of areas heavily dependent on the defence sector, in particular through the 
conversion of economic activities and the encouragement of commercially viable 
activities in all industrial sectors with the exception of activities that might have military 
applications. Again the promotion of tourism is eligible measures under this initiative. 
The list of eligible zones and the financial allocation were decided by 21.12.1994 with the 
intention that the programmes would be submitted by 1.3.1995. 
PESCA with a budget of ECU 250 million for the period 1994-1999 is intended to assist 
the fishing industry to cope with and master the social and commercial consequences of 
the structural crisis (i.e. over-capacity of fishing fleets, high indebtedness of the industry 
as well as the fragile economies of many coastal regions) it currently faces. The available 
resources will be provided to regions dependent on fisheries in Objective areas 1, 2 and 
5b. Two of the eligible measures identify tourism, as a means for the economic 
diversification such as the conversion of fishing ports to new activities such as tourism 
104 
e.g. based on sports or maritime heritage and investment in production within the industry 
with encouragement for diversification in tourism activities. 
URBAN The objective of this initiative is to revitalise the social and economic fabric of 
depressed urban areas using a co-ordinated global approach. With a planned allocation of 
ECU 600 million of which ECU 400 million is intended for Objective 1 regions and the 
ECU 200 million intended for other areas. Some 70 major cities will be funded. The main 
objective is to support and create employment. Thus assistance is being given to establish 
new economic activities, create employment for local people and support for the 
infrastructure and environment linked to these aims. Though not mentioned specifically, 
tourism as an economic activity has a part in this initiative. 
SME combines the former initiatives of Télématique, Prisma and Stride and it has a 
budget of ECU 1000 millions {with ECU 800 million is intended for Objective 1 regions) 
is specifically oriented to provide assistance to small and medium sized enterprises with 
250 or less employees. The great majority of tourism enterprises fall within this category, 
very often being micro enterprises of 1-9 employees. Given the potential of SMEs to 
create employment and compete on international markets, in line with the White paper on 
Growth, Competitiveness and Employment, this Initiative provides assistance particularly 
in Objective 1 regions to help small firms adjust to the requirements of the Single Market 
and become competitive on international markets. The initiative identifies seven priority 
areas for support: production systems, access to new markets, cooperation with suppliers 
and customers, access to finance and credit, greater environmental awareness and 
cooperation with research centres. 
Employment and the Development of Human Resources: 
This initiative which incorporates EMPLOYMENT-NOW, EMPLOYMENT-HORIZON, 
EMPLOYMENT-YOUTH START draws heavily on the guidelines of the White Paper 
on "Growth, Competitiveness and Employment" seeks to develop human resources, 
improved working patterns, and the implementation of transnational measures to support 
a revival of employment, greater solidarity and equal opportunities for women on the 
labour market. By offering a Community wide approach, it is also intended complement 
Objective 3 of the structural funds through its transnational dimension and its promotion 
of public and private sector networking. 
Each element of this initiative is intended to facilitate access to the employment market of 
those groups experiencing particular difficulties: NOW is intended to improve equal 
opportunities in employment for women, HORIZON targets those groups threatened with 
social exclusion, those with disabilities, drug addicts, the homeless, refugees and 
immigrants, travellers, convicts, YOUTHSTART seeks to integrate people under the age 
of 20 into the employment market. 
Tourism has already been identified having great potential as a source of new job creation 
offering access, even at the local level, to the groups mentioned above and could be easily 
incorporated into the measures implemented under all of the volleys of this initiative. 
Each element of this initiative, will provide generally for measures leading to better 
organisation of training, guidance and placement systems, aid for training in counselling, 
support of the creation and establishment of firms, and information and communication 
for all concerned. 
The planned allocation of ECU 1,400 million (ECU 370 million for. Employment-Now, 
105 
ECU 700 for Employment-Horizon and ECU 300 million for Employment 
-YOUTHSTART) will cover the whole Union but in particular Objective 1 regions (ECU 
800 millions). The closing date for the submission of applications was set at the end of 
April 1995. 
ADAPT, is a major initiative with a budget of ECU 1,400 million (400 million for 
Objective 1) for 1994-1999, intended to complement the new objective 4 of the Structural 
funds. It has four interrelated objectives: accelerating the adaptation of the workforce to 
industrial change; increasing the competitiveness of industry, services and commerce; 
improving qualifications, increasing flexibility and mobility to prevent unemployment; 
and anticipating and accelerating the creation of new jobs and new activities, especially 
amongst SMEs by means of education, training and employment programmes. ADAPT 
projects are expected to be innovative, with a transnational dimension and demonstrable 
transparency and efficiency. Those selected will be eligible for part funding (75% in 
Objective 1 regions and 50% in others). 
106 
ANNEX 7 ECSC LOANS ART. 56177 (TOURISM SECTOR) (*) 
Country 
Germany 
Austria 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Spain 
France 
Finland 
Greece 
Ireland 
Italy 
Luxembourg 
Netherlands 
Portugal 
United 
Kingdom 
Sweden No of jobs 
anticipated 
431 
394 
109 
158 
153 
1893 
3138 Amount Invested 
national currency 
(millions) 
DM 137.05 
FB 4062.78 
ESA 3057.33 
FF 82.43 
LIT 29603.23 
LST 124.25 Amount Invested 
national currency 
(millions) 
DM 13.41 
FB209.I0 
ESA 450.00 
FF 15.83 
LIT 8772.00 
LST 28.05 Amount 
Invested (ECU 
millions) 
7.21 
5.46 
2.77 
2.43 
4.01 
33.27 
55.15 Amount Invested 
at subsidized 
interest rates 
(ECU millions) 
0.97 
0.52 
0.28 
0.31 
0.29 
3.77 
6.14 
(*) Loans granted between 1985 and 1994 
177 It should be noted that ECSC Article 56.2 conversion loans are restricted to ECSC employment 
areas. 
107 

ANNEX 8 EUROPEAN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PARTNER OR ECIP 
The following tables give an overview of all the projects concerning tourism financed up 
to 1994. 
Facility 1: Finance for identifying projects or partners 
ECIP No 
52 
53 
254 
274 
720 
962 
1533 
1583 
Total Country 
Mexico 
Cyprus 
Vietnam 
Turkey 
Brazil 
Morocco 
Morocco 
South 
Africa 
8 Region concerned 
Latin America 
Mediterranean 
Asia 
Mediterranean 
Latin America 
Mediterranean 
Mediterranean 
Africa Sector's project details 
General tourism 
Health tourism 
General tourism 
General tourism 
General tourism 
Tourist activity related to fishing 
Business tourism 
Promotion of eco-tourism and adventure 
tourism Selection 
8/11/89 
8/11/89 
5/12/91 
23/05/91 
11/02/93 
8/10/93 
12/12/94 
25/11/94 Amount 
approved (in 
ECU) 
. 18.270 
23.000 
87.671 
61.100 
100.000 
43.205 
27.404 
18.675 
379.325 
Facility 2: Finance for feasibility studies 
ECIP No 
987 
162 
385 
420 
521 
557 
572 
627 
645 
655 
685 
796 
849 
646A 
646B 
Total Country 
Egypt 
Yugoslavia 
Turkey 
Mexico 
Turkey 
Chile 
Mexico 
Cyprus 
Cyprus 
Philippines 
Vietnam 
Honduras 
Tunisia 
Cyprus 
Cyprus 
15 Region concerned 
Mediterranean 
Mediterranean 
Mediterranean 
Latin America 
Mediterranean 
Latin America 
Latin America 
Mediterranean 
Mediterranean 
Asia 
Asia 
Latin America 
Mediterranean 
Mediterranean 
Mediterranean Sector's project details 
Construction and management of a 
Tourist Village 
Development of tourism in Brion i Park 
Tourism : residential development, 
international hotel and associated 
facilities 
Integrated Tourist Centre 
General tourism 
Pilot project in agrotourism 
Yachts sailing along the Red sea 
Leo-tourism and marine sports in 
Nathem Palawan 
Hotel project in Ho-Chi-Minh City 
National pleasure and leisure park 
Retirement village with medical 
facilities 
Retirement village with medical 
facilities Selection 
1/07/93 
23/10/90 
23/01/92 
12/03/92 
17/07/92 
11/08/92 
11/08/92 
13/11/92 
4/12/92 
4/12/92 
30/07/93 
16/07/93 
12/11/93 
4/12/92 
3/12/93 Amount 
approved (in 
ECU) 
29.167 
155.406 
250.000 
91.829 
9.000 
24.171 
250.000 
131.750 
13.473 
97.000 
21.739 
206.750 
168.100 
18.700 
11.146 
1.478.231 
Facility 3: Finance for the Commission's participation in the investment 
ECIP No 
38 
188 
Total Country 
Thailand 
Egypt 
2 Region concerned 
Asia 
Mediterranean Sector's project details 
Creation of a holiday village 
Tourism sector development fund Selection 
28/06/89 
18/12/90 Amount 
approved (in 
ECU) 
500.000 
500.000 
1.000.000 
Total projects financed 1989-1994. 
Type of measure Number of nnancial partners Amount 
Facility 1 8 379.325" 
Facility 2 15 1.478.231 
Facility 3 2 1.000.000 
TOTAL 25 2.857.556 
110 
ANNEX 9 GRANTS TO ACP COUNTRIES AND OCTS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF 
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND MEASURES (1990-1994) 
Country/Region 
AFRICA 
Botswana 
Botswana 
Burkina Faso 
Ivory Coast 
Djibouti 
Gabon 
Gabon 
Gambia 
Gambia 
Guinea 
Kenya 
Namibia 
Namibia 
Niger 
Senegal 
Sierra Leone 
Tanzania 
Tanzania 
Chad 
Togo 
Zambia 
Zambia 
Zimbabwe 
Regional 
Regional 
Subtotal Africa Project submitted (ECU thousand) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 
A 60 40 56 
B .... 56 
A 32 
A 60 
A 11 
B ... 60 -
A 20 
B 55 
G ... 960 -
B .... 60 
B .... 49 
A ... 16 -
E 375 
C 35 
D - - 1.960 
E 160 
B 36 
A/B .... 420 
B ... 46 -
A 16 - -
B ... 30 -
E 193 
E 322 
F 180 
B .... us Total (ECU) 
100 
56 
32 
60 
11 
60 
20 
55 
960 
60 
49 
16 
375 
35 
1.960 
160 
36 
420 
46 
16 
30 
193 
322 
180 
115 
5.367 
Country/Region 
INDIAN OCEAN 
Madagascar 
Mayotte 
Seychelles 
Seychelles 
Regional 
Regional 
Subtotal Indian Ocean Project submitted (ECU thousand) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 
E ... 443 710 
A 36 
B 20 - -
E 150 
B 60 
G ... 6.239 Total (ECU) 
1.153 
36 
20 
150 
60 
6.239 
7.658 
Country/Region 
PACIFIC 
Solomon Islands 
Regional 
Subtotal Pacific Project submitted (ECU thousand) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 
B 28 1 -
G - - 11.530 Total (ECU) 
29 
11.530 
11.559 
111 
Country/Region 
CARIBBEAN 
Anguilia 
Antigua & B 
Netherlands Antille 
Netherlands Antille 
Netherlands Antille 
Netherlands Antille 
Aruba 
Aruba 
Aruba 
Aruba 
Barbados 
Belize 
Dominica 
Grenada 
Grenada 
St. Kitts & N 
Trinidad & Tobago 
Regional 
Regional 
Regional 
Regional 
Regional 
Regional 
Subtotal Caribbean Project submitted (ECU thousand) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 
A 14 16 20 
A - 12 32 
A 94 
B 3 
G* 19.150 -
D 5 
A 165 
B 57 ... 
D 2 
I .... 96 
A 26 
B - - - - 60 
A 30 ... 
E 15 ... 
G 979 308 812 
A 36 
G - 1.000 
B 60 
G 12.000 .... 
D 624 
F 32 
B .... 54 
I .... 80 Total (ECU) 
50 
44 
94 
3 
M9.150 
5 
165 
57 
2 
96 
26 
60 
30 
15 
2.099 
36 
1.000 
60 
12.000 
624 
32 
54 
80 
35.782 
Country/Region 
Regional all ACP/OCTs 
ACP 
OCTs 
TOTAL Project submitted (ECU thousand) 
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 
I 2.381 2.911 3.011 3.106 3.204 
I 198 432 720 800 897 
35.054 4.839 7.970 23.665 6.498 Total (ECU) 
14.613 
3.047 
78.026 
Legend 
A Participation in a fair 
B Study and planning 
C Publication of material 
D Promotion 
E Technical assistance and co-operation 
F Conference 
G Development programme 
H Training 
I Participation in tourist events under the regional integrated programme for the development of 
commerce and services (fairs, technical assistance, advertising, seminars) 
J Cross-border tourist circuit 
* of which 8.800 ECU loans 
112 
ANNEX 10 EXAMPLES OF INCENTIVE MEASURES UNDER THE KALEIDOSCOPE PROGRAMME 
Kaleidoscope Enhancement and 
extension to a wider 
audience 
- support for symbolic 
artistic events Networks and 
Partnerships 
- support for artistic 
events organised in 
partnership 
- meetings and exchanges 
of experience between 
professionals and other 
partners involved in the 
field (including those 
regarding less privileged 
young people) Access to culture 
- information 
- use of multimedia 
facilities 
- fight against social 
exclusion Research/training 
- raise profile of artistic 
training 
- further training for 
practising artists 
- travel grants for artists Co-operation with third 
countries and 
international 
organisations 
- support for 
co-operative activities 
in the artistic field 
- participation in 
networks and 
partnerships 
113 

ANNEX 11 RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND 
CONSERVATION OF THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE 
The protection and conservation of the European Cultural Heritage is an important 
common problem in all Member States of the European Union. At the same time, the 
threats to this heritage, and particularly the materials in which it is displayed, (be it stone, 
paper, wood, mental, painting or brick) are growing. 
Atmospheric pollution, urbanisation, tourism or inappropriate conservation treatments all 
play a part. 
Due to the effects of the environment, which have no frontiers, Europe has everything to 
gain by combining their efforts and resources to protect their cultural items. 
To achieve this it is essential to understand the causes and mechanisms by which they are 
damaged, and to establish practices where we have a sound scientific and technical basis 
by collaborating international research on this issue. 
Within the last three Environment Research Programmes (1986-90, 1989-92, 1991-94), 
about 130 of the leading laboratories in EC Member State countries (as well as in 
Sweden, Norway, Austria and Switzerland) have undertaken this kind of collaborative, 
international research. (A table of projects funded in 1994 is listed at Annex 13). 
The objectives of the area of research funded under the ENVIRONMENT Programme 
that concerns the Protection and Conservation of the European Cultural Heritage are as 
follows: 
GENERAL OBJECTIVES 
* to understand and quantify causes and mechanisms of environmental deterioration 
* to develop new methods of condition assessment, including the effect of mass 
tourism, by technologies of analyses and evaluation 
* to reinforce the scientific basis for treatment and interventions for conservation 
and/or restoration 
115 
RESEARCH PROJECTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND 
CONSERVATION OF THE EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE FUNDED IN 1994 
Coordinator 
Syremont SpA, IT 
Institut far 
Instandhaltung 
GmbH, DE 
English Heritage, 
UK 
Gifford and 
Partners Ltd, UK 
Birkbeck College, 
UK 
Royal Danish 
Academy of Fine 
Arts, DK 
TNO, Bouw, NL 
Middlesex 
University, UK 
University of 
Patras, GR 
University of 
Manchester, UK 
Carl von Ossietzky 
Universitat 
Oldenburg, DE Partners 
GR, ESP, IT, 
FR 
UK,GR, NL 
UK, IE, UK 
DE, PT, UK 
NL, IT 
FR, BE, UK 
BE, IT 
PT, AT, UK 
IT, ESP 
DK 
IT, ESP Title of the project 
Micro-stuctural decay of lithoid 
monuments, caused by environmental 
factors, studied using a newly 
developed, radar-aided methodology 
Soil archive classification at 
European excavations sites in terms 
of environmental impacts and 
conservability of Cultural Heritage 
Wood care: understanding the 
relationship between death watch 
beetle wood decay fungi and timber 
ageing in European historic buildings 
in order to develop alternatives to 
current harmful and ineffective 
treatments 
Re-treatments of consolidated stone 
faces 
ERA: Environmental research for art 
conservation 
Deterioration and conservation of 
vegetable tanned leather 
Performance of surface treatments for 
the conservation of brick masonry 
Particulate pollution and stone 
damage 
Deposition of gases and particles and 
their corrosive effects on surfaces of 
cultural and artistic value inside 
museums 
Development of improved 
conservation for archaeological iron 
Biological and mineralogical 
reactions of Mediterranean 
monuments EC 
Contribution 
(ECU) 
600,000 
518,000 
500,000 
164,000 
580,000 
480,000 
410,000 
471,000 
280,000 
300,000 
116,000 Duration 
(Months) 
30 
24 
36 
24 
36 
24 
24 
24 
24 
24 
24 
116 
ANNEX 12 COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF CULTURAL 
HERITAGE - THE RAPHAEL PROGRAMME 
I. Development and 
promotion of the 
cultural heritage in 
Europe 
To encourage the 
development and 
pooling of optimal 
practices and to 
create an 
environment 
conducive to the 
preservation of the 
cultural heritage. II. Networks and 
partnerships 
To help enhance 
transnational 
cooperation, 
exchanges and 
pooling of 
experience and the 
presentation of the 
European 
dimension of 
heritage. III. Access to 
heritage 
To promote 
projects to raise 
awareness with a 
European 
dimension and to 
encourage the use 
ofadvanced 
information and 
communication 
technologies and 
services. IV. Innovation, 
further training 
and professional 
mobility 
To promote the 
exchange of 
experience and 
encourage 
mobility and 
further training for 
professionals 
working on 
cultural heritage. V. Cooperation 
with third 
countries and 
international 
organisations 
To develop 
projects with third 
countries and 
create synergies 
with activities 
undertaken by 
other international 
organisations, in 
particular the 
Council of 
Europe. 
117 

ANNEX 13 LIFE 1994: PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM, IMPLEMENTATION 
PROJECT REFERENCE | SUBJECT | BENEFICIARY 
LIFE 94/E/AI52/E/01465/ASJ Recovery integrated and CONSEJERJA DE MEDIO 
sustainable system for the AMB1ENTE Y URBANISMO 
pasture land in the Natural Parks Coronel Aranda s/n 
of Somiedo E - 33071 OVIEDO 
LIFE94/E/A152/E/l524/AND The Third Ring. REMEN Mancomunidad de Municipios 
proposal: Local Network of del Bajo Guadalquivir 
Natural Spaces Camino de San Benito, 
Finca S. José s/n 
E-41740 LEBRIJA 
LIFE94/E/A152/E/01462/BAL Feasibility study and sustainable CONSELL INSULAR DE 
development plan of the Minorca MENORCA 
Island (biosphere reserve) Cami d'es Castell 28 
E - 07702 MAHON 
(MENORCA) 
LIFE94/F/A152/EU/00878 Natural and National Parks in Fédération des Parcs Naturels 
Europe : a Charter for a Régionaux de France 
sustainable tourism 4, rue de Stockholm 
F - 75008 Paris 
LIFE94/F/A/152/F/00780/BRE Environmental management for Commune de Fouesnant 
a sustainable tourism in Isles of F - 29170 FOUESNANT 
Glénans 
LIFE94/F/A152/F/00798/BRE Management and improvement Ministère de la Culture 
of Carnac megalithic site Hôtel de Blossac 
6, rue du Chapitre 
F - 35044 RENMES Cedex 
LIFE94/GR/A152/GR/01396/KEN Promotion of tourism activities Municipality of Giannitsa& 
with regard to nature Municipality of Goumenissa 
conservation in the mountain Gonou Giota 2 
area of Paiko GR - 581 00 GIANNITSA 
LIFE94/GR/AI52/GR/01348/KEN Complete environmental Municipality of Naoussa 
management of Agios Nicolas 30, Dimarchias Square 
Park - Araptisa River GR - 592 00 NAOUSSA 
LIFE94/GR/AI52/GR/0I263/PEL Development of eco-tourism in D.E.Y.A. SPARTA 
the Riparian ecosystem of Kleomvrotou, 39 
Evrotas, near Sparta GR - 171 00 SPARTA 
LIFE94/GR/A152/GR/0139/MLTRG Feasibility model for integration Greek Society of Caves 
of speleogical ecosystems in the Sina 32 
development of sustainable GR - ATHENS 
tourism activities 
L1FE94/IRL/A152/0037/NWT Management plan for the Sligo County Council 
sustainable use of Lough Gill Council Offices, Riverside 
and environment Sligo, IRELAND 
LIFE94/IRL/A152IRL/00399//WST Tourism Eco-labelling Udaras na Gaeltacht, Furbo 
Galway, IRELAND 
119 
PROJECT REFERENCE SUBJECT | BENEFICIARY 
LIFE94/IT/A152/IT/0029 Actions to promote sustainable VILLA DELLA 
tourism in marginalised rural CUPA-FONTEMAGGIO s.r.l. 
areas Via Colle, 141 
1 - 06020 Gaifana (PG) 
LIFE94/IT/A152/IT/00310 Accessibility framework of Veny REG. AUTONOMA DELLA 
and Ferret valley, for an VALLE D'AOSTA ASS.TO 
ecologically sound use of land AMB.TE, TERRITORIO E 
TRANSPORTI 
Via Cerise, 1 
1-11100 Aosta 
LIFE94/P/A152/P/0122/ALT Integrated approach to Câmara Municipal de Evora 
sustainable tourism Praça do Sertorio 
P-7000 EVORA 
LIFE94/P/A152/P/01234/CEN Ecological tourism initiatives QUERCUS - Associaçào 
from littoral coast towards inland Nacional de Conservaçâo da 
Natureza 
Av. Emidio Navarro, 81 - 4/G 
P - 3000 COIMBRA 
LIFE94/P/A152/P/01156/LIS Promotion of friendly tourism in QUERCUS - Associaçào 
Alto Nabào Nacional de Conservaçâo da 
Natureza 
Apartado 112 
P - 2490 OUREM 
LIFE94/UK/A152/UK/00736 Parrett Trail South Somerset District Council 
A combination of culture, art and Brympton Way 
sustainability in S. Somerset YEOVIL 
Somerset BA20 2HT, England 
120 
ANNEX 14 THERMIE & ALTENER 1994: SELECTED PROJECTS IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY WITH RELEVANCE TO TOURISM 
Programme Sector Field Project 
Title & Description Project 
Location Proposers EC 
Support 
(ECU) 
THERMIE 
THERMIE 
THERMIE Renewable Energy 
Sources Solar Energy/ 
Thermal Optimised solar system for hotels in Algarve: 
Installation of 304 m2 of solar vacuum tubes collectors and an 
absorption system which will work as a heat pump to to produce 
heating and hot/cold water for ambient air conditioning. Modular solar 
systems will be integrated on the roofs of 3 hotels according to Algarve 
traditional architecture. Expected energy production: 237,000 
kWh/year. Lisboa/Sagres - Lisboa e 
Vale do Tejo 
Portugal - Joäo Nascimento 
- Ambiente E Energia 
Estudos E Projectos 
LDA 386,610 
Renewable Energy 
Sources Hydroelectric RINO mini-hydroelectric scheme in Adamello National Park: 
The aim is to exploit a natural resource through the construction of a 
hydroelectric power station in a national park. The innovation lies 
within the measures taken to protect the environment in an area of high 
environmental sensitivity.Expected energy production: 12.800.000 
kWh/vear. Adamello - Lombardia 
Italy Franzoni Filati 451,590 
Renewable Energy 
Sources Geothermal Les's géothermie resources integral exploitation for use in a health 
resort hotel: 
Combined use of geothermal water for heating purposes and 
balneological uses. The well to be drilled at 300 m depth will produce 
50 mVh at 40_C. The full use of geothermal energy is achieved by a 
cascade with various swimming pools. Expected energy production: 
103 loe/vcar. Les - Cataluna 
Spain 
Public buildings and thermal resorts heating using the hot mineral 
•waters located on the side of the North Pyrenean diapiric zone: 
To use geothermal energy to cover heating requirements of public 
buildings and balneological resort. The aim of this project is to install 
the production equipment and to build a district heating network. 
Expected energy production: 502 toe/year. - Balneario de Tredos SA 
- TRT SA 
- Universidad de 
Barcelona 153,841 
THERMIE 
THERMIE Renewable Energy 
Sources Geothermal St Paul lès Dax 
Aquitaine 
France - Mairie de Saint Paul 
Dax 
- Geotherma SA 275,263 
Rational Use of 
Energy Bu i Id in es Bioclimatic design of a light take-down cover, with perfect 
characteristics for an existing large-sized swimming pool placed at a 
seaside: 
To install a transparent cover which will be adjusted according to needs 
for solar gains and lighting. This cover (thermal blanket) is made of an 
air extension with reflecting and diffusing surfaces. Expected energy 
saving: 3,619,000 kWh/year. Barcelona, Catalufia 
Perpignan, 
Languedoc- Roussillon 
Spain, France Centre Natacio Mataro 200,000 
Tecsol SA 
ALTENER Actions de formation et de sensibilisation aux ENR dans le réseau des 
Espaces naturels - France - Fédération des parcs 
naturels régionaux 76,000 
121 
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