CELEX: 51988PC0413
Language: en
Date: 1988-10-14
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on an action programme for the European Tourism Year (1990) (presented by the Commission)

ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (88) 413
Vol. 1988/0151
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                     /
                                       COM(88 ) 413 final
                                       Brussels , 14 October 1988
                      Proposal for a
                     COUNCIL DECISION
            on an action programme for the
              European Tourism Year (1990 )
             ( presented by the Commission )
 ---pagebreak---                                                                     té
                            EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
  concerning Council Decision ( EEC )... on the declaration of the
  European Tourism Year , ( ETY ) 1990 .
  The importance of tourism as a contributor to economic
  development , job creation and as a factor in improving mutual
  understanding among Community citizens is now well
  established
  In January 1986 , following the " First guidelines concerning a
  Community Policy on tourism " ( 1 ), the Commission submitted to
  the Council a communication concerning " Community action in
  the field of tourism " (2 ) . This communication set out the main
  objectives of the Commission for this sectors facilitating and
  promoting tourism in the Community ; improving the seasonal and
  geographical distribution of tourism; better information and
  protection for tourists ; improving working conditions in the
  tourist industry ; increasing awareness of the problems of
  tourism particularly as concerns statistics , and the better
  use of Community financial instruments .
  Certains measures have already been adopted in pursuit of
  these objectives , in particular the adoption by the Council of
  a Resolution on a better seasonal and geographical
  distribution of tourism ( 3 ) and a Decision establishing a
  consultation and cooperation procedure in the field of
  tourism(4 ).
  Conscious of the importance of reinforcing actions concerning
  this sector in view of the completion of the internal market ,
  the Commission , in November 1987 , organised a Conference on
  " Tourism : horizon 1992 " involving public and private operators
  of the sector . This Conference represented a valuable forum of
  information and exchange and produced a large consensus on the
  Commission 's action and its objectives . Member States
  confirmed this consensus , notably at the informal meetings of
  the Ministers responsable for tourism in GlUcksburg on 6 May
  1988 and in Rhodes on 3 September 1988 .
  The European Parliament , for its part , has been very
  favourable to a Community commitment in the tourism sector . It
  adopted , on 22 January 1988 , a Resolution on the facilitation ,
  promotion and financing of tourism in the European
  Community ( 5 ) in which it proposed a large number of actions
  supporting these objectives and " demands in particular that
* 1990 be declared " European Tourism Year ".
   ( 1 ) COM ( 82 ) 385 final
   ( 2 ) Bull , of EEC Suppl . 4 / 86
   ( 3 ) O.J. C 340 of 31.12.86
   ( 4 ) O.J. L 384 of 31.12.86
   ( 5 ) O.J. C 49 of 22.02.88
                                                                       l
 ---pagebreak---                                  2
During the above mentioned informal meetings , the competent
Ministers also expressed their interest in such an initiative
and indicated that the proposed declaration of the European
Year for 1990 should include projects and competitions for a
better seasonal and geographical distribution of tourism .
Taking account of these facts , the Commission considers that a
European Tourism Year could positively contribute to the
preparation of the large area without frontiers for 1992 , will
promote a better knowledge of the cultures and ways of life of
our countries by our citizens especially by young people and
moreover help to underline the importance of the tourist
industry for our economic development .
Representing 5,5% of the gross domestic product and 6% of
total employement in the EEC , the tourism sector deserves to
be considered in the effort undertaken by the Community for
the completion of the internal market by 1992 .               i
In order to benefit from the new possibilities offered , the
numerous small and medium sized entreprises of the sector ,
must adapt to the unified market of 320 million inhabitants ,
to increased competition and to the new information
technologies .
But one cannot forget that tourism interests also 180 million
citizens of Community Member States taking holidays every year
outside their home country as well as those travelling for
their different interests and activities .  In fact there is no
better way of learning the language , the culture and the way
of life of neighbour countries than to live in them for some
time . For young people especially , foreign travel represents
nowadays , more than a simple recreation , but rather a
necessary means of perfecting their education and vocational
training .
More than any other continent , Europe bases its touristic
appeal on its rich historical and cultural heritage . The
creation of a Europe without frontiers will have a
considerable effect also on travel and exchanges between our
citizens . For this reason culture and tourism will play
together a growing role in coming years , confirming the
positive interaction between these two sectors .
Two years away from the creation of a large space without
frontiers , our citizens , and especially young people , will be
encouraged to visit their counterparts and in this way to
become more aware of the existence of the Community .
                                                                 3
 ---pagebreak--- In order to achieve its primary objective , the improvement of
mutual knowledge of the peoples of Europe , the Commission
considers that the Year must strenghten action concerning
cultural tourism as well as off-season tourism , two concepts
that easily integrate . One has to avoid overloading transport
infrastructures and touristic equipment during the high season
in 1990 . On the contrary , this Year must be the occasion of
demonstrating the positive effects of a coordination between
public and private economic operators in the tourism sector in
order to facilitate the staggering of holidays and therefore a
better service for tourists off-season .
The proposal concerning a European Tourism Year submitted by
the Commission to the Council follows this line .
The Council is therefore invited to adopt the decision
concerning a programme of action for the European Tourism
Year ( 1990 ).
 ---pagebreak---                   COUNCIL DECISION ( EEC ) N # .../...
                  of .
                       on an action programme
                 for the European Tourism Year ( 1990 )
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community and in particular Article 235 ,
having regard to the proposal from the Commission , ( 1 )
having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament , (2 )
having regard to the opinion of the Economic an Social
Committee , (3 )
Whereas the integrating role of tourism can be availed of in
order to promote the achievement of the large area without
frontiers of 1992 ?
Whereas tourism promotes greater mutual knowledge of cultures
and life styles of Member States among their citizens ,
especially young people ?
Whereas tourism represents an economic sector of major
importance for Members States of the Community ?
Whereas the European Parliament in its Resolution of 22
January 1988 on the facilitation , promotion and financing of
tourism proposed that 1990 be declared the European Tourism,
Year ?
 OT
 (2)
 (3)
 ---pagebreak---                                 2
Whereas the Ministers responsible for tourism stressed
the importance of tourism for the completion of the internal
market at their informal meetings of 6 May 1988 and 3
September 1988 ;
Whereas the most serious problem confronting tourism in Europe
is its over-concentration in the high season with congestion
of trasport and accomodation services as well as detrimental
effects for the natural and man-made environment and
under-utilisation of capital and human resources in the
low season ;
Whereas it is therefore important to encourage a better
utilisation of existing tourism infrastructure and equipment
and that European Tourism Year should present a valuable
opportunity of attaining this objective ;
Whereas European Tourism Year can promote greater
awareness throughout the Community of the opportunities and
benefits of all-year round tourism for the regions of the
Community ;
Whereas efforts should be made during European Tourism Year to
encourage citizens of all Member States , especially young
people , to travel abroad to acquire greater awareness of the
reality of Europe ;
Whereas specific powers for this purpose are not expressly
provided for in the Treaty and Article 235 must , therefore , be
invoked ;
Decides ,
                            Article 1
1990 shall be declared European Tourism Year
                                                                 I«
                                                             J
 ---pagebreak---                                 3
                            Artide 2
The objectives of European Tourism Year are to :
     prepare the coming of the large area without internal
     frontiers using the integration role of tourism to
     advantage ;
-    promote greater knowledge of cultures and life styles by
     citizens of Members States especially the young ;
-    stress the economic importance of the tourism sector in
     the completion of the internal market ;
     promote a better distribution of tourism over time and
     location , the staggering of holidays , alternatives to
     mass tourism and new destinations ;
-    promote intra-Community and international tourism in
     Europe ;
These objectives will be pursued through co-ordinated
activities of the Community , Member States and private
organisations .
                            Article 3
The ammount deemed for the implementation of the programme for
the European Tourism Year , within the limits of appropriations
included in the annual budget , is 5 MECU . The arrangementsfor
financing the programme are described in Annex I which forms
an integral part of the present Decision .
                            Article 4
The Commission , in consultation with the Steering Committee ,
shall take appropriate measures to implement the programme ,
particulary in regard to the co-ordination of public and
private tourism organisations in the Member States ..
 ---pagebreak---                                 4
                            Article 5
The Steering Committee , will be chaired by a representative of
the Commission and will  comprise representatives of Member
States . Representatives of professional Tourism organisations
at Community level will  be invited to participate in the work
of the Committee as observers .
The Committee shall be consulted on the subject of the
preparation and co-ordination of the activities mentioned in
Annex I .
At the request of the Chairman or one of its members , the
Steering Committee may consider any other question relating to
the objectives mentioned in Article 2 .
                            Article 6
Member States which wish to receive Community financial sup¬
port for the pursuance of the actions mentioned in Article 2
will be invited to identify projects as mentioned in Annex I
that are suitable for Community financing and to control their
execution and report to the Commission of the European
Communities .
                            Article 7
The Commission shall inform the Council on the progress of the
work and shall submit a final report on the implementation of
the programme to the Council and to the European Parliament .
Done at                           For the Council
                                      President
 ---pagebreak---                                                            ANNEX I
ACTIVITIES ENVISAGED FOR EUROPEAN TOURISM YEAR
A. Act i V2t2es_wi t hout_f i nanci a L_i mg L i cat j_ons_f or_the_Communi
    budget
    Voluntary action to be undertaken by public and private
    operators         in the Travel / Tourism sector :
    - price reductions in transport and accomodation during
       the low season
    - use of the common logo and slogan of European Tourism
       Year in regular publicity campaigns
    - spread of information on European Tourism Year through
       the mass-media .
B . Ac t i vi^t 2 e s_co-f i nanced_b^_t he_Commun i t £_budge t
    1 . Pilot actions by public and private bodies to encourage
         new approaches to promote off-season tourism and cultural ,
         rural and social tourism .
                                              estimated cost       1.000.000 Ecus
    2 . Actions by public and private organisations to develop
         travel by young persons between the ages of 15 and 25                    '
         aimed at greater knowledge of cultures and life-styles
          of other Member states .
                                              estimated cost       1.000.000 Ecus
          Financial assistance of up to 40% of the cost of the
          operation could be granted . Applications for grants should
          be submitted to the Commission by Member States after they
          have made an initial choice of projects on the basis of
          potential efficacity to attain the objectives set out in
          the Decision .
 ---pagebreak---         The Commission after receiving the opinion of the steering
        Committee provided for in Article 5 of the Decision on the
        applications submitted by Member States in regard to eligi ¬
        bility , priority and, as far as possible equity of distribu ¬
        tion at Community level , will inform the Committee of its
        decision to support or reject particular projects or request
        additional information .
        Decisions on grants will be taken quarterly by the Commission
        in respect of applications received in the preceding quarter
        according to the following table :
        Applications submitted during                    Decisions to be taken
                 1st quarter 1989                        end  of 2nd quarter  1989
                 2nd quarter 1989                        end  of 3rd quarter  1989
                 3rd quarter 1989                        end  of 4th quarter  1989
                 4th quarter 1989                        end  of 1st quarter  1990
                 1st quarter 1990                        end  of 2nd quarter  1990
                 2nd quarter 1990                        end of 3rd quarter 1990
        Projects selected for grants should be designated " Community
        projects for European Tourism Year ".
         The competent authorities of the Member States shall have
         the responsibility for the control and carrying out of
         Community projects for European Tourism year .
         On their completion , they shall submit payment applications
         to the Commission accompanied by a report on their execution
         and all necessary proof of costs incurred .
C . Act” i_vi_t i-es_to_be_f
                   ”
                             i_nanced_ent i_re l^_f rom_t he_Communi_ty_Budget  I
    1 . Administrative expenses and year logo
         - remuneration of temporary staff engaged by the Commission
         - rent of office and equipment for preparation of European
            Tourism Year
         - logo for European Tourism Year .
                                               Estimated cost 1989     300.000 Ecus
                                               Estimated cost 1990     500.000 Ecus
 ---pagebreak---                          - 3 -
                                                                       Λ
                                                                    J
2 . Compétitions and prizes
    Prizes for competitions shall be provided as follows :
    - Best organisation of welcome of tourists by a town
      or village in each Member State
                                      Estimated cost    15.000 Ecus
    - Best welcome for young people by youth hostel or
      similar establishment in each Member State
                                      Estimated cost    72.000 Ecus
    - Best organisation , presentation and promotion of three
      cultural itineraries involving several Member States .
                                      Estimated cost    75.000 Ecus
    - Best artistic production by young people on the theme
      of travel in Europe :
      1 photographie compétition : Estimated cost       45.000 Ecus
      1 short film competition      : Estimated cost    45.000 Ecus
    - Best tourism display in a secondary school
                                      Estimated cost    24.000 Ecus
    - Best drawing of travel in Europe in a secondary or
      primary school .                Estimated cost    24.000 Ecus
                               TOTAL ESTIMATED COST    300.000 Ecus
3 . Information and publicity campaigns
    In the mass media of all Member States for off~season tourism ,
    cultural , social and rural tourism and other means of
    information on alternative destinations .
                                      Estimated cost 1989   900.000 Ecus
                                      Estimated cost 1990 1.000.000 Ecus
 ---pagebreak---                           Financial Sheet
Relating to proposed Council Decision ( EEC ) N # .../...
regarding the Declaration of a European Tourism Year 1990
1.   Budgetary    Line concerned :
     B 587 "Actions in the field of Tourism "
2.   Budgetary availability for Current Year
     2 MECU
3.   Carry-over amounts approved or requested by Commission
     Nil
4.   Expedlture resulting from prososed Decision
4.1  for current year - nil
4.2  for succeding years :
     An allocation of 5 MECU over 2 years , subject to the
     availability of annual appropriations .
          1989                 1990                 TOTAL
        1.200.000            3.800.000            5.000.000
5.   Other financial consequences of the Decision :
     The preparation of European Tourism Year will lead to a
     considerable increase of work-load necessitating
     additional equipment and staff for a certain period .
     Budgetary provision is made for this under
      " Administrative costs " in the detailed financial
     description .
 ---pagebreak---                                 2
6.    Calculation method
      A detailed financial description figures in the followinq
      table
               ITEM                 1989         1990       TOTAL
 Co-financing of pilot actions
 to promote off-season as well              1 . 000.000 1 . 000 . 000
 as cultural , rural and
 social tourism
 Co-financing of actions to
 develop young persons                      1.000.000   1.000.000
 tourism
 Administrative costs
 including temporary personnel
 and E.T.Y. logo                    300.000     500.000     800.000
 Prizes and competitions                        300.000     300.000
 Information and publicity
 campaigns in the mass-media        900.000 1.000.000   1.900.000
 to promote off-season
 tourisir. of all kinds
 TOTAL                          1 . 200.000 3.800.000   5.000.000
 ---pagebreak---                         COMPETITIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT
      Subject : Proposal for a Council Decision on an action programme for the
                    European Year of Tourism ( 199U ).
 1 . What is the main reason for introducing the measure ?
     The main reason reason for introducing this measure is to provide a framework
      for the demonstration of policy measures to combat seasonality and tourist
     concentration which are the main concerns of all Member States in this field ,
     and additionally to prepare the tourism industry for the completion of the
      internal market .
2 . Features of the businesses in question .         In particular :
      ( a ) Are there many SME 's ?
     ( b ) Have any mergers been noted in any regions which are :
                 ( i ) el igibl e for regional aid in the Member States ?
                 C i i ) eligible under tne ERDF ?
     ( a ) The tourism sector in all Member States is comprised prcdoin innnt ! y u I '.-I'lr'. 's .
     ( b ) There are no notable mergers of businesses in this sector .
3 . What direct obligations does this measure impose on businesses ?
     This measure does not impose any direct obligations on businesses .
                                                                                       té
                                                                                  J
4 . What indirect obligations are local authorities likely to impose on businesses ?
     Local authorities are not likely to impose any indirect obligations on
     businesses .
 ---pagebreak---                                           2
                                                                                t*
  5.  Are there any special measures in respect of SME 's ?
     Please specify .
     All the measures envisaged in the action programme are in favour of the
     businesses in the tourism sector , which are mainly SME 's .
  6. What is the likely effect on :
      ( a ) the competitiveness of businesses ?
     ( b ) employaient ?
     The effects on both the competitiveness of businesses and employment are
     likely to be positive .
(
  7. Have both sides of industry been consulted ?
     Please indicate their opinions .
     A meeting was held in March 1938 with the representatives from the Member
     States together with public and private operators of the tourism sector . The
     proposed initiative was received with considerable interest by all parties
     who pledged their support to cooperate with the Commission in its preparation .
i