CELEX: 22005A1222(03)
Language: en
Date: 1998-10-16 00:00:00
Title: Protocol on the implementation of the Alpine Convention of 1991 in the field of tourism

22.12.2005          EN                              Official Journal of the European Union                                              L 337/43
                                                                   PROTOCOL
                      on the implementation of the Alpine Convention of 1991 in the field of tourism
                                                               Tourism Protocol
                                                                     Preamble
           THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY,
           THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA,
           THE FRENCH REPUBLIC,
           THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC,
           THE PRINCIPALITY OF LIECHTENSTEIN,
           THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO,
           THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA,
           THE SWISS CONFEDERATION,
           and
           THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY,
           IN ACCORDANCE with their task, arising from the Convention on the Protection of the Alps (Alpine Convention) of 7
           November 1991, of pursuing a comprehensive policy for the protection and the sustainable development of the Alpine
           region;
           IN COMPLIANCE with their obligations under Article 2(2) and (3) of the Alpine Convention;
           DESIRING to harmonise economic interests and ecological requirements, and establish sustainable development;
           AWARE that the Alps are the living and economic environment for the local population;
           CONVINCED that the local population must be able to develop their own social, cultural and economic development
           plan, and take part in its implementation in the existing institutional framework;
           CONSIDERING that in our urban civilisation, there is an ever-growing need for varied tourism and leisure activities that
           are appropriate to today’s way of life;
           CONSIDERING that the Alps remain one of the most important areas for tourism and leisure in Europe due to the
           extensive range of leisure activities on offer, the rich variety of landscapes and the diversity of its ecosystems, and that
           protection of the Alpine region should go beyond national frameworks;
           CONSIDERING that for certain Contracting Parties, a significant proportion of their population live in the Alps, and that
           tourism in the Alpine region is of public interest given that it helps to maintain a permanent population;
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              CONSIDERING that mountain tourism is facing competition in an increasingly globalised context and contributes
              significantly to the economic performance of the Alpine region;
              CONSIDERING that recent trends seem to be moving towards greater harmony between tourism and the environment;
              for customers, an increasing interest in attractive natural surroundings that are protected summer and winter alike, and
              for local decision makers, concern for making tourist destinations more environmentally-friendly;
              CONSIDERING that in the Alpine region, individual attention must be given to limitations to the ability of each location’s
              ecosystem to adapt, and each ecosystem must be appreciated for its specific features;
              CONSIDERING that natural and cultural heritage as well as the countryside constitute an essential part of tourism in the
              Alps;
              AWARE that the Alpine States are characterised by natural, cultural, economic and institutional differences which have
              caused them to develop independently, giving rise to very varied tourist facilities which, far from becoming more
              standardised at international level should be a source of diverse but complementary tourist activities;
              AWARE of the need for sustainable development in the tourist industry to be based on developing natural heritage and
              providing high-quality services, given that the majority of Alpine regions are dependent on tourism which also provides a
              livelihood for the local population;
              AWARE that it is appropriate to encourage holidaymakers to respect nature, to give them a greater understanding of the
              people living and working in tourist destinations and to create the best conditions possible for them to truly discover the
              diversity of nature in the Alpine region;
              AWARE that it is the responsibility of professional tourist organisations and regional and local authorities to put into
              place, within a defined framework for the Alpine region, means of improving production structures and their efficiency;
              DESIRING to contribute to sustainable development in the Alps by encouraging environmentally-friendly tourism, which
              is also an essential basis for the standard of living and economy of the local people;
              CONVINCED that certain problems can only be resolved in a cross-border framework and require joint measures on the
              part of the Alpine States,
              HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
                              CHAPTER I                                         in the Alpine region, and to promote collaboration at the
                                                                                appropriate territorial level in order to solve common problems.
                       GENERAL PROVISIONS
                                Article 1
                              Objective
                                                                                2.     The Contracting Parties shall encourage stronger interna-
The objective of this Protocol is to contribute to sustainable
                                                                                tional cooperation between the relevant competent bodies. They
development in the Alpine region within the existing institu-
                                                                                shall ensure, in particular, the development of cross-border areas
tional framework, by encouraging environmentally-friendly
                                                                                by coordinating environmentally-friendly tourist and leisure
tourism through specific measures and recommendations
                                                                                activities.
which take the interests of both the local population and
tourists into account.
                                Article 2
                     International cooperation                                  3.     When local and regional authorities are unable to
                                                                                implement measures because they are a matter of national or
1.    The Contracting Parties undertake to eliminate barriers to                international competence, they must be given the opportunity
international cooperation between regional and local authorities                to effectively represent the interests of the population.
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                             Article 3                                    (b) the consequences for soil, water, the air, natural balances
                                                                              and the countryside, taking into account specific ecological
     Taking account of the objectives in other policies                       data, natural resources and limitations to the ability of
                                                                              ecosystems to adapt;
The Contracting Parties undertake to take account of the
objectives of this Protocol in their other policies as well, in
particular in the fields of regional planning, transport, agri-
culture, forestry, protection of the environment and nature,
and water and energy supplies, with a view to reducing any                (c) the consequences for public finances.
negative or contradictory effects.
                                                                                                       Article 6
                                                                                         Guidelines for developing tourism
                             Article 4
                                                                          1.    The Contracting Parties shall, when developing tourism,
        Participation of regional and local authorities                   take account of issues such as the conservation of nature and
                                                                          the countryside. They undertake to promote, as far as possible,
1.    Each Contracting Party shall define, within its institutional       projects which enhance the countryside and are environmentally
framework, the best level of coordination and cooperation                 acceptable.
between the institutions and regional authorities directly
concerned so as to encourage solidarity of responsibility, in
particular to exploit and develop synergies when applying
tourism policies and implementing measures under them.
                                                                          2.    They shall adopt a sustainable policy to make environ-
                                                                          mentally-friendly tourism in the Alps more competitive, and
                                                                          by doing so shall make an important contribution to the socio-
                                                                          economic development of the Alpine region. Priority shall be
                                                                          given to measures promoting innovation and diversity in
2.    The regional and local authorities directly concerned shall         tourism.
be parties to the various stages of preparing and implementing
these policies and measures, within the framework of their
competence, within the existing institutional framework.
                                                                          3.    The Contracting Parties shall ensure that in areas attracting
                                                                          high numbers of tourists, a balance is struck between intensive
                                                                          and extensive forms of tourism.
                            CHAPTER II
                      SPECIFIC MEASURES                                   4.    When incentives are           established,  the    following
                                                                          requirements should be met:
                             Article 5
                       Managing tourism
1.    The Contracting Parties undertake to combine sustainable            (a) for intensive tourism, the adaptation of existing tourist
development with environmentally-friendly tourism. To this                    facilities and equipment to meet ecological requirements,
end, they shall support the preparation and implementation                    and the development of new facilities conforming to the
of guidelines, development programmes and sectoral plans                      objectives of this Protocol;
which take the objectives of this Protocol into account and
which are initiated by the competent bodies at the most appro-
priate level.
                                                                          (b) for extensive tourism, the continuation or development of
                                                                              environmentally-friendly tourism, and the promotion of the
                                                                              natural and cultural heritage of tourist areas.
2.    These measures will allow the advantages and disad-
vantages of planned developments to be evaluated and                                                   Article 7
compared, in particular in terms of:
                                                                                                Research on quality
                                                                          1.    The Contracting Parties shall adopt a policy of permanent
                                                                          and systematic research on the quality of tourism across the
                                                                          whole of the Alpine region, taking ecological requirements into
(a) the socioeconomic consequences for the local population;              account.
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2.    They shall encourage the exchange of experiences and the             existing buildings, and modernising and improving the quality
implementation of joint action plans, pursuing qualitative                 of existing accommodation.
improvements particularly in:
                                                                                                       Article 12
(a) the development of amenities in the countryside and natural
    areas;                                                                                              Ski lifts
                                                                           1.     The Contracting Parties undertake, within the framework
                                                                           of national authorisation procedures for ski lifts, to implement a
(b) urban development and architecture (new buildings and                  policy that goes beyond economic and safety needs, responding
    village restoration);                                                  to ecological requirements and the countryside.
(c) accommodation and range of tourist services;                           2.     Both new authorisations to operate ski lifts and
                                                                           concessions will be subject to disused ski lifts being dismantled
                                                                           and removed, and areas no longer in use being returned to
                                                                           nature, giving priority to plant species native to the area.
(d) diversity in tourism for the Alpine region, promoting
    cultural activities in the various areas concerned.
                                                                                                       Article 13
                              Article 8                                                      Tourist traffic and transport
                    Controlling tourists flows                             1.     The Contracting Parties shall encourage measures to
                                                                           reduce dependence on motorised vehicles in tourist resorts.
The Contracting Parties shall encourage the control of tourist
flows, particularly in protected areas, organising a way to evenly
disperse and accommodate tourists in order to guarantee the
sustainability of these areas.
                                                                           2.     Furthermore, they shall promote both private and public
                                                                           initiatives to improve access by public transport to resorts and
                                                                           tourist areas, and shall encourage tourists to use these services.
                              Article 9
              Natural limitations to development
                                                                                                       Article 14
The Contracting Parties shall ensure that tourism development
is adapted to the specific environment and available resources of                          Specific development techniques
the area or region concerned. It is appropriate to establish prior
assessment for projects likely to have a marked impact on the              1. Ski slopes
environment, within the existing institutional framework, which
will be taken into account when decisions are made.                        1.     The Contracting Parties shall ensure that the development,
                                                                           maintenance and use of ski slopes blend into the natural
                                                                           surroundings as much as possible, taking account of natural
                                                                           balances and biotope sensitivity.
                              Article 10
                            Quiet areas
                                                                           2.     Developments affecting the landscape shall be avoided as
The Contracting Parties undertake, in accordance with their laws
                                                                           much as possible and, when natural conditions allow, developed
and ecological criteria, to establish designated quiet areas where
                                                                           areas should be replanted, giving priority to plant species native
no tourist facilities will be developed.
                                                                           to the area.
                              Article 11
                                                                           2. Artificial snow machines
                      Accommodation policy
                                                                           National legislation may authorise the use of artificial snow
The Contracting Parties shall develop accommodation policies,              during cold seasons specific to each location, particularly to
taking account of how little space is available and giving                 make exposed areas safer and if the location’s hydrological,
priority to commercial accommodation, restoring and using                  climatic and ecological conditions allow.
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                            Article 15                                   of this Protocol. To this end they will examine, in particular,
                                                                         the implementation of an Alpine competition with a view to
                      Sporting activities                                rewarding innovative tourist initiatives and products which
                                                                         respect the objectives of this Protocol.
1.    The Contracting Parties undertake to define a policy for
controlling outdoor sporting activities, especially in protected
areas, in order to avoid causing damage to the environment.
This control may mean prohibiting a particular activity, if
necessary.
                                                                                                      Article 20
                                                                         Cooperation between tourism, agriculture, forestry and
                                                                                                     handicrafts
2.    The Contracting Parties undertake to limit as much as
possible, and if necessary prohibit, sporting activities using           The Contracting Parties shall support cooperation between
motorised vehicles outside areas designated by competent                 tourism, agriculture, forestry and handicrafts. They shall parti-
bodies.                                                                  cularly encourage combinations of activities which generate
                                                                         employment in the context of sustainable development.
                            Article 16
                        Landing by air                                                                Article 21
The Contracting Parties undertake to limit as much as possible,                                   Further measures
and if necessary prohibit, landing by air outside of airfields for
the purpose of sporting activities.                                      The Contracting Parties may take further measures to promote
                                                                         sustainable tourism than the measures provided for in this
                                                                         Protocol.
                            Article 17
Developing economically weak regions and local and
                     regional authorities
                                                                                                     CHAPTER III
It is recommended that the Contracting Parties examine
                                                                                   RESEARCH, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
solutions adapted to the appropriate territorial level to
promote the balanced development of economically weak                                                 Article 22
regions and local and regional authorities.
                                                                                            Research and observation
                                                                         1.    The Contracting Parties shall encourage and harmonise, in
                                                                         close cooperation, research and systematic observation relevant
                            Article 18                                   to improving understanding of the relationship between tourism
                                                                         and the environment in the Alps, and analysing future devel-
                     Staggering holidays                                 opments.
1.    The Contracting Parties shall endeavour to spread out the
demand for tourist resorts more effectively, in terms of time
and location.
                                                                         2.    The Contracting Parties shall ensure that the national
                                                                         results of the research and systematic observation are included
                                                                         in a common permanent observation and information system
2.    To this end, it is appropriate to support cooperation
                                                                         and that they are made accessible to the public under the
between States on staggering holidays and experimenting with
                                                                         existing institutional framework.
extending holiday seasons.
                            Article 19
                                                                         3.    The Contracting Parties undertake to    share information
                   Encouraging innovation                                about their own experiences relevant to       implementing the
                                                                         measures and recommendations in this           Protocol and to
It is recommended that the Contracting Parties develop                   gathering valuable information in terms of    qualitative tourism
incentives to encourage the implementation of the objectives             development.
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                             Article 23                                 information from the Contracting Parties concerned or have
                                                                        recourse to other information sources.
                    Training and information
1.    The Contracting Parties shall encourage basic and further
training and the provision of information to the public about
the objectives, measures and implementation of this Protocol.
                                                                        3.    The Standing Committee shall draw up a report on the
                                                                        compliance of the Contracting Parties with the obligations
                                                                        arising from the Protocol, for the attention of the Alpine
                                                                        Conference.
2.    It is recommended that the Contracting Parties include
knowledge of nature and the environment in vocational
training for jobs directly involving or linked to tourism. New
types of training bringing tourism and the environment
together could then be introduced. For example:                         4.    The Alpine Conference shall take note of this report. If it
                                                                        finds that obligations have not been met, it may adopt recom-
                                                                        mendations.
— ‘nature activity leaders’,
                                                                                                     Article 26
                                                                              Evaluation of the effectiveness of the provisions
— ‘resort quality assurance officers’,                                  1.    The Contracting Parties shall regularly examine and
                                                                        evaluate the effectiveness of the provisions of this Protocol.
                                                                        They shall consider the adoption of appropriate amendments
                                                                        to this Protocol where necessary in order to achieve objectives.
— ‘tourism assistants for the disabled’.
                                                                        2.    The regional and local authorities shall be associated with
                                                                        this evaluation within the existing institutional framework. Non-
                                                                        governmental organisations active in this field may be
                            CHAPTER IV
                                                                        consulted.
     IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION
                             Article 24
                          Implementation                                                            CHAPTER V
The Contracting Parties undertake to ensure the implementation                                 FINAL PROVISIONS
of this Protocol by taking any appropriate measures within the
existing institutional framework.                                                                    Article 27
                                                                          Links between the Alpine Convention and the Protocol
                                                                        1.    This Protocol constitutes a Protocol to the Alpine
                                                                        Convention within the meaning of Article 2 thereof and any
                             Article 25                                 other relevant articles of the Convention.
           Monitoring compliance with obligations
1.    The Contracting Parties shall regularly report to the
Standing Committee on measures taken under this Protocol.
The reports shall also cover the effectiveness of the measures          2.    Only Contracting Parties to the Alpine Convention may
taken. The Alpine Conference shall determine the intervals at           become a party to this Protocol. Any denunciation of the
which the reports must be submitted.                                    Alpine Convention also implies denunciation of this Protocol.
2.    The Standing Committee shall examine these reports in             3.    Where the Alpine Conference discusses matters relating to
order to ensure that the Contracting Parties have fulfilled their       this Protocol, only the Contracting Parties to this Protocol may
obligations under this Protocol. It may also ask for additional         take part in the vote.
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                             Article 28                                   (a) any signature;
                    Signature and ratification
1.     This Protocol shall be open for signature by the signatory         (b) the deposit of any instrument of ratification, acceptance or
States of the Alpine Convention and the European Community                    approval;
on 16 October 1998 and in the Republic of Austria, as the
depositary, from 16 November 1998.
                                                                          (c) any date of entry into force;
2.     This Protocol shall enter into force for the Contracting
Parties which have expressed their agreement to be bound by
the said Protocol three months after the date on which three
States have deposited their instrument of ratification, acceptance        (d) any declaration made by a Contracting Party or signatory;
or approval.
3.     For Parties which express their agreement to be bound by           (e) any denunciation notified by a Contracting Party, including
the Protocol at a later date, the Protocol shall enter into force             the date on which it becomes effective.
three months after the date of deposit of the instrument of
ratification, acceptance or approval. After the entry into force
of an amendment to the Protocol, any new Contracting Party to
the said Protocol shall become a Contracting Party to the
                                                                          In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorised
Protocol, as amended.
                                                                          thereto, has signed this Protocol.
                             Article 29
                           Notification                                   Done at Bled, on 16 October 1998 in German, French, Italian
                                                                          and Slovene, the four texts being equally authentic, the original
The depositary shall, in respect of this Protocol, notify each            text being deposited in the Austrian State archives. The
State referred to in the Preamble and the European                        depositary shall send a certified copy to each of the signatory
Community of:                                                             States.