89/46/EEC: Council Decision of 21 December 1988 on an action programme for European Tourism Year (1990)

COUNCIL  DECISION
of 21 December 1988
on an action programme for European Tourism Year (1990)
(89/46/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,
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 and Social Committee (3),
Whereas the integrating role of tourism can be turned to account in order to prepare for the establishment, in 1993, of the large area without frontiers;
Whereas tourism promotes greater knowledge of cultures and life styles of Member States of the Community among their citizens, especially young people;
Whereas tourism represents an economic sector of major importance for the Member 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 European Tourism Year;
Whereas the Ministers responsible for tourism stressed the importance of tourism for the completion of the internal market at their informal meetings on 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 transport and accomodation services as well as deterioration of the natural and man-made environment and under-utilization of capital and human resources in the low season;
Whereas it is therefore important to encourage a better utilization of existing tourism infrastructure and equipment; whereas European Tourism Year should present a valuable opportunity for attaining this objective;
Whereas European Tourism Year can promote greater awareness throughout the Community on the opportunities and advantages of extending the tourist season 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 a greater awarness of the reality of Europe;
Whereas, to ensure uniform application of this Decision, a Community procedure for the enactment of implementing rules should be established; whereas a committee should be set up to provide a forum for close and effective cooperation between the Member States and the Commission in this field;
Whereas the Treaty does not provide, for the action concerned, powers other than those of Article 235,