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Development of sustainable tourism
1) OBJECTIVE
To establish a strategic framework for European Community (EC) activities in the tourism sector in developing countries in order to allow tourism to develop sustainably, thus ensuring the positive contribution of this sector in the long term.
2) ACT
Communication from the Commission to the Council and European Parliament of 28 October 1998: "A European Community strategy to support the development of sustainable tourism in the developing countries" [COM(1998) 563 final/2 - Not published in the Official Journal].
3) SUMMARY
Role of tourism
Tourism has become a very important and dynamic sector both in the world economy and particularly in the developing countries. Its growth affects not only the activities directly linked to tourism (mainly in the private sector) but also other sectors such as transport. It allows jobs to be created for various levels of workers, both skilled and unskilled, and for those often marginalised in the labour market such as women.
Tourism is already an important sector in certain developing countries and will become so for others. The opportunities presented by this phenomenon must therefore be seized. However, it must also be ensured that this sector does not develop in an uncontrolled manner threatening the natural environment and the social and cultural life of the country. The uncontrolled development of the sector risks its future being limited in the long term.
Players
Tourism is based almost solely in the private sector and involves both large enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the essential role of the public authorities must be taken into account. Political stability, good environmental management, security, etc. are essential factors in attracting tourists and the public authorities are largely responsible for these areas.
As for the European Community, the growth in this sector is reflected in its development policy and it is a significant donor in this area.
Objectives and means
The European Community has examined past activities in this area and has drawn some conclusions, including the following points:
A more comprehensive and coherent strategy is needed.
The main objectives and support of the EC are aimed at:
Basic principles for implementing the strategy
Tourism is a fragmented and complex sector which has close links with other sectors. The EC's approach must be tailored to this complexity and to each country. The beneficiary countries will mainly be the developing countries which have cooperation agreements with the EC including this sector.
The strategy should be based on the following principles:
Coherence, coordination and complementarity The strategy must be harmonised with other EC strategies and policies and must also be based on the Community acquis in tourism. Coherence must also be ensured between all the donors. However, the EC should assume a leading role as it has a great deal of experience in this area and is the largest donor in this sector.
4) implementing measures
5) follow-up work
Last updated: 02.06.2006