News

THE travel and tourism sector has jumped up the European Union’s agenda following its late inclusion in the final draft of the controversial EU constitution.

The constitution, to be agreed in Italy on November 20, now says European-wide laws will be introduced to create a ‘favourable environment’ for travel and involve the exchange of good practice between member states.

It’s expected the laws will build on the existing work of the EU’s tourism unit and see the introduction of pan-European standards on a raft of issues, including hotel standards and health and safety.

While some in the UK trade have praised the move, ABTA is more sceptical, fearing it will create unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. ABTA head of policy and member services Stephen Alcock said: “It’s unnecessary, there is enough interference. The EU is a burden already, why should it get further involved?

“The proposal will give them a stronger legal role in tourism, but we don’t want more EU bureaucracy or control.”

Bath Travel managing director and former ABTA president Stephen Bath labelled Brussels “a cancer forcing itself on an industry which isn’t asking for interference or further regulation”.

“There’s no need for the bureaucrats to get involved in the industry,” he slammed.

However, European Tour Operators Association executive director Tom Jenkins, who went to Brussels for talks with its tourism unit last week, said EU recognition of travel could lead to increased funding for tourism projects.

Federation of Tour Operators director-general Andy Cooper agreed. “It’s better to be in rather than out of the constitution - tourism is a vital part of EU economy.”

Sunvil Holidays managing director Noel Josephides said it was “good news” but voiced concerns about its enforcement.

“The UK implements EU legislation to the letter but other states pay lip service to it,” he said.

Sources have told Travel Weekly the UK Government is also concerned about the added red tape that could be created.

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokeswoman refused to comment on the specifics of the treaty, saying it was too early to say what the “practical effect” of the powers will be.

Head of the EU tourism unit Francesco Ianniello is to hold a forum for all 25 national tourism bodies, including ABTA, in September to take the proposal forward. “It needs deeper reflection. It’s too early to say what I will do,” he told Travel Weekly.

The new EU constitution has to be ratified by all of the EU’s 25 members within two years of it being agreed.