The competitiveness of the European tourism industry is closely linked to its sustainability.

To encourage sustainable tourism, the Commission:

Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC) exists to promote a better understanding of Travel & Tourism’s role as a driver of economic growth and employment. It offers ‘One Voice’ to spur governments to develop policies which contribute to the profitable, sustainable and long-term growth of the industry.

Source : Bloom Consulting

World Ranking European Countries

There are not very many instruments at the disposal of EU institutions to support tourism. Some of these lie within other policies. Others, of greater or lesser impact, depending on the political will and the good will of all, are within DG Enterprise acting in co-operation with other DGs. They can be called:

1. Streamlining the regulatory framework for tourism at European, national, regional and local level

The activity of Parliaments in EU Member States is of vital significance both from the point of view of the development of tourism and for enterprises operating in this sector, since Parliaments are the bodies which draw up the laws determining the conditions which govern tourist operations.

Austria

• Tourism falls under the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy

Belgium

• Council Directive 90/314 of 13 June 1990 on package travel, package holidays and package tours. On 28 May 2015 the EU Council backed the new Package Travel Directive.
• Proposed EC changes to the Schengen Area Visa Rules (April 2014).
• Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare
• European Parliament resolution of 27 September 2011 on Europe, the world's No 1 tourist destination- a new political framework for tourism in Europe.

The European Commission is involved in initiatives that improve the skills and mobility of workers, particularly by engaging in global digital networks and helping tourism entrepreneurs manage their businesses. The Commission manages a range of initiatives that help small businesses in the tourism sector. Given the huge impact that digital technologies have on the sector, supporting access to and use of ICT is a priority area for the Commission.

Based on Questions, Motions, Reports, Opinions, Speeches, Declarations, Roll Call Votes (Source MEPRanking.eu)

1. Austria

1. Monika Vana, Greens-EFA
2. Georg Mayer, ENL
3. Josef Weidenholzer

2. Belgium

1. Marc Tarabella, S/D
2. Hughes Bayet, S/D
3. Louis Michel, ALDE

3. Bulgaria

1. Angel Dzhambazki
2. Ali Nedzhmi
3. Ilhan Kyuchyuk

4. Croatia