Tourism is one of the major r of employment generation and business growth in Europe. NET supports all legislative and non-legislative initiatives that have a positive impact on tourism, promotes a sustainable visitor economy and guarantees a competitive and viable business environment.
See NET position paper on priority actions for EU tourism.
Some of the issues dealt with (list non exhaustive):
COVID-19 response
As COVID-19 continues active around the world, the tourism industry is facing devastating effects. Thousands of companies were closing down or fighting on a daily basis for their survival. NET is active in advocacy for quick, practical and transparent contingency measures and policies that support a quick recovery of our sector.
Find more about our suggestions and positions here:
- NET letter to Commissioner Breton 14th-April-2020
- Proposal for Exit Plan 8th-May-2020
- Follow-up to the Tourism and Transport Package 20th-May-2020
- NET position paper on the Recovery Plan
- NET letter to Director-General GROW Ms Kerstin Jorna 13th-July-2020
Digitalisation
Digitalisation is a cross-cutting phenomenon that affects all parts of the industry.
What is needed are properly functioning rules on online market search, transparency of prices and reviews, use and ownership of customer data and access to digital products and services.
Read more in the actual NET Position Paper as per May 2020 on Digital policy and access to data
The previous position paper - now outdated - can be found here: NET's principles and recommendations for the digital market.
Standardization
The vast majority of the European tourism industry is not in favour of developing European or international standards for their activities. Standardisation is a field which is followed rather passively by the sector, as there are little initiatives coming from the sector itself in this field.
For more background and a detailed overview on the tourism industry’s position on standardisation, please read the NET position on standardisation.
Travel and visa facilitation
The biggest growth in tourist arrivals will in future come from non-EU countries. To harness this potential, Europe needs a smart visa and border management policy.
Read more on NET's position on
- Recast of EU visa code
- Visa-reciprocity
- European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
- Visa Code - Trilogue Negotiations
Taxation
Taxation at local, national, and EU level, has a direct impact on consumer prices and therefore, the competitiveness of Europe vis-à-vis other regions. Europe needs more coordinated action on a smart and fair taxation of tourism in Europe.
NET supports HOTREC's VAT report.
Contact one of the NET Members if you want to hear more about NET's position on travel and tourism matters.