– PRESS RELEASE –

Innovative, competitive and sustainable tourism should top EU policy makers’ agenda says the European hospitality industry.

COPENHAGEN, 63RD HOTREC GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 27–28 OCTOBER 2011 – THE TRADE ASSOCIATION OF HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS IN EUROPE, HOTREC*, CALLS FOR EUROPEAN LEADERS TO PUT COMPETITIVENESS OF THE EUROPEAN TOURISM INDUSTRY FROM A SUSTAINABLE PERSPECTIVE IN A PRIVILEGED POSITION IN THE STRATEGIC THINKING OF THE EU POLICY, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE SECTOR TO GROWTH AND JOBS CREATION IN EUROPE. "IT IS VITAL THAT EUROPE’S LEADERS FULLY EMBARK INTO POLICIES AIMED AT BOOSTING AND SUPPORTING THE INNOVATION, COMPETITIVENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES, IF WE WANT TO PRESERVE OUR INDUSTRY’S CONTRIBUTION TO EUROPEAN EMPLOYMENT, PROSPERITY AND WELFARE, WHILE MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY" COMMENTED MR. KENT NYSTRÖM, PRESIDENT OF HOTREC.

Speaking during the 63rd General Assembly of HOTREC, held on 27–28 October in Copenhagen under the patronage of HORESTA, the Danish hospitality association, the Presidents and CEOs of hospitality associations from 24 European countries expressed their concerns over the future of the European tourism industry. The current financial and Euro-zone crisis, the rise of emerging world tourism destinations and the massive investment needed to shift towards more sustainable practices are three common challenges that requires Europe’s immediate attention to sustain the positive economic role played by the hospitality industry despite the economic downturn. This important contribution should be duly taken into consideration by EU policy-makers.

Building-up on a recent study published by the UNWTO showing that Europe’s tourism market share will continue to decline in the next years, the President of HOTREC further stressed that "public authorities take too often tourism for granted in Europe. The current trends in the UNWTO clearly show that Europe’s leaders need to strengthen their presence and action in international fora and revamp their tourism policies, so as to provide oxygen to the industry and fully support the industry’s efforts to meet the competitiveness and sustainability challenge. HOTREC has decided to be active at international level to safeguard the European tourism industry and wishes the same commitment from EU leaders".

* HOTREC represents the hotel, restaurant and café industry at European level. The sector counts 1,7 million businesses, with almost 92% of them being micro enterprises employing less than 10 people. The industry provides some 9,5 million jobs in the EU alone. HOTREC brings together 43 National Associations representing the sector in 26 different European countries.

For further information: www.hotrec.eu.
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