Dear readers,
Greetings from the latest edition of our Live from Brussels newsletter.
As we write, HOTREC has just concluded its 87th General Assembly in Brussels. We couldn’t be happier to have met with our members from all over Europe and to have welcomed esteemed EU officials and industry experts. Together, we engaged in collaborative discussions, exploring crucial issues for our sector – including employability and the implementation of sustainable practices – and reflected on the importance of ongoing collaboration with the EU Institutions.
Amid discussions on pressing issues for the industry, one topic has emerged as a top concern for HOTREC members: how will the upcoming European elections (June 2024) affect hospitality, and how can we best communicate our priorities to the new leadership?
HOTREC is gearing up to address this key issue on European Hospitality Day (29 November) at the event that we will organize in Brussels. There, we will unveil our Elections Manifesto, outlining a roadmap to address critical issues in the years ahead for the 2024-2029 EU mandate.
A sneak peek into the policy areas prioritised in HOTREC’s Manifesto reveals, among other points, a substantial emphasis on investing in sustainability and smart growth, aligning with the hospitality industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. In this regard, we are closely monitoring the crucial plenary vote on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) set to take place next week. We urge legislators to take into consideration the impact of the regulation on the specific situation of our sector.
Promoting a fair digital landscape will also continue to be a focal point of HOTREC’s action in the new EU mandate. We are actively involved in the implementation phase of the Digital Markets Act and continue to monitor all developments in the EU Short-Term Rentals (STRs) and VAT in the digital age proposals. Things are also developing at the national level, with the Italian prosecutor heavily fining Airbnb due to alleged tax evasion.
The adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the European hotel industry was also the focus of this issue’s interview with Professor Roland Schegg, whom I sincerely thank for his valuable insights into the world of Artificial Intelligence and his continued collaboration.
Stay tuned and enjoy your reading.
