HOTREC presents the hospitality industry’s key priorities for the 2019-2024 EU mandate
HOTREC presents the hospitality industry’s key priorities for the 2019-2024 EU mandate and puts innovation at the core of sustainable tourism development
Brussels, 20 February 2019. HOTREC unveiled its White Paper for Hospitality in Europe at the European Parliament today communicating 5 key priorities for the period 2019-2024. Hosted by MEP Isabella De Monte, the event counted with the participation of MEPs Istvan Ujhelyi, Claudia Tapardel, Claudia Monteiro de Aguiar and Sean Kelly, as well as Mr Antti Peltomäki, Deputy Director General of DG Grow and Mr Carlo Corazza, Spokesperson of EP President Antonio Tajani, and Council Officials. HOTREC called upon a continued partnership with the European Institutions and shared its vision of a European agenda for an innovative and sustainable tourism sector. HOTREC’s White Paper sets out the following 5 key priorities for the next EU legislative mandate:
- Further levelling the playing field in the accommodation and food service market in light of the fast professionalisation of providers using ‘collaborative’ economy platforms.
- Revise the EU regulatory framework regulating online platforms’ liability to reflect their increased role on the markets, namely the E-commerce directive.
- A Better Regulation agenda which ensures that the EU focuses primarily on large cross-border issues and better takes into account sectoral specific concerns.
- Foster voluntary initiatives on nutrition for local food services instead of horizontal EU legislation.
- Make the fight against skills shortage a truly EU case supported by concrete policy actions.
“The hospitality industry is a key driving force of the European economy, with its 11,9 million workers and 1,6 million new jobs created in 4 years. Supporting our 5 priorities will help building a better and sustainable Europe” said Mr. Jens Zimmer Christensen, President of HOTREC. “We are thankful to the EU Institutions for an excellent cooperation over the past 5 years and look forward to a continued partnership based on a shared vision for an innovative and sustainable tourism market” added Mr. Christian de Barrin, CEO of HOTREC. “HOTREC has been a true partner to the work of the European Parliament, building further on the European idea and project” said MEP De Monte. “Only a Communication including a 5 years policy agenda will allow tourism to play a stronger contribution to society”, concluded MEP De Monte.
MEPs Ujhelyi, Tapardel, Monteiro de Aguiar and Kelly promoted their vision on the future of Europe in which tourism shall play an even greater role for the benefit of society. For further information: www.hotrec.eu
HOTREC represents the hotel, restaurant, bar and café industry at European level, bringing together 42 national associations in 30 countries. The sector counts 2 million businesses, being 90% micro enterprises. These businesses make up some 60% of value added. The industry provides alone 11.9 million jobs and created 1,6 million new jobs between 2013 and 2016. Together with tourism, it is the 3rd largest socio-economic activity in Europe.