European tourism policy: Its evolution and structure. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Estol, Judith; Font, Xavier
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 52(2016)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: European integration -- Governance -- Sustainable development -- Internal market -- Lisbon treaty; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2015.06.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: This article reviews the procedural complexity of tourism policy-making by the European Commission leading up to the 2010 Communication. Initially, the European Commission had to present interventions affecting tourism as a community action or measure; intended to assist in the implementation of the Internal Market. Later, integration of the sustainable development principle into European Treaties established a framework for governance and a foundation for tourism policy, and the Lisbon Treaty in 2007 established a European policy that explicitly related to tourism, albeit a complementary competence in character. This article highlights a lack of leadership from the Member States throughout the process and contrasts this with the self-serving, driving force of the Commission in making tourism policy that focuses primarily on promotional actions. Consequently, the Commission has not created a robust, dynamic, flexible European model for tourism, designed in a way to best serve the needs of the Member States. Highlights: EC tourism policy-making responds to the creation of the Internal Market. The current European strategy endows the strategy conceived in the 80's–90's. Tourism is a "tool" for sustainable growth and competitiveness, not a full policy. The sustainable development principle in the Treaties lays the policy foundations. EC competence and EU legislature have eroded Member States' sovereignty.