7th European Tourism Forum: The European Tourism Offer - Quality and Sustainability vis-à-vis Demand Trends
Bordeaux
© SB Photos
- from: 17.09.2008
- to: 19.09.2008
- In: Bordeaux
Launched in 2002 by the European Commission, the European Tourism Forum is an annual conference which is designed to encourage debate and exchanges between public authorities (European, national, regional and local) and representatives of the European tourism industry.
Each forum focuses on a general issue (for example, the sustainable management of tourist destinations was the subject in 2007), which is the subject of successive round tables, followed by debates with the participants, facilitating the exchange of best practices and the setting up of networks. At the end of the forum a final report is drawn up which, though not binding in nature, may form the basis of joint initiatives.
Chaired by Hervé Novelli, the French Minister of State for Commerce, Craft Trades, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Tourism and Services, and Günter Verheugen, the Vice-President of the European Commission, this Forum will bring together representatives of European institutions (the Commission, European Parliament, European Social and Economic Committee, Committee of the Regions) and international associations (World Tourism Organization), along with representatives of European tourism industry professionals. The European ministers for tourism have also been invited.
This Forum plays a major role in the European cooperation policy for tourism, which is characterised by the exchange of good practices and the establishment of networks. Each forum is dedicated to a general topic discussed by successive panels, followed by debates involving the participants. A final report is drafted at the end of the Forum. This is not of a prescriptive nature, but it may be used as the basis for common initiatives.
The topic - "The European Tourism Offer - Quality and Sustainability vis-à-vis Demand Trends" - is an integral part of the work schedule of the European Commission, which launched its "Agenda for competitive and sustainable tourism in Europe" in 2007. Indeed, though Europe remains the world's leading tourist destination, it must face up to the double challenge posed by changing demands, with the arrival of new client bases, and the sustainable management of destinations. Three consecutive panels led by a moderator and followed by a rapporteur will cover the following topics in detail:
- Europe's Adaptability to World Tourism Demand Trends
- Integrating Competitiveness and Sustainability Criteria in the Adaptation of the European Tourism Offer
- Towards Quality Tourism Jobs in the EU
This Forum will also provide an opportunity for the European Commission to present the awards for the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) 2008 Competition, which rewards the twenty European destinations which have demonstrated their excellence in promoting the value of their "local intangible heritage".
- Updated: 23.12.2008
