18/03/2008 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
“In 2007, remained the world’s most visited region. Seven European countries – , , , the , , and the – are among the world’s ten most visited destinations. Nearly half of the 898 million visitors globally travelled to European countries in 2007. Tourist flows being expected to double in the next two decades, this poses an important development challenge to our member states,” José Mendes Bota (, EPP/CD) explains in a report adopted today by the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development.
“On the one hand, increases of 3-4% every year make tourism account for some 24 million jobs in alone. On the other hand, there are many issues, such as safety and security, congestion management, climate change, accessibility and hospitality problems that have to be tackled through sustainable development and quality growth policies,” Mr Mendes Bota pursues.
He also quotes deprivation or disability preventing an estimated 40% of Europeans from leaving on holidays. He stresses that families, senior citizens, immigrants, the young and people with disabilities are particularly concerned.