WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1339/98 by Allan MACARTNEY to the Commission. The loss of market share in tourism
C 402/114 Official Journal of the European Communities EN 22. 12. 98 Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 May 1998) The Commission has recommended to the Member States that they include new species not covered by the Annexes of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (1), the habitats Directive, for which it is scientifically justified and after consulting the scientific working group of the habitats Directive and the habitats committee. For example, at its 17th standing committee, the Commission supported the inclusion of five new flora species in Annex II of the Bern Convention as well as new marine species in the Annexes I and III of the Bern Convention. A similar approach is being taken for the Emerald network. (1) OJ L 206, 22. 7. 1992. (98/C 402/149) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1339/98 by Allan Macartney (ARE) to the Commission (29 April 1998) Subject: The loss of market share in tourism Is the Commission aware that Europe in general is losing world market share within the fastest expanding industry, tourism? What steps are being considered to ensure a greater focus on measures to extend the tourist season › off-season promotions, higher levels of grant for areas with serious seasonal problems and employment subsidies so that highly trained staff can be retrained in winter months? Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (15 June 1998) The Commission is aware of Europeís decrease in world market share of tourism, in terms of international arrivals and of income generated by international tourists visiting Europe, and it is aware of the growing importance of European tourism in the context of international trade in services. The Commission forwarded a proposal to the Council in 1996 on a multiannual programme (1) ( Philoxeniaí) which aims to stimulate the quality and competitiveness of European tourism in order to contribute to growth and employment. The instruments foreseen in this proposal would enable problems linked to the seasonality of European tourism to be addressed more effectively. The implications of seasonality for employment and training will be among the issues arising in the context of the work of the high level group on tourism and employment, recently established by the Commission. The group will submit its report and recommendations to the Commission by October 1998. In addition, the Commission is taking steps, through its structural measures, to help those regions which are over- dependent on the seasonal nature of tourism. It is supporting efforts to diversify their activities, for instance by promoting the cultural heritage and high-quality products which can be marketed throughout the year, thereby fostering alternative economic development. (1) OJ C 222, 31. 7. 1996. - OJ C 13, 14. 1. 1997