Tourism sector: the role of the Union. Green Paper

Adopted was the report by Mr Pavlos SARLIS (Gr, EPP) on the Commission's Green paper on the role of the EU in the field of tourism. Compromise amendments were carried on improving and harmonizing working conditions in this fast growing sector, on the protection of tourists, the environment, water resources and cultural heritage, on the protection of specific rights of tourists including a guide of conduct for tourists, on a special rate of VAT to tourism, on a joint promotion of the EU as a destination for tourists from third countries and on facilitating the access to tourism of young people, the elderly and those with limited means by developing the potential of youth and other forms of social and associative tourism. The Committee again called on the Commission to take the appropriate steps regarding the creation of a European tourism agency. �