The need to place tourism high on the European political agenda was highlighted at the event organized by the Hotel Chamber of Greece (HEE) on Wednesday 29 May 2024, for the presentation of the HOTREC “Manifesto” which includes the demands of the sector in Europe to host before the European Parliament elections.
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HOTREC sets out five clear priorities for EU decision-making institutions for the next five years:
1. Strengthen tourism. Tourism should be at the heart of EU policy because it is related to many other sectors and makes up 10% of the Gross Product of Europe.
2. Dealing with skills and labor shortages. Taking effective measures at European and national level is essential to attract, train and retain talent.
3. Ensuring fair digital rules. A fair relationship should be maintained between hosting companies and online intermediaries. Special emphasis on ensuring effective short-term rental rules that level the playing field in the accommodation sector and promote fair competition.
4. Invest in sustainability. Create a sustainable business environment and provide adequate EU support to accelerate the green transition in the hospitality sector and enable businesses to invest in decarbonization and sustainable practices.
5. Adapting to consumer preferences. Calculate the balance between meeting the reasonable needs of consumers for clarity and information, while imposing proportionate requirements on hosting businesses.
The presentation was followed by a discussion with the participation of MEP candidates Eliza Vozeberg (ND) and Olga Markogiannakis (PASOK-KIN.AL.) moderated by journalist Makis Provatas.
The President of XEE Alexandros Vassilikos made the following statement:
“Tourism has a special weight and importance for the European economy because it supports small and medium businesses and contributes catalytically to employment. This is even more true for Greece. This is why that XEE has a leading role, so that tourism has its rightful place on the European agenda. And this must be expressed in practice based on the priorities that we present, with a special financial line for tourism and others the establishment of a Commissioner for Tourism. We listen with great interest to the positions of the candidate MEPs who honored us with their presence, we look forward to a fruitful collaboration with the new European Parliament and so it is in particular value having a strong Greek voice and representation in it.”