23.12.2006   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 318/67

1.1

To tie in with the various opinions it has been drawing up as a contribution to the framing of a European tourism policy, the European Economic and Social Committee has decided to draft an opinion on social tourism, analysing its origins, development and current situation in Europe, the experiences of different Member States and the values it represents. In particular, the opinion will make recommendations aimed at public and private institutions with a view to enhancing social tourism in Europe and making it accessible to all. This opinion also contributes to the current debate on European tourism policy by looking at social tourism as an integral part of the European tourism model.

1.2

Tourism in Europe: state of play and future challenges. There have been various studies, reports and opinions discussing the situation of tourism from a wide range of angles: the economic, social and environmental aspects; the high importance of tourism in the European and various national economies; its positive contribution to wealth and employment in Europe. All of these factors combine to create a picture of strong potential, stability and growth. However, it is also pointed out that tourism brings with it various internal and external problems and threats in the short, medium or long term: seasonality, the use or abuse of natural resources, poor appreciation of cultural heritage and the local environment, and concerns over terrorism affecting the safety of local people and tourists. These factors mean that tourism raises some major challenges that will need to be addressed if it is to follow the path of sustainable development. These challenges include the accessibility of tourism to all, its real contribution to the development of many undeveloped countries around the world, environmental sustainability, respect for the Code of Ethics for Tourism, job stability and quality, and a contribution to world peace. For such a strategic industry as tourism in Europe, these challenges — and many others — are a necessary step towards a better quality of life for all.

1.3

Tourism policy in the European Union. On 6 April 2005, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted an opinion on Tourism policy in the enlarged European Union , which analysed in detail both current tourism policy, in the light of the Constitutional Treaty, and the repercussions of the present and future enlargement. The opinion welcomes the role of tourism as supporting, coordinating and complementary to other European policies. For example, tourism has strong links with employment and social policy, the improvement of quality, technological research and development, consumer protection, environmental policy and other very diverse policies. In particular it should be pointed out that the present opinion aims to pinpoint and analyse the contribution of social tourism to employment and social policies. The EESC, in the context of various opinions on tourism, is promoting European policies that focus on creating a European tourism model based not necessarily on legislation but on values. Social tourism and the values associated with it could form a key part of this model, and help to establish and disseminate it.

1.4

The challenge of the Lisbon agenda and social tourism. Attention should be given to the challenge that the Lisbon agenda raises for tourism, especially social tourism. As the strategic objective of the agenda is to make Europe ‘ the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustained growth, growth providing more and better jobs and greater social cohesion ’, it will be necessary to analyse whether social tourism contributes effectively and positively to this goal, how it achieves this, and how its contribution could be enhanced. As will be explained in the course of this opinion, the EESC believes that while this contribution is real, it could be strengthened. Measures will therefore be proposed for the various players involved in social tourism.

1.5

Background to the opinion. There is a wide variety of background material to this opinion, both in terms of theory (studies, reports, journals) and practice (actual examples of social tourism initiatives in Europe). There have been a great many contributions from public and private institutions; among these, it is worth mentioning the EESC's opinion of 29 October 2003 on Socially sustainable tourism for everyone which includes social tourism among 100 initiatives (point 5.5.2); also worth citing is the opinion of 6 April 2005 on Tourism policy in the enlarged EU , which includes the European social tourism project as a potential pilot project for European institutional cooperation.

2.1

The right to tourism as a keystone of social tourism. Everyone has the right to rest on a daily, weekly and yearly basis, and the right to the leisure time that enables them to develop every aspect of their personality and their social integration. Clearly, everyone is entitled to exercise this right to personal development. The right to tourism is a concrete expression of this general right, and social tourism is underpinned by the desire to ensure that it is universally accessible in practice. Thus social tourism is not marginal or extraneous to tourism in general, which is a major industry in the world, in Europe as a whole and in various Member States in particular; on the contrary, it is a way of putting into practice this universal right to participate in tourism, to travel, to get to know other regions and countries — the very foundation of tourism. It should be highlighted that this right is enshrined in Article 7 of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism approved by the World Tourism Organization in Santiago de Chile on 1 October 1999 and adopted by the United Nations on 21 December 2001.

2.2

Definition of social tourism. There are many ideas about what social tourism really is, making it difficult to define the concept precisely. While the various institutions that have covered the topic use widely differing methods (such as the identification of content, expected results, aims, ideas and beliefs), they always base themselves on one tenet: everybody, including the least privileged, has the right to rest, relaxation and time off from work on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. According to the International Bureau of Social Tourism (BITS), social tourism is ‘all the concepts and phenomena resulting from the participation in tourism of low-income sectors of the population, made possible through well defined social measures’. BITS is currently in the process of revising this definition, expanding it to include the contribution tourism makes to development and solidarity.

2.2.1

According to the European Commission (1), ‘social tourism is organised in some countries by associations, cooperatives and trade unions and is designed to make travel accessible to thehighest number of people, particularly the most underprivileged sectors of the population’. This already dated definition is being revised in the wake of the technical meetings held in recent years. The EESC does not believe that either definition is precise enough; however, as is often the case in the social sciences, an exact definition is less important than the identification of specific features.

2.2.2

Consequently — and without any intention of giving a precise definition of social tourism, but starting from the premise that tourism is a general right which we should try to make accessible to everyone — we can say that an activity constitutes social tourism whenever three conditions are met:

2.2.3

Ultimately, just as tourism in general is an integrated activity involving various sectors, branches of activity and spheres of development, social tourism subsumes all those initiatives which make tourism accessible to persons with special needs, at the same time generating social and economic benefits for various sectors, activities and groups.

2.3

2.4

Basics of social tourism. According to BITS, social tourism is based on five criteria:

2.4.1

The right of the majority to enjoy tourism. It is perhaps the desire to make this right a reality that justifies and underpins most strongly the various social tourism initiatives. The number of people who today benefit from a period of holiday has grown considerably as a result of the spread of tourism throughout society, but there are still many groups which, for various reasons, have no access to holidays. Lack of funds is the most common factor preventing this right from becoming universal. It is unlikely that the public authorities could or would use public funds to guarantee the right to tourism or holidays. Different countries respond to the issue in a variety of ways: some are more committed for social reasons, while others are less proactive in addressing a situation which prevents holidays from becoming accessible to all. It is important to stress that social tourism can or should in no way be equated with tourism of an inferior quality or type; quite the contrary, the hallmark of social tourism activities must be the greatest concern for overall quality as regards both facilities and service.

2.4.2

The contribution of social tourism to social integration. Tourism is a powerful driver of social integration, fostering contact with other cultures, places, customs and, especially, people: without travel, holidays and tourism, it would be impossible for people to meet, talk and acknowledge one another as fundamentally equal, yet culturally different. This cultural exchange and enjoyment of leisure time is an important means of personal development, both for tourists and for those who receive them in their local environment. The cultural exchange generated by tourism is especially valuable for young people, enhancing their intellectual development and enriching their view of the world. In the EU's case, social tourism could be effective in helping to build the Citizens' Europe. It is important to stress that the general opinion is that social tourism holidays should not be differentiated from tourist holidays in general, but should help with social integration. General tourist holidays should provide social tourism groups with suitable conditions for enjoying their holiday and not the other way round. Clearly this implies that an effort has to be made not only as regards facilities, but also the type of service and hence the special training that workers in the sector should receive.

2.4.3

Creation of sustainable tourism structures. In reality, infrastructures in tourist destinations and areas cannot always be called sustainable, particularly since tourism has often developed under conditions of short-term profitability, abuse of natural resources and occupation of the best areas — usually coasts and mountains. Social tourism, which focuses more on the social conditions than the economic aspects, can help to build or rehabilitate tourist destinations while meeting economic, social and environmental sustainability criteria. The way in which the various kinds of social tourism are managed is a key factor in the sustainability of tourist destinations and areas. If sustainability is, essentially, the balance between various aspects of human activity, then social tourism is a sustainable development tool for many less developed countries which see tourism as a source of economic activity that can lift them out of poverty.

2.4.4

Contribution to employment and economic development. Tourism is possibly already and will certainly one day become the most powerful global industry, and one of the greatest contributors to employment, development, wealth and quality of life in its beneficiaries. While social tourism contributes to this economic strength, it is not yet sufficiently aware of its own power, its economic importance and, indeed, its ability to make the choice of destinations conditional on sustainability. Social tourism companies and bodies need to look beyond economic criteria when developing their activities. One criterion that should be used is the creation of stable, high-quality employment, which is key to the sustainable development of a tourist destination. In particular, social tourism's contribution (whether it be great or small) to combating seasonality is a basic criterion when aiming for quality and stability of employment, and should form an integral part of the European tourism model. Public-private partnerships in the management of social tourism can serve as a useful instrument and indicator for meeting this criterion.

2.4.5

The contribution of social tourism to global development. It has been mentioned above that tourism, particularly social tourism, can provide many communities with an escape route from underdevelopment or industrial crisis and the collapse of mining, industrial or farming activities. The conditions required for the development of social tourism are the same as those needed for an area and its inhabitants to see tourist activity as a driver of development. Insofar as communities can earn their livelihood from tourist activity, the local economy and social stability will be strengthened. As recommended by many international bodies, tourist activity is a good antidote to wars and disasters of all types. Tourism signifies welcome, exchange, the enhancement of local assets, friendship and communication between people, as opposed to war, which represents aggression, invasion and the destruction of nature. If one only loves what one knows, then tourism can encourage people to become closer and learn about each other, thus promoting peace, harmony and development. Social tourism can and should be reinforced, and should help to promote the conditions of equality, justice, democracy and well-being that enable the mutually-supportive development of all peoples around the world.

2.5

Principles and conditions of social tourism and its management. It is important to analyse the factors and criteria that characterise social tourism and the way it is managed so as to distinguish those aspects that can and those that cannot be labelled ‘social’. In line with BITS, we can indicate some of the criteria that determine the general concept of tourism:

These and similar criteria can be used as guidelines for action by those managing social tourism, and to identify the activity.

2.6

Company profitability and social tourism. Social tourism is, quite rightly, an economic activity (although not exclusively so), and it should be governed by the basic principles of return on investment and the profit necessary to pursue and achieve its basic goals. Only businesses which are competitive and profitable in the broadest sense can operate effectively, safely and with guarantees for consumers. The varying situation of social tourism today shows that the businesses and organisations devoted to this activity are profitable once they have established their structure and have the right market and appropriate prices. It is worth noting that social tourism organisations create jobs both throughout the year and during low-occupancy periods, thus helping to provide employment for the workers affected.

2.7

Social profitability of tourism. Although social tourism is an economic activity, it is also clearly a social activity, bringing benefits in this field. Visitors benefit on their holidays, tourism workers benefit in their work, and society as a whole gains. In the EU's case, social tourism is having an increasing impact on the construction of the Citizens' Europe and will surely continue to do so. Travel within Europe by as many citizens as possible can only lead to greater knowledge, understanding and tolerance.

2.8

Concepts and views of social tourism in Europe. Social tourism today means different things in the different EU Member States that operate such programmes, but there are three points in common:

2.8.1

Thus, social tourism would include all travel and activities organised by trade unions, for family reasons, for religious reasons, organised by companies for their workers, organised by public institutions, for people with disabilities, young people or senior citizens with low incomes, and various other situations.

2.9

Social tourism bodies. There are also various bodies which work in and manage social tourism throughout Europe, including:

3.1

The European institutions. The European institutions are displaying a growing interest in social tourism, as illustrated by the various studies, opinions, reports and conferences being organised, promoted or coordinated by the Parliament, the Commission and the EESC. Essentially, their activity focuses on gathering, classifying and circulating the wide range of experiences acquired by European countries. In particular, the role being played by the Commission is to promote new experiences in each country, and to bring together those responsible in the various countries with a view to cooperating on transnational initiatives. At present, the Commission's role does not seem to include acting as general coordinator of social tourism experiences at EU level. It is worth noting the recent survey conducted by the Tourism Unit of DG Enterprise, which looked at EU citizens' participation in holidays and the reasons why some 40 % of them do not take part in tourist activities. It does not seem unfeasible that the Commission might one day take on the role of general coordinator for a social tourism platform at European level. This role would not necessarily call for financial contributions from the European institutions in order to develop such a joint transnational platform.

3.2

Member States' governments. As pointed out above, the involvement of Member States' governments in social tourism activities varies greatly for historical, ideological and social reasons. In some countries, the government, whether national, regional or local, provides significant financial aid. These funds are often aimed at various groups: young people, senior citizens, people with disabilities, underprivileged people, etc. Governments are currently taking steps to go beyond the national limits of their social tourism programmes with various types of transnational exchanges.

3.3

Employers. It is important to note that there are initiatives such as ‘holiday vouchers’, whereby employers contribute financially to help facilitate holidays for their staff. Furthermore, as mentioned, it should be borne in mind that social tourism is a major economic activity with great potential and, as such, attracts entrepreneurs from the tourism sector who see it as a means to boost their activities as service providers or intermediaries. One noteworthy initiative is the Spanish company Mundo Senior (‘Senior World’) which comprises various large tourism companies and was set up originally to manage the social tourism programme of the Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs, and which has expanded its social scope and activity by offering specialised tourism products for senior citizens. Clearly, the competitiveness criterion is not hindered by the social nature of this activity. In the future, there will need to be public-private partnership initiatives to develop profitable social tourism programmes both within Member States and between different countries.

3.4

Workers. Ever since social tourism first emerged, trade unions, as the bodies which defend workers' rights, have had a strong presence in tourism, as a means of obtaining benefits for their members. This presence is illustrated through support for physical infrastructure, holiday complexes, guest houses, etc. and for specialised services. Experiences and commitment levels vary from country to country, but in almost all countries there is some kind of social tourism activity stemming from trade unions. It is worth mentioning the trade union organisations of the newest Member States, which are seeking a valid model for social tourism and relations with more experienced bodies. It is also worth mentioning an interesting study that was carried out by BITS in May 2005, relating to various trade unions' tourism activities for workers and listing one by one the activities currently existing in the 25 EU countries. It is a useful source of information and analysis about the current state of play.

3.5

Specialised associations. These associations include the consumer cooperatives that in certain countries (Italy and the UK) have extensive networks of agencies organising social tourism, together with the youth and environmental organisations operating in this field, and the associations belonging to the social tourism bodies themselves, such as the BITS, which carries out important support, coordination and promotion work.

3.6

Groups involved directly and indirectly in social tourism. Evidently, the beneficiaries themselves are the main players in the various social tourism programmes and activities. It is they who benefit first from the economic advantages that enable them to enjoy their leisure time and holidays, taking part in the sporting or cultural activities that appeal to them. Secondly, they benefit from tourism that is respectful of geographical resources, heritage and the environment, and the relationship between the beneficiaries and the inhabitants of the host areas. Together, these activities help to foster mutual knowledge, relaxation and well-being. Local communities in which social tourism is practiced also benefit from employment, economic activity and development.

4.1

Theoretical, legislative and planning context. In Europe, the theoretical, legislative and planning framework for social tourism is not very extensive at present; however, there are a number of studies and reports that aim to inventory and carry out comparative analyses of the various examples of social tourism in Europe. Some of these are listed as technical and documentary references in Part D of this opinion.

4.2

Various practical experiences in Europe. As indicated above, during the course of the study group's work, at the hearing held in Barcelona on 4 and 5 May 2006 and from the information on experiences described at the conference ‘Tourism for all’ organised by BITS and the Commission, it has been possible to single out and become familiar with many practical initiatives in Europe which may be described as manifestly successfully. It is not for this opinion to study these experiences in detail, but we do consider it appropriate to mention some of the most important which will undoubtedly help to raise the profile of social tourism and can serve as a guide for others working in the social tourism sector, or for those states or areas that, for various reasons, do not have programmes in this field.

4.2.1

The French Agence Nationale pour les Chèques-Vacances (ANCV) [National Holiday Vouchers Agency] had a turnover estimated at around EUR 1 billion in 2005. It was set up in 1982 as a ‘public body with industrial and commercial character’ and after more than 23 years of activity it remains a useful social policy tool for tourism.

4.2.1.1

Its objectives are threefold:

4.2.1.2

It should be mentioned that holiday vouchers are received annually by some 2.5 million people and benefit some 7 million travellers. The ANCV has more than 21 000 affiliated organisations which participate in its financing and some 135 000 tourism and leisure practitioners are involved in providing services.

4.2.1.3

In addition, its programme helps to provide holidays for especially underprivileged groups, groups of disabled people, young people, etc. by means of holiday grants to the tune of EUR 4.5 million. The Agency also invests considerable sums in the modernisation of social tourism amenities.

4.2.1.4

Overall it would appear that the programme's continuity and profitability is assured; economic studies will, doubtless, show that the impact of its economic activities enable it to recoup the financial outlay.

4.2.1.5

The Agency's objectives for the next few years are to continue extending and disseminating its services among users and tourism practitioners. Perhaps these objectives could include a transnational dimension to the programme by means of agreements with European countries; the benefits would undoubtedly be mutual, exemplary and of great economic and social importance.

4.2.2

The IMSERSO social tourism programme in Spain has similar aims but uses a different approach and instruments. It helps more than one million people annually to go on organised trips, in groups, in the low season, and especially older people. The Spanish State invests about EUR 75 million annually in the programme, but through various tax mechanisms (VAT, tax on commercial and professional activities, corporate profits and income of physical persons), increased revenue from social security contributions and savings on unemployment benefits, the programme brings in some EUR 125 million and is therefore economically highly profitable. The social and economic profitability of the programme is clear as it has enabled broad sections of the elderly population to travel for the first time, to get to know other cities and places, broaden their social relations on an equal footing, improve their physical fitness — and the quality and user satisfaction is reasonable.

4.2.2.1

Furthermore costs are recouped at a rate of EUR 1.7 for every EUR 1 invested in the programme.

4.2.2.2

Mention should be made of the impact of this programme on employment, estimated at about 10 000 workers who would otherwise be unemployed in the low season as the hotels and other establishments and businesses remain open.

4.2.2.3

The programme is constantly expanding and evolving, seeking out new forms of social tourism with greater cultural, health and social value, such as stays in spas, undoubtedly successful, or cultural tours and events.

4.2.2.4

As in the case of France, there is broad scope for expanding the programme, not only within the country but also abroad. At present the Spanish Imserso has already reached an agreement with its Portuguese counterpart on an exchange of tourists and is studying doing the same with France. This could be an exportable model of great value for the rest of Europe.

4.2.3

Other experiences. Besides these two major social tourism programmes in Europe, there are other good examples, perhaps more limited, targeted more at more clearly defined users, but no less valuable for that. Such is the case of the example analysed at the Barcelona hearing, namely the Plataforma Representativa Estatal de Discapacitados Físicos (PREDIF) [Representative State Platform for Physically Disabled People] which focuses on a very specific group but successfully manages a programme of holidays for this group.

4.2.3.1

Different, but also very interesting and worth mentioning is the shared initiative of three organisations, one from the UK (Family Holiday Association), one from Belgium (Toerisme Vlaanderen) and one from France (Vacances Ouvertes) which coordinate to facilitate ‘tourism for everyone’ in their three countries.

4.2.3.2

Social tourism activities can also be found in other European countries, including Portugal, Poland and Hungary, where the trade unions play an important role, and in Italy where the programme is sponsored by the consumer cooperatives. To conclude, it can be stated that the variety of initiatives, user numbers and diversity are on the increase throughout Europe.

4.2.3.3

Similarly, it must be noted that some regions and municipalities are developing social tourism initiatives in one form or another, e.g. the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands with its Plan OCI 60.

4.2.3.4

At regional level too, the government of Andalusia (Spain) is developing the Residencias de Tiempo Libre [Leisure Time Guest Houses] programme, along with the Conoce tu Costa [Know Your Coast] programme, which involves cooperation between the regional administration and local councils to encourage tourism by older people within the Autonomous Community.

4.2.3.5

Mention should further be made of the presence of social tourism on the European Union's tourism portal, www.visiteurope.com, which is intended as a consultation site for all tourist activity in Europe, including social tourism.

4.3

General assessment of social tourism. Social tourism brings many values to European society, including:

4.3.1

This whole set of values, together with the successes that social tourism has already achieved, the prospects for growth, and the research into and introduction of new products, all make for a highly positive general assessment of social tourism in Europe from all angles.

4.3.2

Such an all-round positive assessment means that we can dub social tourism a ‘miracle’ in that all the practitioners and users obtain all kinds of benefits: economic, social, health, employment, European citizenship … no one is harmed by this activity … the bottom line is that it would be difficult to find a human economic activity that is so universally recognised and supported.

4.3.3

Accordingly it is not difficult for this opinion to warmly commend proposals and formulas which would (i) consolidate and improve existing programmes and (ii) extend their benefits to broader sections of the population.

5.1

Prerequisites. It has been shown above that, regardless of the definition given of social tourism or how it is financed or managed, it is a powerful, profitable and stable economic and social factor, which meets its objectives whilst satisfying its beneficiaries, contributing to employment and reducing the seasonal nature of tourism. Indeed, it is an activity that is of great value throughout the world, particularly in Europe. The aim, therefore, is to examine how the beneficial effect of social tourism can be extended more widely to individuals, companies and society as a whole.

5.1.1

It is not easy to subsume under a single name a Europe-wide social tourism action: we can speak of a platform, project, project, initiative … and although these terms do not necessarily signify the same thing they all allude to an organised activity, with clear objectives, of supranational European scope. In this opinion, given that it is intended as a general proposal, these terms are used interchangeably in the hope that the work of this future platform will suggest a suitable name.

5.1.2

Nevertheless, it is clear that tourism in Europe does suffer from various shortcomings and medium-term threats, such as:

5.1.3

There are also factors that represent clear opportunities in terms of the viability of a possible European social tourism platform or project:

5.2

A European social tourism platform could have various objectives:

5.3

Players and groups involved in the European social tourism platform. The groups or players that could be involved include:

5.4

Key aspects of European Social Tourism. In order for a European social tourism platform to be socially and economically viable, it must meet the following criteria:

If these conditions were met, social tourism would doubtless become a key component of the European tourism model.

5.5

Public-private cooperation in the project. The feasibility of the programme may well be dependent on — but could also benefit from — effective public-private cooperation in its planning, design and management. It would seem at least possible, although not easy, to find organisations and businesses in Europe that are willing to undertake the development of a European social tourism platform.

6.1

On growth and employment. Should this platform be implemented in its various phases, the effects on growth and employment would be major, and would surely help to achieve the objectives of the Lisbon summit. The IMSERSO programme undertaken in Spain, for example, clearly shows the beneficial impact of social tourism on safeguarding and creating jobs during the low season.

6.2

On the effective right to access tourism. Although, according to the statistics available, around 40 % of the population do not currently go on holiday, the European social tourism platform would aim and no doubt help to reduce this percentage substantially and make tourism for all a reality, as well as helping the peoples of Europe to get to know each other better.

6.3

On the European tourism model. In its various opinions on tourism, the EESC has expressed its belief that it is possible to build a European tourism model based not on legislation, but on widely accepted and applied values. One of the values that could be included in this model is undoubtedly universal access to tourism — tourism for all. The European social tourism platform could significantly help to boost the European tourism model.

7.1

In recent years it has become evident that the European venture is not a short or easy task, and even today there are still many uncertainties and difficulties to overcome. Social tourism could be a powerful tool to boost information and understanding between individuals and solidarity between peoples. It could help to build the Citizens' Europe not through sacrifice or struggle, but through the enjoyment of leisure time, travel and holidays. Young people, especially, are a group that are likely to travel more during high season — a period when student residences are unoccupied and could temporarily play host to tourist initiatives similar to the Erasmus programme.

7.2

Tourism could be a good way to build the Citizens' Europe. The various groups involved, the tourism industry and local communities could together bring their interests into line, in a way that is pleasant and accessible to all.

8.1

A first general conclusion to be drawn from this opinion's analysis of the situation of social tourism in Europe today is that it is an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable activity, and an activity of the first order in each of these three spheres.

8.2

The economic, social, health and integration benefits that all the users and practitioners participating in the programmes gain are widely acknowledged and of considerable added value.

8.3

The various social tourism user groups and in particular people with a disability and/or reduced mobility get an enormous boost towards their full integration as individuals.

8.4

On the ground, social tourism in Europe is characterised by a wide variety of practitioners, forms of development, public objectives, financial instruments, etc. which enrich it, diversify it and contribute to its development and evolution.

8.5

In particular we can conclude that the profitability of social tourism is compatible with and positively linked to economic profitability.

8.6

It is economically feasible and socially desirable for each European country to develop a national social tourism programme with a diversity of approaches and management forms.

8.7

It is economically feasible and socially desirable to establish a transnational European social tourism platform.

8.8

Every social tourism activity should incorporate a set of sustainability and job-creation values in line with the Lisbon strategy.

8.9

Social tourism can be highly valuable tool for the creation of a Citizens' Europe, embracing all citizens; the role of young people is particularly important in this process.

8.10

Social tourism is an activity that displays some of the values which can be incorporated into the European tourism model.

8.11

All local communities throughout Europe could benefit from social tourism, due to its contribution to the protection of cultural and local heritage.

8.12

In conclusion, social tourism today is a mature activity practiced in many of Europe's Member States, with good management and organisational structures. It is ready to progress towards implementation in all countries, making its services transnational and thus increasing the quality and quantity of its objectives.

9.1

The basic recommendation for potential users of social tourism programmes is clearly to encourage them to participate in an activity such as tourism, to which they have a right but to which they may not have had access for a whole host of reasons. Social tourism clearly promotes integration, greater knowledge and personal development, and as such participation in its activities is desirable.

9.2

With regard to the wide range of practitioners who are involved in managing the various social tourism programmes, first we should acknowledge the benefits of their work, their dedication to their organisation's mission and the care they put into providing an accessible but high-quality service to users. But we should also encourage them to go on improving their products and services, investing in improvements to infrastructure, innovating with new products, especially with a transnational dimension. The coordination of programmes and formation of associations between the organisations responsible are a good way of improving and exchanging experiences.

9.3

With regard to businesses in the tourism sector, we would recommend that they take part wholeheartedly in social tourism activities. The values of social tourism are compatible with good business management, competitiveness and profitability, in the short term but particularly in the medium and long term, and make it possible to secure the jobs of many workers over the whole year.

9.4

With regard to national, regional and local institutions and governments, we would advise them to establish social tourism programmes on account of their social but also economic benefits. The additional revenue from taxes and contributions, the savings on unemployment benefits, are clear incentives to provide fair subsidies to economically, socially or physically disadvantaged groups, in the certainty that the costs will be recouped with interest.

9.5

Our recommendation to the European institutions is to bear in mind that social tourism is an important activity which shares objectives with tourism and social policy, is an activity which merits recognition, development, specialised technical assistance, support and incentives (not necessarily economic). Guidance, technical coordination, dissemination of experience and a forum for concluding transnational agreements are among the tasks that the Commission especially, through its tourism unit, can provide with its own resources in order to set up an effective European social tourism platform. The Commission's leadership in these aspects of promoting social tourism would undoubtedly be a valuable tool for achieving the objectives and monitoring initiatives.

9.6

All institutions should consider boosting their policies to eliminate all types of barriers in communications infrastructures and in accommodation and tourism service infrastructures. The case of Europe's islands clearly illustrates how their geographical situation strongly affects mobility and access to tourism for their citizens.

9.7

Given its political, social and economic dimensions, the European Parliament should launch initiatives to promote a debate and resolutions encouraging social tourism in Europe.

9.8

The EESC concurs that this opinion should be known, published and distributed as the Barcelona declaration on social tourism in Europe, and serve as its contribution to the 2006 European Tourism Forum and this year's World Tourism Day.

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The different concepts of social tourism: the evolution of supply and demand, European Commission, Directorate-General XXIII, Tourism Unit, 1993.

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Montreal Declaration: towards a humanist, social vision of tourism, BITS, September 1996.

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Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. World Tourism Organization, Santiago de Chile, 1 October 1999.

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Report on the seminar on assistance for holidays in the European Union, European Parliament, Strasbourg, March 2000.

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The concepts of tourism for all and social tourism in the European Union, BITS, Bruges seminar, June 2001.

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Report on the results of the survey on Tourism for all, June 2001.

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Opinion: Socially sustainable tourism for everyone, EESC, October 2003.

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Study on the Holidays for the Elderly programme, Spanish institute for migration and social services (IMSERSO), Spain, May 2004.

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European Forum on Social Tourism, BITS, Budapest, April 2005.

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Report on tourism and development, European Parliament A6-0173/2005, May 2005.

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Report on new prospects and new challenges for sustainable European tourism, European Parliament A6-0235/2005, July 2005.

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Tourism for all. Action plan of the Spanish representative committee for people with disabilities (CERMI), December 2005.

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Consultation on tourism activities and holidays for workers, BITS, Brussels, May 2005.

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European conference on social tourism, economic growth and employment, Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, November 2005.

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Conference on Tourism for all: State of play and existing practices in the EU, European Commission, Directorate General for Enterprise, Tourism Unit, January 2006.

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World Social Tourism Congress. Towards a tourism based on development and solidarity. Aubagne (France), May 2006.