New Visa Rules For Europe (The Schengen Countries) Will Make The Tourism Industry There More Vibrant

12 Apr 2014

HOTREC, the umbrella (or group) association of hotels, restaurants and cafes of Europe has welcomed and applauded news of the new measures on visas which were introduced and presented by the European Commission. They welcome the new measures as being in line with keeping Europe as the ‘Number 1’ destination of tourists and cutting down on unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that pose a problem to genuine tourists to Europe. The venue for the statements made was in Rome, and at a joint press conference addressed by the Vice-President of the European Commission, Antonio Tajani, and President of HOTREC, Mr. Kent Nystrom. The press conference was part of the proceedings of HOTREC’s 68th General Assembly.  HOTREC is an umbrella association of hotels, restaurants and cafes in Europe.

The new measures were presented by the European Commission on April 1, 2014. At the press conference, the President of HOTREC, Mr. Kent Nystrom stated that all measures which aid the sector in creating more jobs, enhance competition, even while safety and security for all in the Schengen area are assured, are essential to ensure that there are more tourists and visitors and tourists from all over the world, and especially from the ‘BRIC region’. Some of the key measures that are sought to be introduced include: i) the one year tour visa, ii) online visas, iii) possible introduction of a temporary visa at the borders, iv) multiple–entry visas v) improved cooperation between consulates, etc.

Because of these aforesaid reasons, HOTREC, the association, has made a plea to (or, pleaded with) the European Commission to adopt the two legislative measures that would enable a smarter visa regime to be put in place for all of the Schengen countries. Mr. Tajani also commented that the tourism industry has been resilient even when there was an economic crisis and that there was a paramount need to ensure that the Tourism industry especially the SMEs remain and retain their competitiveness.

The Secretary General of UNWTO (United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation), Mr. Taleb Rifai, emphasized that there was a lot of societal and economic potential that can be further explored and leveraged in the tourism industry. He pointed out that more than 1 billion people have crossed into Europe whether for business or for pleasure and that this number can be further increased. He also praised the private sector in Europe for its ability and capability to adapt and thrive in adverse conditions and situations.

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