Sustainable Tourism Law

SUSTAINABILITY: THE PATH FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE EUROPEAN CHARTER 641 Key challenges for the sustainability of European Tourism 1st Reducing the seasonality of demand 2nd Address the impact of tourist transport 3rd Improve the quality of jobs in the tourism industry 4th Keep and improve the prosperity and quality of life of local populations 5th Minimising resource use and the production of waste 6th Preserve and add value to the natural and cultural heritage 7th Make holidays available to everyone 8th Use tourism as a tool to achieve global sustainable development. I.2.9. Communication by the Commission “Basic orientations for the sustainability of European tourism” The Communication by the Commission, entitled Basic orientations for the sustainability of European tourism 43 is, due to its length and depth in the way it approaches the subjects, another important document to analyse in its general lines. Significantly, the document starts with a reference to the classic triple aspects of sustainable development: to guarantee the economic, social and environmental sustainability of European tourism“is crucial both as a contribution to sustainable development in Europe and world-wide, and for the viability, continued growth, competitiveness and commercial success of this economically highly-important sector”. The Commission realizes that the limits of the natural, economic, social and cultural resources associated with the economic sustainability of the sector cannot resist an undefined and continuing expansion of European tourism. Specific strategies can, however, introduce some containment measures in order to reach a greater sustainability and increase revenues. 43 Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, on 21st November 2003 COM (2003) 716 final.