Sustainable Tourism Law

648 SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LAW A set of considerations substantiates the report: the circumstance of Europe being the world’s leading tourist destination 50 , the gradual ageing of the European population 51 , the intra-European flows reinforcing European identity, the consequences of tourism not representing a Community policy in spite of being affected by a large number of policies, the circumstance of also encompassing negative aspects such as the disturbance of territorial balance and cohesion, how the internal demand for quality services induced by tourism is fostering a strong recovery of the European economy and, finally, the role of sustainable tourism when mitigating the effects on resources and generating value in communities by propitiating a continued improvement in the territory and infrastructures on which it develops. The Resolution focuses on eight themes: competitiveness and quality of the services (point 1 through 15), safety and security in tourism (points 16 through 20), new sustainable tourism activities (points 21 through 38), the knowledge and promotion of European tourism (points 39 through 48), tourism and transport (points 49 through 55), structural intervention co-financed by the Community (points 56 through 64), tourism and coordination by the Community legislation (points 65 through 67) and , lastly, tourism in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (points 68 through 71). A brief excursus through the main themes: § Competitiveness and quality of services A range of fifteen points is referred apropos of the improvement in competitiveness and quality of the services. Despite the contribution of tourism to the Lisbon process, being one of the sectors with more potential to grow, there are, however, regions with an excessive offer “placing a disproportionate strain on the local populace and environment” and others whose development is important. We have verified, on the other hand, a loss of importance of European touristic operators and, inclusively, that the position held by Europe as a main global touristic destination is endangered. It is important to provide guidance about the economic potential of the BRIC market and look into the preparations made by Europe to meet their demands, as the focus is not only on consumer’s protection but also on the provision of quality services. 50 The economic importance of the activity represents approximately 4% GDP of the EU in direct terms, more than seven million jobs and two million companies, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 51 Expansion of the market as a way to reduce the seasonality due to long term stays in the South and in the off- -season. Such demographic tendency will have consequences on the level of health services and in the real estate business.