This essay makes a critically review of the philosophy and the application of the term
sustainability by the European Commission to the future development of the European
Tourism. The European Commission is an institution of the European Union and it is in
charge of checking if the legislation is implemented in all the Member States of the Union.
One of the latest legislation is the Treaty of Lisbon and there is mentioned by the first time the
word Tourism. The European Commission is also in charge of the sustainable development in
all the sectors, but in this case we have to highlight the Tourism industry. It is also explained
briefly the concept of European Union and their characteristics. Finally, it will be explained
the different case studies like EU 2020, EDEN and JESSICA. In order to criticize the
application of sustainability.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. European Union
3. Sustainability
4. Background of sustainable development in the EU context
5. Case studies
5.1. Calypso
5.2. EDEN
5.3. EU 2020
5.4. European cycle route network EuroVelo
5.5. Horizon 2020
5.6. JESSICA
5.7. Tourism Sustainability Group
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to conduct a critical review of the European Commission's philosophy regarding sustainability and its practical application to the future development of the European tourism industry, utilizing various EU-supported initiatives as supporting evidence.
- The role of the European Commission in shaping tourism policy and legislation.
- Theoretical foundations of sustainability and its integration into European economic strategies.
- Critical analysis of EU-led tourism initiatives and their effectiveness in promoting sustainability.
- Evaluation of challenges such as seasonality, climate change, and environmental preservation in the context of tourism.
- Strategic alignment of tourism development with broader goals like Europe 2020.
Excerpt from the book
5.1.Calypso
Calypso is a European Commission initiative which aim is to improve the lives of disadvantaged Europe citizens, that means allow and facilitate as many people as possible who cannot travel usually, to go on holiday to unfamiliar, small and rising destinations. It also helps and contributes to the development of local economies, that they can survive in low seasons (combat seasonality), intensify the notion of European citizenship and promote specific regions. Is a type of social tourism which proves that economic and employment chances can be bigger if they are accessible for the tourism activity. Going on holidays in high seasons like school holidays, Christmas, Easter and summer is more complicated because the prices are double (European Union, 2010). This social initiative has identified four aim groups which include families with financial problems, disable people, less privileged young adults aged between 18 and 30 years, people over 65 years old and pensioners (ibid).
Calypso offers these groups travelling and discovering other European countries with a lower cost travel arrangements, that will be contribute to create jobs in low seasons because a lot of destinations rely on tourism activity for their survival. For example, many hotel rooms, airlines, ferries are empty several months each year. A particular case is Spain, this member state register a return on investment by offering low-cost holidays in low-seasons for their own older citizens (ibid).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the significance of the tourism sector within the European economy and introduces the scope of the study regarding sustainability.
2. European Union: Explains the origins and structure of the European Union as an international organization and its historical development.
3. Sustainability: Defines the concept of sustainability and highlights its growing importance for the tourism industry and global resource management.
4. Background of sustainable development in the EU context: Examines the strategies adopted by the European Commission, including the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, to address priority challenges.
5. Case studies: Evaluates specific EU initiatives and projects, such as Calypso, EDEN, and JESSICA, to illustrate practical applications of tourism sustainability policy.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings and emphasizes the necessity of an integrated approach combining economic, social, and environmental factors for the future of European tourism.
Keywords
Sustainability, European Commission, European Tourism, European Union, EU 2020, Calypso, EDEN, JESSICA, EuroVelo, Horizon 2020, Tourism Sustainability Group, Economic Growth, Environmental Protection, Social Cohesion, Policy Implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper provides a critical review of how the European Commission defines and applies the philosophy of sustainability to the future development of tourism within Europe.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include sustainable development strategies, the role of European policy in tourism, the mitigation of negative environmental impacts, and the promotion of social equity through tourism initiatives.
What is the primary research goal?
The primary goal is to assess the effectiveness and philosophical underpinnings of EU-supported tourism initiatives in fostering a more sustainable and competitive tourism sector.
Which scientific or analytical method is used?
The author employs a critical policy review and case study analysis, examining various official EU communications, reports, and specific implementation projects to support the review.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body covers the structure of the European Union, the theoretical basis of sustainability, the EU's background in sustainable development, and a detailed critique of specific projects like Calypso, EDEN, and EuroVelo.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include European Tourism, Sustainability, European Commission, Tourism policy, Social tourism, and Environmental strategy.
How does the Calypso initiative contribute to tourism sustainability?
Calypso promotes social tourism by facilitating travel for disadvantaged groups, which helps combat seasonality and creates economic stability for destinations during low-demand periods.
What role does the JESSICA initiative play in urban areas?
JESSICA provides financial engineering mechanisms to support sustainable urban development, helping authorities regenerate urban areas within the framework of European cohesion policy.
- Quote paper
- Dilara Torun (Author), 2011, Sustainability of the future development of European Tourism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/183445