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On the occasion of the 61st General Assembly of HOTREC, 40 hotel, restaurant and cafe associations from 24 European countries discussed in Budapest the challenges faced by the European hospitality industry. Two years after the start of the worst economic crisis since the World War II, the hospitality industry is witnessing a timid recovery, even though some European countries still face very difficult economic conditions.
In this context, HOTREC member associations were particularly pleased to hear the proposals from the European Commission on a new political framework for European Tourism presented by Mr. Mattia Pellegrini, member of the Cabinet of Commission Vice-President Tajani. HOTREC members praised the Commission proposals to stimulate the competitiveness of the sector, to help the industry consolidate its world leading position and to integrate further the impact of its policies on the tourism industry. They also renewed their call for concrete pro-business policies at EU level.
In particular, the President of HOTREC, Mr. Kent Nystrom, stressed that, “while the European hospitality industry starts to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it is high time for the Commission to provide oxygen to the industry through the establishment of a sustainable framework for tourism businesses”. The future of thousands of jobs and hospitality enterprises in Europe is at stake.
The next General Assembly of HOTREC will take place in Zurich on 11-14 May 2011.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
