European Forum Examines Tourism's 9% Contribution to EU GDP

On 17 and 18 September 2015, the 14th edition of the European Tourism Forum was underway in the Grand Duchy under the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Organised by the Ministry of Economy, in close cooperation with the Commission, the Forum brought together over 220 participants, with senior representatives of European and national institutions, as well as of the private sector, discussing crucial topics concerning the tourism sector.

The findings will be used to implement the Commission's policiy priorities for tourism, the third economic activity in the European Union. The direct and indirect contribution of this dynamic sector to the European Union's GDP is 9%, with nearly 10% of salaried employment in the EU related to tourism.

"By means of trans-national and pan-European products, we must invest more in the joint promotion of Europe as a tourist destination, especially in markets such as Asia and the United States," stated Secretary of State for the Economy, Francine Closener, during the opening session before explaining that "The national economy of each Member State will benefit from it".

During the two days of the Forum, four panel discussions were held on themes concentrated on the political priorities of the European Commission in the field of tourism. Topics included the digitalisation of tourism and the 'sharing economy' in the tourism sector; the promotion of Europe through transnational and pan-European thematic products; skills and training in the tourism sector; and streamlining the regulatory and administrative framework in the tourism sector with regards to visa policy.

"It was a great honour to organise this European Tourism Forum which every year gathers the major stakeholders," concluded Francine Closener as the Forum drew to a close. "Beyond fruitful discussions and debates, it was also an excellent opportunity to present some advantages of Luxembourg as a tourist destination to an international informed public".

Photo by Luc Deflorenne (Secretary of State for the Economy, Francine Closener)