News | Wednesday, 20 May 2009

European hospitality industry calls for shift in EU policies

MHRA representative George Micallef who was accompanied by MBB CEO Joseph Tanti were among the 40 hotel, restaurant and café associations from 25 European countries at HOTREC 59th General Assembly in Stockholm. On top of the agenda was the current economic crisis and participants discussed the challenges and threats faced by the European hospitality industry during the worst economic crisis since the World War II. Worrying business trends were reported by all HOTREC Member Associations across Europe. On the eve of a major renewal of leadership within the EU institutions, the President, Kent Nyström, called, on behalf of HOTREC, for a shift in EU policies, based on a triptych of sound economic principles to hasten the recovery: pro-business policies, no burdensome legislation but, instead, better regulation. Today’s deep economic crisis has put the hospitality industry under great pressure. As a result, many investment projects are being cancelled or postponed, access to credit almost evaporated and the sector is witnessing a sharp slowdown of demand.
While the hospitality industry needs to mobilise all its strengths to survive the economic slowdown, future EU leaders must adopt more favourable policies rather than burdening further a key industry for the EU economy. HOTREC therefore welcomes the outcome of the VAT saga on reduced rates, which should serve as an example of a healthy pro-business policy. Member States were encouraged to make use of such possibility and convince governments to adopt such a policy. On the other hand HOTREC considered unfortunately, the Commission proposal imposing food labelling requirements to restaurants is a clear example of a burdensome and inappropriate legislation and which should be withdrawn.
Addressing the assembly, the Swedish Secretary of State for European Affairs, Mr Belfrage, made an interesting presentation of the priorities of the upcoming Swedish presidency of the EU, putting “Competitiveness” at the top of the agenda.
HOTREC National Associations also discussed the latest developments in relation to social affairs, and in particular the revision of the Working Time Directive. The participants welcomed that Member States will retain the possibility to opt-out of the 48 hours weekly working time ceiling. Such possibility is key to the sustainability of hospitality businesses in some Member States.
The General Assembly also examined the progress carried out by the Working Party in charge of producing the Charter for fire safety in hotels in Europe and the fire safety methodology promised by HOTREC to the EU institutions. This HOTREC initiative is a clear demonstration of the hospitality industry’s commitment to the provision of safe services to its clients.
The next HOTREC General Assembly will take place in Barcelona on 5-7 November 2009.

PRINT THIS ARTICLE

Other News

Finance Ministry hides Gozo ferry losses

Hundreds expected to appeal after VAT interest court ruling

European hospitality industry calls for shift in EU policies

MEA clarifies misconceptions on Maternity Leave

Cordina calls for trustworthy resources regulator

MHRA welcomes the setup of an agency to manage beaches

Central Bank releases monetary statistics

Scandinavians to power up Malta

Greek sporting magnate arrested in Malta

Ryanair proposes base in Malta against reduced charges

MHRA slates NSO on hotel pricing stats

Comment: Adding value to the hospitality product

Innovative Medicine Initiative

Quo vadis Enemalta?

HSBC and Malta Enterprise sign partnership agreement

GS1 2009 Saudi Symposium

BOV Sponsors Dean’s List for 13th Consecutive Year

“Delaying eco-tax refunds is a disservice to well deserving companies” - GreenPak

Children benefit from Helen O’Grady development programme

Here come the girls