Employment in social tourism more sustainable

The conference on employment in the social tourism sector in Europe, organised by EFFAT and BITS on 24 and 25 November 2008 in Blankenberge, Belgium, convened 55 representatives from social tourism associations, trade unions, research institutes and European Commission.

The first results of a study on employment in social tourism in Europe, carried out by a research team of the Free University of Brussels (ULB), under the auspices of EFFAT and BITS, and with the financial support of the European Commission, were  resented at this conference. The evaluation of the survey showed that social tourism does not only contribute to the creation of jobs, but that it also provides a high percentage of local employment, with relatively good working conditions and low staff fluctuation. As social tourism establishments are not only located in important tourism destinations, but also in rural areas, social tourism helps to bring economic development and employment to less favoured regions. Another positive aspect is that the majority of accommodation facilities in social tourism are open all year round, which makes employment in social tourism less seasonal.

The findings of the study contribute to a better understanding of the situation and challenges in social tourism and provide the basis for further cooperation of EFFAT and BITS. Among the issues for future joint initiatives identified at the conference are: further investigations to complete the picture of employment in social tourism in Europe; a clearer definition of social tourism; social responsibility in the sector; and promotion of cross-border mobility of workers.

The conference underlined the important role that trade unions have been playing in creating the foundations for tourism: only since workers are entitled to limited working hours and paid leave, they have time and resources to travel. These social achievements are currently under threat: attempts to undermine existing social standards, e.g. by a deterioration of the working time directive, do not only endanger the health and welfare of workers, but also their opportunities to exercise their right to leisure.

EFFAT and BITS jointly stressed the need to safeguard existing social minimum standards in Europe, which are necessary for fair competition and for the prevention of social dumping.

For further information please contact:

Charles-Etienne BELANGER, BITS, +32 2 549 56 89, ceblanger.bits@accg.be
Kerstin HOWALD, EFFAT, +32 2 218 77 30,
k.howald@effat.org