ANNUAL TOURISM REPORTING. Country: REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

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1 ANNUAL TOURISM REPORTING Country: REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA Article 3 of Council Decision 86/664/EEC 1 of 22 December 1986 establishing a consultation and cooperation procedure in the field of tourism stipulates that: "...each Member State shall send the Commission, once a year, a report on the most significant measures it has taken and, as far as possible, on measures it is considering taking in the provision of services for tourists which could have consequences for travellers from the other Member States. The Commission shall inform the other Member States thereof". The following reporting form aims at facilitating compliance with this Council Decision. SECTION 1 TOURISM ORGANISATION AND GOVERNANCE This section is aimed at reporting on the following: Administrative organisation Territorial organisation Organisation and links between the national tourism authority and the provinces / regions Organisation and links between the national tourism authority and industry associations, stakeholders and customers 1.1. Please provide a short description of the administrative and territorial organisation of public bodies responsible for tourism, indicating the relationship and cooperation between national, regional and local bodies of the core responsibilities and competences of each department (Ma characters) The national policy in the field of tourism is formulated by the Council of Ministers. The Ministry of Tourism has the responsibility to implement the state policy in the field of tourism and to co-ordinate the activities of the ministries and other institutions towards its implementation. The Ministry s main activities cover: development and control of the implementation of the National strategy for sustainable development and the strategies for the development of different tourism segments, as well as their short-term implementation programmes and plans; regulation of the tourism sector; tourism product development; providing assistance to 1 1&pgs=10&hwords= 1

2 regional management organisations; national marketing and advertising, market research and tourism market analysis; maintenance of the National Tourism Register and the Single Tourism Information System, international relations; participation in programmes and projects in the field of tourism funded by the European Union and by international organizations. The National Tourist Council (NTC) functions as a governmental consultative body under the authority of the Minister of Tourism. Its objective is to provide assistance with the implementation of the national tourism policy. The members of the National Tourist Council are representatives of the tourism-related ministries and institutions, national, regional, local and branch tourist associations, associations of air, land and water carriers, nationally represented associations of the consumers in the Republic of Bulgaria. The Minister determines the number of the members of the National Tourist Council and issues regulations for its organisation and activity. Regional level: Regional authorities (the regional governor and the regional administration) are in charge of implementing the state policy in tourism on the territory of the region by: - devising the regional strategy and taking part in the creation of programmes for tourism development on the territory of the region and coordinating their implementation; the strategy and the programmes are integrated in the regional development strategy and are created on the basis of the national priorities for tourism development, the tourism region s marketing strategy and in accordance with the local and regional tourism resources and needs; - assisting the Ministry of Tourism in the implementation of its activities; - cooperating with and supporting the initiatives of the national authorities, the tourism region management organizations and the tourism development associations in the region in the implementation of the national tourism policy; According to the Law on Regional Development the Regional Council for Regional Development assists the Regional Governor in carrying out his duties. Local level: According to the Tourism Act the municipal administrations are the institutions responsible for tourism development at local level. Local authorities are the mayor and the municipal council. The Municipal Council adopts a tourism development programme on the territory of the municipality in accordance with the priorities of the regional strategy, the tourism region s marketing strategy and in accordance with the local tourism resources and needs. The mayor has almost the same duties as the Minister of Tourism at local level. He is in charge of: elaborating the tourism development programme on the territory of the municipality; establishing and managing the Advisory Council on Tourism and the Municipal Epert Commission for Categorization of Tourism Facilities; participating in programs and projects in the field of tourism funded by the European Union and by international organizations; supporting initiatives of the national authorities, the organization managing the tourism region and the tourism associations on the territory of the municipality, thus implementing the national tourism policy; creating an annual report on the spending of the tourism ta collected by the municipality. 2

3 1.2. Please provide an organisation chart reflecting the above described administrative and territorial organisation Please list and describe briefly the relationship and main areas of cooperation between national/regional public tourism bodies and the most significant / active private organisations / stakeholders / industry associations /unions / consumer organisations. (Ma characters) At national, regional and local level the tourist associations, listed in the National Tourism Register participate in relevant tourism organizations and are represented in the National Tourism Council, thus taking active role in tourism planning and management. Tourist Associations, in compliance with their statutes also: - participate in the development of strategies and programmes at national, regional and 3

4 municipal level and ensure their implementation; - carry out consulting and marketing activities; - participate in the Epert Commission for Registration of Tour Operators and Tourist Agents and an Epert Commission for Categorization and Certification of Tourism Facilities; - support the process of improving professional skills in the sector; - support the improvement of the quality of tourism products and service and work for the protection of consumer interests; - participate in the management organisations of tourism regions What is the eisting national/regional specific legislation on tourism? (Ma. 500 characters) The Tourism Act regulates public relations with respect to the achievement of sustainable tourism development aiming at: - providing conditions for sustainable development of tourism and for a competitive national tourist product; - creating conditions for the development of specialized forms of tourism; - introducing unified criteria for the performance of tourist activities and the provision of tourist services; - providing protection for tourist services users. Bulgaria s Tourism Act regulates a number of different activities such as certification of spas and medical, wellness and thalassotherapy centres; Introduction of electronic vouchers for holidays issued by tour operators; Regulation of tourism-related professions such as tour guides, mountain guides and ski instructors; Role and activities of Tourist Information Centres and Setting detailed rules for organized school trips. The National Tourism Council as an advisory body to the Minister of Tourism has the role to participate actively in the formulation and carrying out of the national tourism policy. Furthermore, involvement of the local communities is ensured by etending the scope of the municipal programmes for tourism development. In 2014 the Council of Ministers adopted Strategy for sustainable development of tourism in the Republic of Bulgaria Horizon After a broad consultation with public authorities, stakeholders, academia, NGOs, the Ministry of Tourism took a decision for further analysis and improvements in the tets of the Strategy. The new long term strategy, subject to a public procurement at the moment, will represent a platform for coordinated, joint actions by all parties involved in tourism so that the country s tourist potential is utilized and used according to the principles of sustainable development. In the National Environmental Strategy ( ) are envisaged some of the following measures: Improvement of city bus transport by making it more environmentally friendly and more efficient incl. gradual modernization of public transport in accordance with the European legislation concerning CO2 emissions; 4

5 Improvement of railway structure and quality of the services provided; Electricity supply for railway transport along the Trans European transport network on the territory of Bulgaria; Decommissioning of old diesel engines towards decreasing fuel consumption thus decreasing the SO2 emissions; Enlargement of the electricity supply network in internal city transport; Ensuring that the security systems for decreasing the noise are put in place; Gradual renewal of bus transport and promoting the use of eco-engines; Establishment of Green wave systems in the big cities; Creation of cycling paths; Planning of pedestrian zones in the cities (over inch.); Development of the inter-modal transport network and systems. Other laws, such as those relating to taation, affect tourism but come under the control of other Ministries. In 2015 the Ministry of Tourism has made amendments in the subordinate legislation affecting the regulation of tourism-related professions such as tour guides, mountain guides and ski instructors; and the setting of detailed rules for categorizing of ski slopes and mountain huts. These regulations will guarantee a higher level of service quality and a positive impact on sustainable development. SECTION 2 - MEMBER STATE ECONOMIC DATA AND TOURISM BUDGETS This section is intended to provide an overview of the key statistical information about the general tourism economic environment of the Member States. Data marked with green is also collected by Eurostat. Data marked with orange is equally collected by the OECD. The data categories match the templates of these two organisations, therefore data reported to the Commission can be transferred / used when reporting to Eurostat and OECD and vice-versa. The statistical data provided in the tables below shall cover the year 2013 and, if available, The data collected through these sections will also feed into the future Virtual Tourism Observatory. Please use the Ecel templates provided below in order to facilitate coherence and comparability of the data. Please note that you are only requested to fill in data that is available in your country. Please insert "N/A" for those that you are not able to provide. Microsoft Ecel Worksheet 5

6 SECTION 3 NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY AND STRATEGIES This section aims at collecting information on the Member States general strategic vision as well as the specific objectives of their tourism policies Please provide information in bullet points on the key mission, main medium and long-term objectives and the main targets of your national tourism policy. (Ma characters) Bulgaria supports a purposeful consistent tourism policy based on partnerships between government and local authorities, NGOs, business and civil society by promoting opportunities for investments, new skills jobs and thus stimulating competitiveness of the tourism industry. Tourism in Bulgaria is a key priority sector. Its main objective is to contribute to the implementation of the principles of sustainable development protection of nature, prosperity of local communities and economic growth. The efforts of the Ministry of Tourism are focused on: - improvement of the quality of the national tourist product and tourist services and the increase of consumer protection; - promotion of sustainable tourism development; - diversification of the national tourism product and reduction of regional disparities by creating strong regional brand of specialized types of tourism; - positioning Bulgaria as a well-known and preferred year-round destination with an easily recognizable national identity, preserved culture and nature and a leading tourist location in Central and Eastern Europe. Actions include: - Development of long term strategy for sustainable tourism development; - Development of special register for tourist attractions; - Legislative changes; - Establishment of Joint Information Centers for promotion of combined products in third countries; - Development of new creative concept for positioning and promotion of Bulgaria as an attractive all year round destination Do you have a multi-annual national tourism strategy specific / relevant for tourism in place? If yes, please describe in bullet points the main medium and longterm objectives of the strategy as well as who is responsible for its implementation. How is the implementation monitored and how often? (Ma characters) In 2014 the Council of Ministers adopted a Strategy for sustainable development of 6

7 tourism in the Republic of Bulgaria Horizon 2030, elaborated by Ministry of Economy and Energy, which was responsible for the implementation of national tourism policy. After broad consultations with public authorities, stakeholders, academia, NGOs, the newly established Ministry of Tourism took a decision for further analysis and improvements in the tets of the Strategy. The new long term strategy, subject to a public procurement at the moment, will represent a platform for coordinated, joint actions by all parties involved in tourism so that the country s tourism potential is utilized and used according to the principles of sustainable development. Another multi-annual Programme associated with the tourism development is the adopted Government Programme on the Stable Development of the Republic of Bulgaria The outlined priorities and measures for the development of the tourism sector are indicated in part 3, entitled Economy and Growth. There are two major priorities: Priority 3.6. Structural changes in the management of tourism and turning tourism into a priority sector through state support and improvement of tourist services. Priority 3.7. Drafting a long-term national strategy for tourism which will encourage all of Bulgaria s tourism products with long-term potential. Other national and regional strategic planning documents are: National Development Programme Bulgaria 2020; Rural Development Programme European Territorial Cooperation Programmes ; Regional Development Plans for level 2 regions Bulgaria; Municipal Programmes for Tourism Development; 4. TOURISM CHALLENGES, MEASURES AND INITIATIVES This section aims at collecting information on the challenges the Member states and the tourism industry has to deal with as well as the measures put in place to tackle them Please identify the key challenges for the tourism sector in your country and indicate their importance /priority in the table below. CHALLENGES Diversification of the tourism offer Protection of the cultural heritage Protection of the natural heritage ICT and innovation Connectivity and transport Employment in tourism Improving education and skills in tourism Combatting seasonality IMPORTANCE / PRIORITY HIGH MEDIUM LOW 7

8 Demographic changes Improving accessibility of tourism Improving socio-economic data in tourism Economic crisis and recovery Improving the sustainability of tourism offer Combatting climate change Improving the quality of tourism offer Developing responsible tourism practices Competition against other destinations Administrative / regulatory burden, bureaucracy Other, please specify 4.2. Please describe briefly the main measures in your country aimed at tackling the key high-priority challenges indicated above. (Ma characters) One of the main priorities of the Ministry of tourism is to foster the all-year-round tourism in Bulgaria in order to create a social-economic stability and to avoid the depopulation of the poorest areas in our country. Development of tourism industry in Bulgaria supports the process of creating jobs even at the poorest and isolated areas in the country which is a way to increase the quality of life of local communities. The Ministry of Tourism assists SMEs by providing institutional support for establishment and operation of Regions management organizations regulated by the Law on Tourism, including activities aimed at: capacity building of the enterprises for easier access and presence on the national and international markets; for establishment of a unified system for tourist information at national level as a platform for networking tourism business, tourism organizations and institutions; support for the introduction of ICT; conducting market studies, analyzes and forecasts; developing product, marketing and investment concepts, strategies, plans, etc.; organizing business forums in the country and abroad, supporting participation in events and ehibitions, (regional, national and international). Other measures aimed at tackling the key high-priority challenges: - Drafting a long-term national strategy for sustainable tourism development The most important challenges for the Bulgarian tourism sector, addressed in the new long term strategy for sustainable development are: - Overcoming the seasonal and territorial concentration of the Bulgarian tourism sector; - Undertaking measures for adaptation of the national tourist product to the climate change; - Protecting the environment support to implementation of energy efficiency measures, waste management and protection of the biodiversity and the landscape; - Carrying capacity development of carrying capacity indicators for vulnerable nature areas and places of tourist interest; 8

9 - Overcoming the ecessive construction in the seaside and mountain resorts by means of legal regulations. - Focus on cultural tourism The development of cultural and historical tourism in Bulgaria is important in increasing the competitiveness of the entire sector and the effectiveness of regional tourism products through sustainable and balanced utilisation of cultural and natural resources. In 2015 the Ministry developed eight cultural-historical destinations in order to promote thematic cultural routes and less-known historical places. - Intensifying cross-border tourism relations In 2011, Bulgaria and Romania were nominated co-ordinators in the field of tourism and culture for the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. As a result, a communication network was set up and targets for the development of tourism and the enhancement of culture in the Danube region were defined, in order to facilitate the implementation of a stable, effective, inclusive and innovative strategy. In the framework of the "European Territorial Cooperation" , Bulgaria will strengthen the cross border collaboration following specific objectives, corresponding to the tourism developing priorities: sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural herirtage; promotion of innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector, water sector and with regard to soil, or to reduce air pollution; development of cross border transport systems and promotion of sustainable regional and local mobility. During the period Bulgaria will implement two types of cross-border cooperation programmes with the neighbouring countries: Under the European trans-border cooperation programme Interreg V - the cross-border cooperation programmes Romania-Bulgaria and Greece-Bulgaria. Under the Instrument for Pre-accession assistance the cross-border cooperation programmes Bulgaria-Serbia, Bulgaria-Macedonia, and Bulgaria-Turkey 4.3. Please identify if any of the above mentioned challenges relate to any legislative measures at EU level, and how. (Ma characters) The above mentioned challenges are not related to any legislative measures at EU level Please identify and describe any measures implemented in your country to increase tourism flows from other EU Member States and from third countries. (Ma characters) A measure towards attracting more incoming tourists from various generating markets is the country s participation and promotion in major international events, large-scale tourism fairs and ehibitions and thematic tourist fairs. 9

10 The Ministry of Tourism also launched an advertising campaign on the four Pan- European TV channels (Eurosport, Discovery Channel, Euronews, National Geographic Channel), funded by the Operational Programme Regional Development. An eample of trans-national cooperation aiming at positioning the Danube region as a tourism destination, reducing the seasonality of demand and preserving and adding value to natural and cultural (living) heritage is the project EU CULTURAL ROUTES in the Middle and Lower Danube The Roman Emperors Route and The Danube Wine Route. The project activities are focused on developing integrated communication and marketing strategy and action plan for The Route of Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route, creating networks of stakeholders along the route (national, regional and local administrations and tourism authorities, development agencies, private businesses etc.), creating impulse for new trans-national and national private-private/private-public partnerships and designing/delivering high-quality marketing tools offering international visibility of eisting and newly developed products for the cultural tourists Please describe how promotional measures implemented in your country make use of / capitalise on the promotional campaigns carried out by the Commission (i.e. Ready for Europe, EDEN, low-season tourism campaigns, etc.). (Ma characters) Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria signed a grant agreement with EASME under COSME programme for implementation of the project Communication campaign to promote Bulgarian EDEN destinations - Second Edition, under COSME Programme. The project cost is appro Euro and its duration is 18 months. The project aims to upgrade a previous project on the same topic, implemented in the period Its main objective is to promote Bulgarian EDEN destinations in national and international tourist markets. Among these destinations are the municipalities of Silistra, Lukovit, Sandanski, Kyustendil, Belogradchik, Belitsa, Sapareva Banya, Kavarna, Vratsa, Strandzha, Kazanluk and Kardzhali. A major outcome of the project implementation is the achievement of long-term recognition and the strengthening of the image of EDEN destinations in Bulgaria as an alternative to non-traditional and environmentally friendly tourism Please identify and describe any measures /actions in your country which contribute to maimising the potential of national policies for developing tourism (e.g. ensuring that tourism interests are taken into account in the development of other policies which may have impact on tourism). (Ma.1000 characters) The Ministry of Tourism uses all available resources to support the tourism sector by drafting new normative provisions for tourist activities, by facilitating the administrative procedures, by assisting the activities of the regional, local and branch tourist organisations and by promoting Bulgaria as attractive all year round destination. Following its priorities, the Ministry works closely with the private sector, and different stakeholders. At national, regional and local level the tourist associations, listed in the 10

11 National Tourism Register participate in relevant tourism organizations and are represented in the National Tourism Council, thus taking active role in tourism planning and management. They take part in the development of strategies and programmes at national, regional and municipal level; support the process of improving professional skills in the sector; carry out consulting and marketing activities, support the improvement of the quality of tourism products and service and work for the protection of consumer interests Please identify and describe any measures/actions in your country which contribute to maimising the potential of EU Financial Instruments for developing tourism (e.g. information on main objectives, financing opportunities, training courses, etc.). (Ma characters) One of the objectives of Ministry of Tourism (MT) for the programming period is to make use at a highest etent of opportunities for utilizing EU funds for supporting the tourism sector in the country. At present MT has submitted for financing 13 project proposals under all open calls which give opportunity for tourism development actions throughout the country. One of the approved projects implemented since 18 January 2016 is under COSME call COS-TEDEN Communication campaign for "European Destinations of Ecellence Promotion of EDEN destinations and awareness raising" - second edition. Under INTERREG V-A Romania Bulgaria, MT submitted two project proposal, Common Strategy for TOURISM in the Cross-Border Area Romania-Bulgaria (MARK TOURS RO- BG) which is approved with financing available as yet, and the second one is Danube ecotourism, pending approval. Under INTERREG-IPA Bulgaria Serbia Programme MT submitted three project proposals, The Right Way to Discover Treasure in the Balkans; Eperience the tastes of BUL-SER regions - Gastronomy Weekends in the gastro-etno region of ecellence; and Center for digitization and presentation of cultural and natural heritage in the valleys of Struma, Erma and Nishava - Virtual Museum, pending for approval. Under INTERREG-IPA Bulgaria Turkey Programme MT submitted one project proposal Joint Initiative for promotion of Bulgaria Turkey cross-border region as an attractive tourism destination- JOINT TOUR, pending approval. Under INTERREG V-A Greece Bulgaria MT submitted two project proposals, Innovative instruments for the preservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage in the cross border area, and Clean and Green, both pending approval. Under Danube Programme MT submitted two project proposals, Danube Observatory for Sustainable Tourism and Danube Culture Platform creative spaces of the 21 century, pending approval. MT participated in the open call of DG GROWTH for 218-G-GRO-PPA Enhancing quality jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships in the tourism sector across Europe with a project proposal Promoting a quality employment through the promotion of a sustainable tourist, coastal and maritime model The blue tourism. MT is a coordinator together with Romania for the Priority Aes 3 of the Danube Strategy, where a project for Technical Assistance for supporting actions under PA 3 was submitted and approved. MT is a direct beneficiary under Operational Programme Innovations and Competitiveness , with a budget of 5 MEURO. The actions which MT will support through this programme are described in two big projects. The first project is focused on providing support 11

12 for the establishment and functioning of the DMOs, as described in the Tourism Act and the Concept for Tourist zoning of the country, including the support to SMEs in the tourism sector aimed at facilitating their improved economic performance on regional, national and international markets. The second project is focused on improving ICT technologies and proving support to SME to increase the quality of their service and the use of web-based marketing. 4.8 Please describe shortly which EU programmes are used the most frequently and for what purposes of tourism development in your country. (Ma characters) As eplained in point 4.7 above, MT is utilizing all opportunities provided by the ESIF in order to support tourism sector. From one side MT is drafting and submitting project proposals under trans-border programmes with Greece, Turkey, Serbia and Romania. The presented project proposal addresses the need of a joint approach to promoting cultural and natural sites in the cross-border areas as a destination for environmentally friendly tourism and sustainable economic growth. The common territorial challenges that will be tackled are: Lack of visibility and recognition of cultural and natural heritage sites in the cross border region as destinations for sustainable and green tourism; Insufficient access to information about natural and heritage sites on both the domestic markets in the two countries as well as to eternal (for the cross-border region) markets. The transnational Danube programme provided MT with an opportunity to submit two very important projects for tourism development, aimed at providing a joint and integrated approach to data monitoring and management in the tourism field in the Danube region by the creation of the Danube Observatory on sustainable tourism. The other project is aimed at fostering sustainable use of cultural heritage and resources with focus on Danube cultural routes, their innovative development and sustainable integration in tourism strategies. The project under COSME programme is focused on promoting EDEN destinations in Bulgaria as a second edition to the former campaign for selection of those destinations. Its objective is to launch a public awareness campaign for the already selected destinations from Bulgaria during its first edition Sustainable destination: What support is given to strengthen destination management at the national /regional/local level (e.g. supportive policy environment, knowledge networks, training programmes, technological support tools, financial support, promotional activities, etc.)? (Ma characters) Territorial tourism management through tourism regions is outlined in the Tourism Act. The objective of this hierarchy is to present different tourist regions as recognisable, attractive and unique destinations and to allow for the development of destination regional brands. The principles observed in the territorial structure are the formation of a common tourist product which is related to the specific tourist resources. The division is an important part of the implementation of regional tourism planning and management. The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for coordinating and interacting with the organizations managing tourism regions in the implementation of the national marketing strategy and the development of marketing strategies for tourism regions. 12

13 4.10. Sustainable businesses: What support is given to strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism businesses (e.g. supportive policy environment, knowledge networks, orientation of business support services to sustainability, training, financial incentives, promotional activities, etc.)? (Ma characters) One of the main priorities in the National Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Tourism in Bulgaria was the improvement of the tourism environment in resorts and populated areas in an effort to ensure sustainable tourism development. Among the detailed actions specified, the most important were the implementation of energy-saving technologies and energy efficiency measures in the tourism industry, and greater use of solar energy technology. This included: Encouraging effective innovation systems and renewable energy sources. Applying good practice and encouraging new investment in energy and ecomanagement in accommodation establishments. Developing programmes and measures for sustainable development related to energy saving and eco-friendly technologies in buildings and in the management of tourist sites. Applying eco-friendly technologies and systems and the European quality standards (EMAS, EU Eco-Label) for accommodation services. Using protected natural areas as a resource for the sustainable development of tourism. Minimising energy consumption. Controlling air and water quality and achieving sustainable waste management Responsible tourism: What support is given to tourists and the tourism industry to promote their responsible practices and choices (e.g. awareness raising, sustainability in education, national marketing and media campaigns, promotion of certification schemes, etc.)? (Ma characters) Participation in major international events, large-scale tourism fairs and ehibitions and thematic tourist fairs on main source markets. Promoting diverse forms of tourism such as - cultural tourism, ecotourism, enogastronomy tourism, thermal tourism, spa and wellness, congress, sport tourism, wine tours, etc. Diversifying of the supply of traditional Bulgarian tourism products with the aim to consolidate the profile of Bulgaria as a year-round destination. Promotion and elaboration of the bulgariatravel.org website, e-marketing of Destination Bulgaria, cultural and historical destinations (development of electronic dossiers and visualizations of tourist attractions and sites, tours etc.). Organization of FAM trips for travel writers, travel agents, tour operators, etc. in order to increase the knowledge and awareness of the potential visitors of destination Bulgaria. Performance of promotional activities which include advertising by using different media digital, print (newspaper, magazine) and traditional television. Implementation of communication campaigns addressing the domestic market - participation in regional and specialized national tourism fairs and ehibitions, workshops; organization of FAM trips and media advertising. Launching different campaigns in the country and in source markets. 13

14 4.12. Please describe maimum three of the most significant planned / future tourism measures (legislative or non-legislative) which envisage to impact travellers visiting your country from other Member States or from outside Europe. (Ma characters) Currently under amendment is the subordinate legislation affecting certification of spas and medical, wellness and thalassotherapy centres; regulation of tourism-related professions such as tour guides, mountain guides and ski instructors; and the setting of detailed rules for organised school trips. The foreseen regulations will guarantee a higher level of service quality and will improve consumer protection. 5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 5.1. Please describe maimum 3 best practices of tourism measures implemented at national, regional or local level (any type of activity). (Ma characters) 5.2. Please describe, in a concise manner, in your view, what policy developments / actions / activities would you epect from the Commission's tourism team that would serve better (than the current ones) the EU Member States and the industry. (Ma characters) THANK YOU 14