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2018 HOTREC ANNUAL REPORT
HOTREC, together with NET, the Network for the European Private Sector in Tourism, have been promoting a
simple and safe visa policy in Europe which secures freedom of movement. To achieve this goal, HOTREC and
NET developed an intensive advocacy campaign on the revision of the Visa Code and on ETIAS (European Travel
Information and Authorisation System).
Simplicity of procedures and security of Schengen space: the values to be introduced in
the new revision of the Visa Code
As the European Commission was considering proposing a Visa policy reform, HOTREC and NET jointly deployed
advocacy activities at EU level, in particular with the European Commission, through a joint consultation reply and
a joint position co-signed by all relevant tourism stakeholders.
This campaign was advocating for the inclusion in the upcoming proposal of key aspects to boost the
competitiveness of the EU as a tourism destinations, such as:
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Reducing processing times;
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Simplifying supporting documents;
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Possibility of issuing multiple entry visas;
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Possibility of applying online for a visa;
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Cooperation with external service providers.
Thanks to HOTREC’s pro-active engagement, the European Commission was well aware of the hospitality and
tourism sector’s priorities when making its proposal for the visa reform of 14 March 2018.
An efficient, simple, inexpensive European Travel Information and Authorisation System
(ETIAS)
HOTRECandNETalsocalledon theEU institutions to implement anefficient, simple, inexpensiveandproportionate
travel authorisation system, which would not deter potential bona-fide travellers to come to Europe. Thanks to
HOTREC and NET’s sharp lobbying campaign, the ETIAS application will finally remain cheap (7 euros per visa
fee, with a visa fee waiver for under 18 year and above 70 years old), flexible (applications can be made online),
and proportionate (the travel authorisation will be valid for three years).
This outcome represents a victory for HOTREC and the tourism industry, as a good balance between security and
removal of red tape was achieved.
Advocating for a simple and secure Visa Policy
HOTREC is campaigning for a new VISA Code
that would reduce administrative proceedings
for legitimate travellers visiting Europe.