6 / 24
6
|
2017
|
2018 HOTREC ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM HOTREC PRESIDENT
AND FROM HOTREC CEO
HOTREC led successful advocacy and
lobbying activities to sustain investment
in the hospitality sector and help build a
better and sustainable Europe.
The past twelve months paved the way to a brighter future for the hospitality industry, thanks to the successful
advocacy and lobbying activities that HOTREC led with its Members to sustain investment in the sector and help
build a better and sustainable Europe. As regard to the digital agenda, the recent European Commission legislative
proposals on Fairness in Platform-to-Business Relations and on a New Deal for Consumers shall re-equilibrate the
market which currently runs to the detriment of enterprises and consumers. To support this, HOTREC unveiled the
results of its 3rd distribution study, which highlight the increasing dependency of hotels vis a vis online travel agent.
HOTREC’s efforts also focused on keeping VAT rates low for hospitality businesses to foster job creation and
competitiveness in the European Union. With regard to food policy, the new Commission Regulation on acrylamide
in food topped HOTREC’s agenda to achieve a workable plan for the 1.5 million restaurants and cafes located in
Europe allowing to meet significant public health objectives.
Sustainability has also topped HOTREC’s agenda following its 2017 report on the reduction of food waste and its
upcoming one to help businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint.
Last but not least, the European Pillar of Social Rights led the industry to raise policy and decision-makers’ awareness
on its specificities so that to achieve flexibility to respond to the shortage of skills and keep the subsidiarity principle.
Finally, HOTREC welcomed three new members: ZPHoReCa from Poland, Gremi d’Hotels de Barcelona from Spain
and HOREKA from Georgia, which brings HOTREC’s Membership to 43 national associations established in 30
European countries.
Besides these, HOTREC is also anticipating the 2019 European elections with the preparation of a White Paper,
considering the many challenges ahead for micro and small enterprises. This policy document will aim at putting
better regulation at the core of the EU agenda to make tourism an even more competitive and successful industry
in support of the EU economy.
We would like to thank HOTREC Members for their ongoing support and funding and we look forward to even
further developing our partnership with the EU Institutions.
Susanne Kraus-Winkler
President
Christian de Barrin
Chief Executive Officer