The European tourism industry is a sector that is dominated by SMEs, with more than 99% of companies employing less than 250 people and approx. 94% employing less than 10 employees. On average, tourism SMEs in Europe counts 6 employees/workers (micro-enterprise). In many countries they account for a significant part of the GDP. 6.5% of the total European SME turnover is accounted by tourism SMEs. Tourism is a very complex issue as it involves many activities and is quite different from one European country to another.

NORMAPME is active in the technical committees directly related to tourism at European and international level, i.e. CEN TC 329 and ISO TC 228. In addition, we follow some other TCs which may influence the tourism industry, such as CEN TC 136 (sports, playground and other recreational equipment). The most crucial issues for European SMEs, though, are for the time being discussed in ISO TC 228.

NORMAPAME and UEAPME created also a joint Tourism Working Group that adopts common positions and discusses issues important for SMEs.

ISO TC 228 - TOURISM AND RELATED SERVICES

In 2004, the European Commission asked European Standardisation Organisations to present a work programme concerning services backing the mandate M340. In this framework, AENOR made a proposal on tourism services, which was rejected later on by CEN. The Spanish standardisation body sent it to ISO, where it was accepted. In April 2005, ISO decided to undertake some work on the basis of the AENOR proposal. The initial scope of the ISO Technical Committee 228 was broad and included the whole tourism sector. At the kick-off meeting, which took place in October 2005, NORMAPME was accepted as liaison member. According to a 2005 NSF/ANSI ( US standardisation body) position, it seems obvious that Americans will promote certification. Certification would be an unbearable burden for European SMEs in the tourism sector. Unfortunately, despite an active campaign we did not manage to reduce the scope of this TC.

ISO TC 228 proposed to create a working group on spas. After consultation of the members (about 30 persons) of NORMAPME ISO TC 228 mirror committee that took place in July 2006, it appeared that the term "spa services" was too wide reaching (as it goes much beyond health cures which aim at treating illnesses) and standards on "spa services" would have an impact on SMEs. In August, the creation of this working group was approved and thanks to Ms Uccella's participation in the first meeting, the scope of the working group was limited to medical spas. In addition, Turkey has expressed its support to NORMAPME position on the revision 3 of the Business Plan.

CEN TC 329 - TOURISM SERVICES

Normapme supports the new adopted work items on tourist guide qualification standards. We follow the CEN TC 329 activities and make sure that SME interests are taken into account.

CEN TC 136 - SPORTS, PLAYGROUNDS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Tourism SMEs were extremely concerned by the work on operational safety requirements in swimming pools as it could affect daily activities of small hotels. Normapme is represented in CEN TC 136 to ensure that the requirements of this standard are not burdensome for small hotels.

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