Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission^f1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament^f2,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^f3,

Whereas Article 2 of the Treaty provides that the Community shall have as its task in particular to promote throughout the Community a harmonious development of economic activities, a continuous and balanced expansion and closer relations between the States belonging to it; whereas tourism can help to achieve these objectives;

Whereas the Council resolution of 10 April 1984 on a Community policy on tourism^f4 emphasizes the need for consultation between the Member States and the Commission on tourism;

Whereas consultation is a useful means of facilitating cooperation between the Member States and the Commission with a view to achieving the objectives of the Treaty;

Whereas each Member State should give the other Member States and the Commission the benefit of its experience in the field of tourism;

Whereas, with a view to consultation in the field of tourism, exchanges of information between the Member States and the Commission should be ensured;

Whereas such consultation should not duplicate work carried out in other Community bodies,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: