Commission approves €80 million film support scheme in Romania

The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules a €80.68 million (RON 347 million) Romanian scheme to support the development of the film industry, culture and cinematographic education. The Commission found the measure to be in line with its Cinema Communication (IP/09/138), because if furthers a cultural objective without unduly distorting competition.

The Commission has approved a Romanian scheme providing for interest-free loans or non-reimbursable grants for the production of Romanian films or films made with Romanian participation. The scheme is in line with previous cases approved under EU rules that allow state subsidies for cultural objectives, and in particular with the state aid assessment criteria laid down in Commission's Cinema Communication.

In particular, the Commission found that the cultural criteria defined by the Romanian authorities will direct the aid towards cultural products. Moreover, the measure allows producers to spend up to 20% of the film budget within the European Economic Area (EEA), not just in Romania.

The Romanian authorities plan to run the scheme until 31 December 2014.

The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number N303/2010 in the State Aid Register on the DG Competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. New publications of state aid decisions on the internet and in the Official Journal are listed in the State Aid Weekly e-News.

News source: EU Press Room link: article

Albanian Tourism Association will launch Albania’s first quality rating system for tourism accommodation businesses

USAID, in partnership with Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, invited international tourism experts from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the National Geographic Society and Expedia to meet with Albania’s leading tourism businesses to discuss  ways to adopt a more sustainable approach to business growth and increase access to markets. The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) are a set of 37 voluntary standards representing the minimum that any tourism business should aspire to reach, in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation. Unlike other countries in the region, Albania lacks a rating system that many travelers rely on to plan accommodations and travel itineraries.

Albanian tourism has grown at a significant pace over the last few years, contributing over US$ 2.4 billion in 2009 to the Albanian economy, with expectations to grow by 4% in 2011 -- based on statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council. Over 200,000 Albanians are involved in tourism businesses and this number is expected to grow in 2010-11, despite the effects of the global crisis on the travel and tourism industry. “Tourism in Albania is at a critical juncture,” said USAID’s Mission Director Joseph C. Williams in remarks at the USAID-sponsored workshop on sustainable tourism.  “Choices being made today are important to both capitalize on and protect Albania’s rich natural, cultural, and historical resources.  The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and Authentic Albania Quality Mark program are good ways to ensure that tourism in Albania is sustainable and based on international trends and best practices.”

In the coming months, USAID and the Albanian Tourism Association will launch Albania’s first quality rating system for tourism accommodation businesses.  Hotels and accommodations will be evaluated based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and then be awarded a gold, silver, or bronze classification that will be published on travel sites and in brochures and publications for foreign tourists. “The Authentic Albania Quality Mark will become an important marketing tool for new and expanding businesses in the tourism sector as a mark of quality and customer service,” said Matilda Naco, Executive Director of the Albanian Tourism Association.  “And while it directly benefits businesses, it will also serve as a guide for visitors to have the best possible experience in Albania.”

News source: Balkans.com link: article