European Commission for Social Tourism

In order to make its action efficient and visible on a European scale, the ISTO has created the European Commission for Social Tourism, whose main tasks are as follows:

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  To be the single and qualified intermediary for the European Institutions in terms of social tourism;
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  To study and spread the main trends of social policies concerning tourism in Europe;
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  To promote the development of schemes aimed at favouring access to holidays on a European level (e.g. holiday cheques);
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  To develop or support any initiative allowing to extend the presence of the ISTO in Eastern and Northern  Europe - including European Union candidate countries;
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  To draw up or take part in projects that can be submitted to the European Commission by using the experience or proposals of members;
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  To facilitate networking among ISTO members and partners interested in promoting their offer of goods and services for a specialized clientele.
   
  To back its action in Europe the ISTO also develops partnerships via the CETS with various organizations.  Thus in 2001 a Cooperation Convention with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) was concluded; in 2005 a Joint Declaration with the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT) was signed. The ISTO is also an active member of the European Council for Non-Profit Organisations (CEDAG).