CEFTA

In 2020, CEFTA initiated intra-regional regulatory cooperation in the tourism sector. To deepen market integration, CEFTA Parties focused on addressing key obstacles, such as licensing requirements for tourism agencies and tour operators. In view of relevant EU regulations and practices, CEFTA adopted Decision No. 6/2024 on Facilitating Trade in Services Supplied by Travel Agencies and Tour Operators.

Decision No. 6/2024 on liberalising trade for travel agencies and tour operators introduces several key measures:

• Mutual recognition of licenses: Eliminates the need for agencies to reapply for permits in each CEFTA Party, reducing administrative burdens;
  
• Standardised documentation: Mandates the acceptance of equivalent documents from other CEFTA Parties, streamlining approval processes;
  
• Simplified temporary service provision: Removes restrictive conditions on short-term operations in other CEFTA markets, requiring only a prior declaration; and
  
• Alignment with EU Regulatory Standards: Creates a more integrated and competitive environment, facilitating cross-border operations.
  

These measures address critical regulatory barriers, such as duplicative licensing requirements and inconsistent documentation standards, enabling agencies to expand and operate seamlessly across CEFTA Parties.