The Sofia conference, organised within the Bulgarian chairmanship of the European Union, was held on 12 and 13 February, bringing together tourism ministers and their associates form all 28 EU member states.
Cappelli said tourism was one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the EU with a huge impact on growth, society, development and employment which is why it it deserves a better position within EU institutions.
According the press release, the Croatian government's initiative presented by Cappelli was supported by a large number of EU member states, notably European Tourism Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska and UNWTO secretary general Zurab Pololikashvili.
The initiative will soon be presented to European Parliament President Antonio Tajani and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.