Countries should push through a major liberalisation of their visa regimes in order to attract more tourists from around the world and boost economic growth across the European Union, says a senior Brussels Commissioner.
"We need a more modern visa policy which can attract the growing middle classes in Russia, China, India and Brazil," said Antonio Tajani, the European Commissioner responsible for tourism.
"I am at the beginning of this work. It's not easy to change our rules. But it's possible."
In January, United States President Barack Obama overhauled the application system for tourist visas to America in a drive to encourage more visitors from China and Brazil.
Tajani said: "Why did Obama change? Because the tourist sector is important for the US. I am in favour of doing some thinking along similar lines in Europe."
