TOURISM matters across the EU are likely to fall under European Commission control following a vote by MEPs in Strasbourg.

A Commission report called "Working together for the future of European tourism" sought to incorporate tourism issues into EU treaties, giving the European Commission regulatory and legislative powers on tourism issues. The plan was approved by a majority of MEPs.

The Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Atkins MEP for the North West of England, said after the vote that, following the effects of the Foot and Mouth crisis and September 11, British tourism was just starting to bounce back and the last thing it needed was a "red tape kiss of death from the EU".