Tuesday, June 10, 2025
In a bold step towards reshaping the tourism sector, the European Commission has officially launched a consultation to develop a comprehensive EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy. This initiative aims to ensure that tourism in Europe remains competitive, sustainable, and inclusive, adapting to modern challenges while preserving the continent’s cultural and environmental assets. The consultation is a crucial part of the ongoing effort to craft a tourism model that will guide the sector through the next decade.
Consultation Timeline
The consultation, which is open until August 15, 2025, invites a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals with an interest in tourism, to share their perspectives. Participants are encouraged to focus on specific areas of expertise, without needing to complete the entire questionnaire.
Key Themes Addressed in the Consultation
The EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy will focus on several key themes that have emerged as critical for the future of the tourism industry. These themes are designed to address both the challenges facing the sector and the opportunities for growth and innovation. The European Commission is particularly concerned with:
- Overtourism
One of the most pressing issues in European tourism is overtourism, which has led to overcrowding in popular destinations such as Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam. The consultation aims to identify solutions that can spread tourism more evenly across regions, preventing damage to cultural heritage sites while ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared by local communities. - Environmental Sustainability
Sustainable tourism practices are critical to reducing the ecological footprint of the tourism sector. The European Commission will explore strategies to promote eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient accommodations, sustainable transportation, and waste management solutions. Initiatives like the EU Green Deal and the European Climate Pact will also play a role in ensuring that tourism supports Europe’s broader environmental goals. - Skills Development
A highly skilled workforce is essential for the tourism industry to adapt to the changing demands of travelers and the impact of digital technologies. The European Commission will gather input on how to better train workers in the tourism sector, emphasizing skills in sustainability, customer service, and digital literacy. - Crisis Resilience
The tourism sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need for resilience in the face of crises. The consultation will explore strategies for building an industry that can adapt quickly to unforeseen challenges, ensuring business continuity and protecting jobs in the tourism sector. - Cross-Border Mobility
With travel restrictions still in place in some areas and varying regulations across EU member states, ensuring seamless cross-border mobility for tourists is vital. The European Commission seeks to improve harmonization of travel policies and enhance the efficiency of border controls to facilitate smoother travel experiences for visitors.
These themes align with existing frameworks, including the EU Agenda for Tourism 2030 and the Transition Pathway for Tourism, which outline long-term objectives for the sustainable development of the European tourism sector. The consultation will provide valuable insights into these issues, helping policymakers devise an effective and practical strategy.
Participation and Stakeholder Involvement
The European Commission emphasizes the importance of collaborative input in developing the Sustainable Tourism Strategy. The initiative calls on a wide range of stakeholders to provide their insights:
- Governments and Public Authorities: At the local, regional, and national levels, governments have a crucial role to play in creating policies that foster sustainability and manage tourism in a way that benefits both visitors and residents.
- Tourism Businesses: Airlines, hotels, tour operators, and local businesses are vital for implementing sustainability initiatives and improving the travel experience.
- Civil Society: Non-governmental organizations, community groups, and environmental organizations will contribute valuable perspectives on how tourism impacts local communities and ecosystems.
- Consumers and Tourists: The general public is encouraged to contribute feedback on their travel habits, preferences, and attitudes toward sustainability.
This broad consultation is designed to create a “bottom-up” approach to developing policies that are grounded in real-world experiences and needs. By involving as many perspectives as possible, the European Commission aims to ensure that the final strategy reflects the diverse needs of all stakeholders.
Broader Public Consultation
Following the targeted consultation phase, the European Commission plans to launch a broader public consultation to collect input from a wider audience. This will provide additional opportunities for individuals and organizations not directly involved in the initial consultation to contribute their thoughts on the future of sustainable tourism in Europe.
This public consultation will serve as an important step in the development of a final strategy that is both inclusive and representative of the needs of the entire European tourism ecosystem. The input gathered during this phase will help shape the long-term vision for tourism in Europe.
The EU’s Role in Shaping Global Sustainable Tourism
The EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy is part of a larger effort to ensure that Europe remains a competitive global tourism destination while also leading the way in sustainability. European countries, known for their diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities, are already major global players in tourism. However, as the world becomes more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for responsible tourism that prioritizes the well-being of local communities and ecosystems.
In addition to supporting sustainability within Europe, the strategy aims to set an example for the rest of the world. By leading in the development of sustainable tourism practices, Europe can shape global trends and encourage other regions to adopt similar models.
How Will This Strategy Benefit European Destinations?
The implementation of the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy will have far-reaching benefits for both local communities and tourism businesses across Europe. As tourism becomes more sustainable, it will generate long-term economic growth while reducing its environmental impact. By focusing on areas like overtourism, skills development, and crisis resilience, the strategy will ensure that tourism supports European economies without compromising the well-being of local communities or natural resources.
Moreover, the strategy aims to boost tourism in lesser-known destinations that may have been overlooked in the past. By encouraging more sustainable travel patterns, Europe can promote hidden gems like Sofia in Bulgaria, Lviv in Ukraine, or Puglia in Italy, allowing these regions to benefit from the economic impact of tourism without the negative effects of overcrowding.
Conclusion: Shaping a Sustainable Future for European Tourism
As the tourism industry faces the challenges of rising costs, environmental sustainability, and shifting global dynamics, the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy offers an opportunity for Europe to reimagine how tourism can thrive while protecting the environment and supporting local communities. Through the consultation process, the European Commission aims to develop a strategy that will guide the tourism sector toward a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future. By gathering diverse perspectives and engaging stakeholders from across the tourism ecosystem, Europe can continue to lead the way in responsible tourism and set a global example for other regions to follow.
