9 June 2026 08:09 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission announces first-ever Strategy for Tourism

Key points

Presenting first-ever Strategy for Tourism
Prioritising sustainability, resilience, digitalisation and skills

TL;DR

Commissioner Tzitzikostas delivers a video message at the European Sustainable Tourism Mobility Forum in Brussels.
The European Commission will present Europe’s first-ever Strategy for Tourism later this year to strengthen the sector while balancing economic growth, environmental protection and local wellbeing.
The strategy will prioritise sustainability, digital transition and resilience to climate, economic and geopolitical shocks, and address labour and skills shortages via initiatives including a proposed European Tourism Skills Academy.
The Commission highlights initiatives such as CountEmissionsEU, the EU Flight Emissions Label, updated Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan guidelines, the Large-Scale Skills Partnership for Tourism and the Pact for Skills; it notes next year is the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

Original text

European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Tzitzikostas delivers a Video Message for the European Sustainable Tourism Mobility Forum Brussels, 9 June 2026 Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for your invitation to speak at the European Sustainable Tourism Mobility Forum. Unfortunately, I cannot be with you in person today, but I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you about a sector that lies at the heart of Europe's economy, identity and way of life.Tourism showcases what Europe does best. It highlights the extraordinary cultural richness and diversity of our countries and regions, connects people and communities, and remains one of Europe's greatest success stories. Yet this strategic industry faces major challenges that threaten its growth and competitiveness. Climate change and extreme weather events are affecting destinations across Europe. Some areas are also struggling with overcrowding and pressure on local infrastructure. At the same time, the sector continues to face structural problems, including labour shortages, skills gaps and an ageing workforce. Geopolitical instability adds another layer of uncertainty. The crisis in the Middle East demonstrates how quickly travel flows, connectivity and tourism businesses can be disrupted, increasing costs and affecting consumer confidence. To address these challenges, Europe needs a more resilient, smarter and sustainable tourism model. This is why, later this year, I will present Europe's first-ever Strategy for Tourism. The strategy will strengthen Europe's position as the world's leading tourism destination, while balancing economic growth with environmental protection and the wellbeing of local communities. It will accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and digital tourism, improve resilience to climate, economic and geopolitical shocks, and support the long-term competitiveness of destinations and businesses across Europe. Ladies and Gentlemen, Sustainability will be a central pillar of this effort. Tourism depends on the natural and cultural assets that make Europe unique. The sector must therefore lead by example, strengthening environmental responsibility and helping protect the landscapes and communities on which it relies. We are determined to make sustainability a competitive advantage for European tourism. At the same time, tourists and local residents should have access to sustainable forms of transport that are convenient, accessible and affordable. The Commission is already acting to reduce tourism's carbon footprint through initiatives that promote more sustainable connectivity, particularly for cities, islands, rural areas and outermost regions. Travellers also need the right information to make sustainable choices. Initiatives such as CountEmissionsEU and the EU Flight Emissions Label will provide greater transparency by allowing passengers to compare the estimated emissions associated with different travel options. For cities, we will continue updating the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan guidelines, to help local authorities better plan for the mobility needs of tourists and operators. But the transition to a more sustainable and innovative tourism model will only succeed if people remain at its centre. Europe's tourism and hospitality sectors have faced labour and skills shortages for many years.Today, the sector lacks around one million workers, while 92% of tourism SMEs report difficulties in finding skilled staff. We are already responding through initiatives such as the Large- Scale Skills Partnership for Tourism, which helps attract talent and equip workers with the digital and green skills needed for the future. However, we can and must do more. As part of the upcoming strategy, I will propose the creation of a European Tourism Skills Academy. Through an accessible online platform, it will provide affordable training in sustainability, digital skills, entrepreneurship, accessibility, crisis preparedness and soft skills. It will build on the best results of EU-funded programmes and projects, bringing together practical needs and effective solutions. The Commission also supports regional skills partnerships through the Pact for Skills. There are now 26 such partnerships across the European Union, helping people develop new skills and strengthen existing ones. I encourage the Large-Scale Skills Partnership for Tourism to build synergies with these initiatives and explore new regional partnerships where needed. In this context, next year's International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism comes at exactly the right moment. It offers an opportunity to place tourism higher on the global political agenda and to promote it as a driver of resilience, sustainability and international cooperation. Like our future European strategy, it recognizes that tourism is more than an economic sector. It is a force for connecting people, supporting communities and advancing environmental protection and social inclusion. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are facing many challenges, but with close cooperation and hard work we will succeed. Thank you. SPEECH/26/1307

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Commissioner Tzitzikostas

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Brussels (belgium)

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