Sustainability in tourism is a central issue for the future of Europe and the planet. For this reason, the European Commission has launched a public consultation to define the new 'EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy'. Citizens, stakeholders and local governments are invited to participate with ideas and proposals. There is time until 12 September 2025 to contribute to this important collective journey.
In a context marked by environmental and geopolitical challenges, the European Union aims to build a more sustainable, innovative and resilient tourism. The main objective is to combine economic competitiveness and respect for the environment. Accordingly, the strategy aims to reduce the overcrowding of the most popular destinationswhile promoting alternative, green and digital solutions. It will also be crucial to improve the governance of the sector at local and European level to ensure widespread and lasting benefits.
Sustainability in tourism: a greener, digital and more accessible sector
Among the priorities of the new strategy is the desire to make the tourism experience more fluid, inclusive and environmentally friendly. In particular, great attention will be paid to sustainable mobility and cross-border tourism, which will be made easier and more accessible thanks to integrated digital technologies.
At the same time, cooperation between Member States will be strengthened and access to European funds dedicated to the sector will be facilitated. These measures aim to create a more efficient tourism ecosystem that is attentive to the needs of travellers and territories.
A central aspect of the strategy concerns the direct involvement of citizens. Anyone, in fact, can participate in the consultation by filling in an online questionnaire or by sending in more in-depth contributions via the call for evidence, available on the official website of the European Commission.
In this regard, the Commissioner for Transport and Sustainable Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, stressed the importance of building a model capable of generating shared value between local communities, businesses and travellers. This announcement was accompanied by a meeting with EU Tourism Ministers in Warsaw, during the Informal Council promoted by the Polish Presidency.
Tourism: Europe's economic engine
It is important to remember that tourism accounts for 5.1% of Europe's gross value added and employs millions of people, mainly in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Consequently, the sector plays a crucial role in the growth and social cohesion of local economies.
To fully exploit this resource, the new strategy will support the identity of territories and promote sustainable development models that respect the needs of local communities. To support this, the plan will follow the Transition Pathway for Tourism, a European roadmap designed to make tourism greener, digital, resilient and competitive in the coming years.
Furthermore, the plan will be supported by the Green Deal, the European strategy to achieve climate neutrality and protect the environment, natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, Horizon Europe, the European programme dedicated to research, innovation and technological solutions to major social and economic challenges, will also contribute.
Sustainability in tourism: your opinion counts
The future of European tourism is built together. This is why travellers, operators and administrations can contribute to defining a sector that is more sustainable, competitive and capable of generating value for all.
Take part too! Access the public consultation on the European Commission's official website by 12 September 2025: ec.europa.eu - EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy Consultation
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