Tourism is a powerhouse for the EU economy and can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. It is time to rethink the way tourism works and move beyond sustainability towards regenerative tourism – where destinations don’t just survive but thrive.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is urging the European Union to transform its tourism sector, emphasising sustainability and regeneration to ensure long-term economic and environmental benefits.

As tourism remains a vital pillar of the EU’s economy, particularly in regions heavily reliant on the industry, the EESC is advocating an accelerated transition to sustainable tourism and a shift towards regenerative tourism strategies, as outlined in its opinion on Tourism in the EU: sustainability as a driver for long-term competitiveness.

‘We must ensure that tourism plays a role in reviving European competitiveness. This is essential, given that tourism is such an important part of the GDP of many Member States and regions, as well as their value chains,’ said the rapporteur for the opinion, Isabel Yglesias.

Ms Yglesias said that the opinion built on the Palma Declaration, adopted during the Spanish Presidency of the Council in the second half of 2023, which had generated broad consensus on how to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of the future of tourism.

To achieve this, European institutions and national, regional and local governments must actively support the sector in its transitions, ensuring continuous dialogue with all relevant stakeholders and strengthening social dialogue.

While sustainability efforts in tourism have come a long way, the post-pandemic travel boom has been putting pressure on many popular destinations. This surge is making it harder for regions to balance economic growth with sustainable development, all while grappling with staff shortages and a mismatch between available jobs and workers’ skills.

This is why the EESC is also calling for a move toward regenerative tourism, and for it to be included in the European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, which the European Commission will present in the coming months.

Unlike traditional sustainable tourism, which focuses on reducing environmental harm, regenerative tourism aims to restore and enhance natural, social and economic capital. This forward-thinking approach integrates circular economy principles and seeks to leave a lasting positive impact on destinations and local communities. (ll)