SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE EU

The competitiveness of the European tourism industry is closely linked to its sustainability.

To encourage sustainable tourism, the Commission:

• co-funds sustainanble transnational tourism products that can contribute to tourism growth;
• is developing a European Tourism Indicators System (ETIS) for destinations. This system will monitor, manage, and enhance sustainability performance, without the need for specific training;
• Supported a successful campaign to develop cycling routes, a great example of sustainable tourism - throughout Europe.

The competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism industry go hand-in-hand as the quality of tourist destinations is strongly influenced by their natural and cultural environment, and their integration into the local community.

Long-term sustainability requires a balance between economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability. The need to reconcile economic growth and sustainable development also has an ethical dimension.

Major challenges for sustainable tourism include:

• Preserving natural and cultural resources;
• Limiting negative impacts at tourist destinations, including the use of natural resources and waste production;
• Promoting the wellbeing of the local community;
• Reducing the seasonality of demand;
• Limiting the environmental impact of tourism-related transport;
• Making tourism accessible to all;
• Improving the quality of tourism jobs.

Possible EC Recommendations:

• Taking a holistic, integrated approach;
• Planning for the long term;
• Adopting an appropriate pace of development;
• Involving all stakeholders;
• Using the best available knowledge;
• Minimising and managing risk;
• Reflecting impacts in costs;
• Setting and respecting limits;
• Practising continuous monitoring.