European Commission seeks ways to make tourism viable, sustainable

26 May, 2007

The European Commission says it is concerned about the viability of tourism, as Europe is the most-visited region in the world.

A Tourism Sustainability Group (TSG), set up by the European Commission two years ago, is working on various initiatives to ensure that tourism – an important economic sector – remains viable.

The TSG comprised industry representatives and experts. It published a report, in February 2006, titled Action for More Sustainable European Tourism, which identified eight challenges that need to be overcome.

A common concern shared by most countries in Europe is that of reducing seasonal demand and spreading it throughout the year. Such a situation is believed to reduce the pressure on the infrastructure for a relatively short time-span while contributing to a better economic environment for the operators and stable employment in the tourism sector.

Other challenges listed in the Action for More Sustainable European Tourism include addressing the impact of tourism transport, improving the quality of tourism-related work, maintaining and ensuring the prosperity of the local communities, reducing waste and the use of resources as well as protecting and giving value to natural and cultural heritage.

The report also lists as a challenge the idea of making it possible for everyone to have holidays. According to it, around 40% of European citizens do not take holidays, mostly owing to deprivation or disability.

The report lists various actions to be taken to overcome the challenges ahead in the tourism sector. It puts forth proposals to set up structures that would facilitate collaboration between the various stakeholders involved – including the member-states of the European Union, local authorities and destination management authorities and the tourism industry and other entities.

The ultimate goal, according to the Tourism Sustainability Group report, is to create sustainable destinations and business, while cultivating responsible tourists.

The European Commission will ponder ways and means to make tourism both sustainable and competitive.

Ideas and comments, both on the report and on any new initiatives that may be taken at the European Union-level, are being accepted until June. More information may be found on their website