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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

The transition of EU tourism

The update of the EU industrial strategy underlined the need to further accelerate the green and digital transitions and increase the resilience of the EU industrial ecosystems. To that end, the European Commission co-created the transition pathway for tourism with industry, public authorities, social partners and other stakeholders.

The transition pathway for tourism was created in line with the update of the EU industrial strategy and published on 4 February 2022. The following sections present the main aspects of the transition of EU tourism and provide more information regarding the co-implementation of the transition pathway for tourism. 

Green transition of tourism

Climate change is the most urgent global challenge of our times that affects all spheres of our lives, every economic sector, region and city. The tourism ecosystem will not only benefit from a cleaner and healthier environment but also has an important role in contributing to the shared goals of a climate-neutral Europe.

Green transition of tourism page

Digital transition of tourism

As in every ecosystem of our economy and our society, digitalisation impacts and transforms tourism. Platforms, online payments, and social media, to give but a few examples, all have a great impact on how we live and do tourism. The Commission pays close attention to this process to support the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the tourism sector in the EU.

Digital transition of tourism page

Resilience of EU tourism

Over the last 15 years, the European tourism ecosystem has been confronted with successive shocks and managed to absorb and/or adapt. The COVID-19 pandemic has, however, been unprecedented in its intensity and duration. Therefore, EU actions also aim to increase the resilience of the tourism ecosystem. The green transition, the digital transition and efforts on accessibility are part of the solution. Further improvement of the regulatory environment and public funding can also boost resilience.

Resilience of EU tourism page

Skills for the EU tourism workforce 

An integral part of the resilience of EU tourism is ensuring that people have the right skills for their job in all sectors of the tourism ecosystem. Green and digital skills are essential, but softer skills like language knowledge are needed too. Increased training opportunities contribute to making jobs in the sector more attractive. 

Skills for the EU tourism workforce page

Commitments and pledges for the transition of EU tourism

After the co-creation process of the transition pathway for tourism, it is time for its co-implementation. Following its publication, we launched a call for commitments that will be open throughout the implementation of the transition pathway for tourism. The European Commission collects the commitments and publishes them on this website.

Commitments and pledges for the transition of EU tourism page