European Tourism Convention to launch dialogue on sustainable and resilient EU tourism

On 12 October, the Commission organized the European Tourism Convention, to facilitate a dialogue on the sustainable recovery of the ecosystem from the coronavirus crisis and on the tourism of tomorrow. It is the first step towards a European policy framework for tourism with shared priorities to underpin investments, facilitate cooperation among Member States and mobilise industry. The Convention, announced in the Communication Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond in May, targets all actors of the tourism ecosystem and will call for pledges to improve the sustainability, digitalization and resilience of the EU's tourism sector.

Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said: “Tourism - one of the biggest sectors of our economy - is most hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. The Commission is providing unprecedented support for this extraordinary situation, including financial means for struggling businesses, and will continue to do so. And although the virus is still with us, now is the time to pave the way for a greener and more digital tourism. That is the aim of today's Convention.”

The Convention was a public online event, which gathers more than 700 participants, including national and regional public authorities, representatives of European sectorial associations and the tourism and travel industry, international organisations, academics and NGOs. Throughout the day, participants will map out key challenges and opportunities of the EU tourism sector and propose a set of actions as a basis for pledges and further discussion feeding into the European Agenda for Tourism. Follow the event here.

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