EU Plans Sustainability Changes as Tourists Keep Flooding In

The European Union has announced its first-ever tourism strategy, which will focus on managing Europe’s growing visitor numbers while protecting the local environment.

This announcement was made by European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas during the Global Tourism Forum in Brussels on October 20, 2025.

The strategy’s key points include reducing emissions from travel, preserving natural resources, and ensuring tourism supports regional development across the continent.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas emphasized the importance of protecting infrastructure, housing, and local communities as tourist numbers increase, particularly in popular regions such as Spain, France, Germany, and Italy.

The strategy also considers broader issues like climate change, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and rapid technological progress.

Throughout 2025, the European Commission has consulted with stakeholders in the tourism sector, including public authorities and businesses, to gather ideas and feedback. The strategy, set for official release in early 2026, will incorporate insights from these consultations.

Recently, sustainability has gained momentum in travel, especially in aviation, with airlines like Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, and British Airways announcing plans to adopt sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) this year.

Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash