Sustainable Tourism
Selected publications
Selected EU publications
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Exploring the nexus of housing, tourism, and local liveability – Insights from Paris, Milan, and Rome
Iodice, S., van Heerden, S., Ribeiro Barranco, R., Bertoni, E., Curtale, R. et al., Exploring the nexus of housing, tourism, and local liveability – Insights from Paris, Milan, and Rome, Iodice, S.(editor), Ribeiro Barranco, R.(editor) and van Heerden, S.(editor), Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/8602103
This study examines the association between short-term tourist rentals and urban housing markets, local services, and liveability in three major European cities: Paris, Milan, and Rome. Using empirical, place-based longitudinal data, the research finds a statistically significant positive correlation between the shares of short-term rentals and the advertised selling prices in Milan and Rome, with areas having higher shares of Airbnb apartments experiencing higher property values. In Paris, there is a positive association with middle-sized houses, with higher transaction prices related to an increase in short-term rental shares.
Additionally, the study reveals that short-term rentals are associated with declining residential services and increasing tourist-oriented services in Milan and Paris. However, survey data among residents suggests that the perceived liveability of neighbourhoods is not significantly affected by tourism and short-term rentals, despite some concerns about different forms of displacement. This study contributes to the debate about balanced development of the short-term rental sector and the need to exploit opportunities brought about by the tourism activity while also protecting liveability for the locals and the availability of affordable housing for all. Moreover, this analysis highlights the need to deepen the research about the socioeconomic impacts of tourism at high spatial resolution to draw evidence-based implications for urban planning and policymaking.
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Fact sheets on the European Union – Tourism
European Parliament, 2024.
Since December 2009, the Union has competence to carry out actions to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of the Member States in tourism policy. Although the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework does not provide for a separate budget line for tourism policy, during the 2022-2023 period the budget for tourism activities was earmarked under the single market programme.
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First interim evaluation of the European capitals of culture action 2020-2033 – Final report
European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Fox, T., Le Gall, A., Rolando, E., Olausson, N. et al., First interim evaluation of the European capitals of culture action 2020-2033 – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/6702465
This report presents the findings of the First Interim Evaluation of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) Action 2020–2033, conducted in line with Article 16 of Decision 445/2014/EU. The evaluation had two main objectives: (i) to assess the Action’s Effectiveness, Efficiency, Relevance, Coherence, and EU Added Value, with a particular focus on its long-term legacy; and (ii) to identify potential improvements for a successor initiative post-2033.
The evaluation covers the experience of cities that held the ECoC title between 2013 and 2023, as well as bidding cities for the 2020–2028 titles under the current legal basis.The study employed a comprehensive mixed-methods approach. It included 64 stakeholder interviews across EU, national, and local levels; six focus groups with experts, titleholders, and candidate cities; and a public consultation collecting 60 responses. Eight in-depth case studies explored city-level implementation and legacy. A targeted literature review and mapping of 199 resources, 38 statistical indicators, and data from previous evaluations were used to inform a structured analysis against 60+ indicators. A final validation workshop supported the refinement of findings and recommendations. -
Good practices for sustainable cruise tourism. Appendix 1, Fiches of good practices in sustainable cruise tourism
European Commission, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
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Good practices for sustainable cruise tourism. Appendix 2, Destination fiches
European Commission, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
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Good practices for sustainable cruise tourism – Final report
European Commission, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
This study gathered and analysed available evidence on cruise tourism to support cruise stakeholders in moving forward on sustainability. It took place against a policy background of the European Green Deal, the European Commission new approach to sustainable blue economy and the development of a Transition Pathway for tourism. It looked at the economic, social and environmental ‘as-is’, examined the most promising responses to the challenges, measured economic impact, and documented regulatory and non-regulatory environmental and social frameworks.
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. There is uncertainty about cost and regulation. Local specificities are important as 13 destination case studies illustrated. However, adopting clear environmental goals, circular economy principles, energy efficiency and fuel flexibility, and collaboration across the ecosystem are no-regrets measures that can be taken now. As a selection of good practices demonstrates, there are practices across a range of cruise players that the industry can look to for learnings, ranging from Onshore Power Supply (OPS), LNG bunkering, sustainable cruise terminals, food waste reduction and waste treatment to a holistic approach to destination management.
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Monitoring industrial ecosystems – Tourism – Analytical report – 2024 edition
European Commission: European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, Technopolis Group, Izsak, K., Markianidou, P., Marinelli, E. et al., Monitoring industrial ecosystems – Tourism – Analytical report – 2024 edition, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2826/3199602
This report was prepared as part of the ‘European Monitor of Industrial Ecosystems’ (EMI) project, with the objective of analysing the green and digital transformation of industrial ecosystems - focusing, in this edition, on the tourism ecosystem and its progress over time. The second edition of the Industrial Ecosystems series has divided the analysis into two sections meaning, ‘green transition’ and ‘digital transition’ followed by three subsections each showing: a) industry efforts, b) framework conditions and c) the impact on the environment and on productivity. -
Monitoring the twin transition of industrial ecosystems – Tourism – Analytical report
European Commission, European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, Izsak, K., Markianidou, P., Publications Office of the European Union, 2024.
Measuring performance and monitoring change within an industrial ecosystem are vital components that enable policymakers and industry stakeholders to track progress over time and obtain valuable feedback on whether the system is moving in the desired direction. This report is a contribution to the ‘European Monitor of Industrial Ecosystems’ (EMI) project, initiated by the European Commission's Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs, in partnership with the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Its primary objective is to present the current state and the advancements achieved over time in terms of the green and digital transition of the Tourism industrial ecosystem.
Tourism and travel have been going through transformative times including digitalisation, shift towards environmentally sustainable tourism, demographic changes all of which have been amplified by the severe shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions and the most recent energy crisis. According to Eurostat data, the total number of nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments in the EU27 has reached 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022 and industry experts expect the ecosystem to grow further with a renewed wave of tourists in 2024. These are promising prospects, however, there are a range of key challenges on the front of sustainability and decarbonisation that the ecosystem has to address. It has to do so, while further embracing the impacts and opportunities of digitalisation and aim to deliver better value for their customers. In this context, the next two sections summarise the key findings of this study regarding the status and progress of the tourism ecosystem on its path towards digitalisation and a green ‘modus operandi’.
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Nature-based tourism accounting
Zulian, G., La Notte, A., Grammatikopoulou, I. and Zurbaran Nucci, M., Nature-based tourism accounting, Publications Office of the European Union, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/762803
The purpose of ecosystem service accounting is to quantify the main contributions of ecosystems to society and the economy and to report them in accounting tables that are compatible with the structures and practices used in traditional economic accounting. In this report, we assess and value nature-based tourism (NBT), one of the mandatory services EU Member States are requested to quantify according to the amended Regulation (EU) No 691/2011 on European environmental economic accounts. NBT is a cultural ecosystem service in which people visit and enjoy destinations characterised by the presence of natural resources.
The proposed methodology was implemented using an updated version of a biophysical map that considers the impact of major fires. The approach was applied across different scales to estimate the impact of statistical data aggregation on the final results. At the EU level, statistical data on tourism were gathered at the NUTS (nomenclature of territorial units for statistics) 2 level (for 2000–2018) and at the NUTS 3 level (for 2021). In addition, a case study of Italy was conducted to apply the methodology at the municipal level. Overall, from 2000 to 2018, Europe registered an increase in total overnight stays of 47.5 %, and an increase in NBT of 46.7 %; this growth was mainly caused by an increase in activities in the tourism sector over time. However, when assessing NBT in relation to the total number of overnight stays, we register a loss of 0.5 %. The level of aggregation of overnights stays affects service use differently across the Member States. The impact appears extremely relevant when assessing the spatial pattern of NBT in Italy at the municipal level. The use of aggregated statistical data affects the results differently, depending on the dominant ecosystem types. Notably, among the regions where NBT was underestimated at the NUTS 2 level are those recognised as having significant tourism activity linked to nature, such as Valle d’Aosta (very important for mountain tourism) and Trentino-Alto Adige. This study reduced the complexity of valuing cultural services and demonstrated the importance not only of creating specific national biophysical maps but also of using more specific statistical data.
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Repurposing mines for tourism and culture – A combined case study of transformation examples from Dolní oblast Vítkovice mine in Ostrava, Czechia andGolpa-Nord in Lusatia, Germany – Case study
European Commission: Directorate-General for Energy, Repurposing mines for tourism and culture – A combined case study of transformation examples from Dolní oblast Vítkovice mine in Ostrava, Czechia andGolpa-Nord in Lusatia, Germany – Case study, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2833/9108193
The transformation of former mining sites into tourism and cultural hubs exemplifies good practices in regional energy transitions. This approach not only stimulates economic growth, but also preserves the industrial heritage by redefining communities while maintaining their historical identity. Supported by EU funding, projects like Dolní oblast Vítkovice in the Czech Republic and Golpa-Nord/ Ferropolis in Germany serve as leading examples of sustainable redevelopment. Through visionary planning, grassroots initiatives, and strategic partnerships, these sites have evolved from symbols of heavy industry into dynamic hubs of education, culture, and leisure. -
Role of the longevity economy in the tourism sector – Research for TRAN Committee
European Parliament: Directorate-General for Cohesion, Agriculture and Social Policies, Gaušas, S., Leiputė, B., Christenko, A., Langham, E. et al., Role of the longevity economy in the tourism sector – Research for TRAN Committee, European Parliament, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2861/1599872
This study offers a comprehensive overview of silver tourism in the EU, detailing the sector’s current state and potential growth opportunities. It establishes a conceptual framework that categorises key areas within silver tourism and examines specific challenges and opportunities within each. The study concludes with targeted recommendations to address these challenges.
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SMARTA-NET – Sustainable rural mobility for resilience in support of ecotourism – Final report
European Commission: Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport and MemEx Srl, SMARTA-NET – Sustainable rural mobility for resilience in support of ecotourism – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2832/7816473
This final report was prepared within the framework of the European Commission request MOVE/2022/OP/0008 — Sustainable rural mobility for resilience in support of ecotourism. The European Commission Communication on a Long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas outlines strategies to unlock rural potential and foster stronger, connected, resilient, and prosperous communities by 2040. The accompanying EU Rural Action Plan includes specific actions aimed at addressing the issues of rural mobility.
The flagship action on rural mobility has the goal of supporting rural municipalities in identifying best practices building on the Commission’s experience with urban mobility networks. This project is trying to achieve this goal. Moreover, improved rural mobility will support the goals EU tourism transition pathway towards a more resilient, innovative and sustainable tourism ecosystem. The aim of the project was therefore to promote sustainable and resilient mobility connections between rural areas, and between remote rural areas (including isolated regions) and urban areas, taking into account the need to support ecotourism. -
Tourism and rural development
European Committee of the Regions, Commission for Natural Resources, Marcinkowska, I., Maj, A., Sidło, K., European Committee of the Regions, 2024.
This study analyses the role of tourism in rural development. It explores the challenges and opportunities for public authorities interested in boosting their rural tourism profiles and making tourism an effective tool for rural development. The study highlights the relationship between the long-term vision for rural areas and tourism policy and describes how to access funds to support such policy developments. It provides a review of good practice examples and evaluates their scalability and potential for reproduction in other regions across the EU.
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Transition pathway for tourism – Taking stock of progress by 2024
European Commission: Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Transition pathway for tourism – Taking stock of progress by 2024, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2873/1096076
This is the second stocktaking report on the transition pathway following the publication in January 2024 of the ‘Transition Pathway for Tourism – Taking stock of progress by 2023,’ which is mentioned in the Council conclusions on an EU Agenda for tourism 2030. A report to the Council on progress made towards both actions in the Transition pathway for tourism and the EU Agenda for Tourism 2030, as provided for in the Council conclusions, will be submitted by the end of 2025.
This second stocktaking report demonstrates that the co-creation process for developing the transition pathway and its key actions have inspired a significant number of stakeholders to take action. Compared to 2023, progress is shown among most stakeholder groups. However, certain issues and challenges faced by the EU tourism ecosystem which have not been fully taken into account by the key actions of the transition pathway, are emerging. Therefore this report also identifies the main emerging issues that should be included in future stocktaking reports.
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User manual – EU Ecolabel criteria for tourist accommodation
European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Pérez Arribas, Z., Vidal Abarca Garrido, C., et al., Publications Office of the European Union, 2023.
On 25 January 2017 Tourist accommodation shed in Commission Decision 2017/175, within the scheme of the EU Ecolabel Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 66/2010). This User Manual (UM) is a practical tool that summarises the steps to be followed by EU Ecolabel applicants in order to verify the compliance with the abovementioned Commission Decision. More concretely, this manuscript supports the interpretation of the EU Ecolabel criteria for Tourist accommodation and provides a good and up-to-date overview of the existent legislation and initiatives behind each EU Ecolabel criterion. This document also gives practical explanation on how to assess and verify the compliance check. The UM aims to optimise the time and ease the procedures of all the actors involved in the application stage by improving the technical understanding of sustainable product policy among intended audience (external stakeholders) and boost the number of certified tourist accommodation services products.
- Last Updated: Nov 10, 2025 3:42 PM
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