MEPs call for smart tourism management

On Wednesday, the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) adopted a series of proposals on how to improve connectivity, preserve cultural heritage and promote local excellence in European tourism, with 33 votes in favour, four against and four abstentions.

How to tackle overtourism

MEPs highlight that 80% of travellers visit only 10% of the world’s destinations. The aim should therefore be to ease the pressure on places suffering from overtourism and redirect visitors towards lesser-known, emerging or remote destinations, such as rural areas, mountains or isolated regions. They add that gastronomy, wine, beer, cultural heritage, cycling and regenerative tourism experiences can create new opportunities for emerging destinations, extend travel beyond peak seasons and generate additional revenue.

To achieve more sustainable European tourism, MEPs on the TRAN Committee propose improving transport links. They urge the Commission to identify a specific support mechanism to strengthen air, sea and land connections, as well as accessibility to emerging destinations, in itsforthcoming EU sustainable tourism strategy.

Other measures recommended by MEPs include specific support for the leasing of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, an increased number of cross-border night trains, and the rapid roll-out of an integrated, seamless ticketing system covering rail, air and maritime services.

Short-term rentals

The resolution welcomes the new EU rules on short-term rentals, which will come into force on 20 May 2026, as a positive step towards more effective management of tourist destinations. However, MEPs believe that more needs to be done to prevent the uncontrolled growth and commercialisation of short-term rentals from leading to a loss of authenticity, local housing problems and the displacement of residents.

They are therefore calling for a new EU framework for short-term rentals that defines service provision standards, clarifies host categories and allows EU countries to limit the number of overnight stays by visitors or to introduce authorisation or zoning systems.

Green tax

MEPs from the Tourism Committee point out that several cities and regions have already introduced environmental tourist taxes. These could serve as a source of funding for projects that benefit local residents and the environment. It would be valuable to share the results of these initiatives with other EU countries and regions seeking ways to invest in sustainable tourism, the MEPs add.

Tourism skills cards and volunteering

To tackle labour shortages, improve working conditions and overcome barriers to mobility, MEPs propose the introduction of a tourism skills card to document accredited training, skills, qualifications and professional experience in the tourism sector.

MEPs praise the vital role of cultural professionals, local organisations and volunteers as custodians of Europe’s cultural heritage. They therefore urge the Commission to propose guidelines to encourage and facilitate people’s participation in cultural volunteering.

Quote

The rapporteur for the Committee on Transport and Tourism,Daniel Attard (S&D, MT), said: “I am grateful for the strong support received for my report, which shapes Europe’s first sustainable tourism strategy. This strategy ensures connectivity to rebalance tourist flows beyond the most popular destinations, reinforces culture as a fundamental pillar of quality tourism, drives environmental action, fosters skills and mobility, and ensures that short-term rentals benefit communities rather than exploiting them.” 

Next steps

The non-binding resolution on European tourism must now be voted on by the full Parliament, possibly during the April session.

Background

The EU remains a world leader in tourism and the world’s top tourist destination, with approximately 12.3 million people working in the sector, contributing 10.5% to the EU’s gross domestic product.

More information: European Parliament.