European lawmakers are calling for a major shift in how tourism is managed across the EU, urging smarter strategies to tackle overcrowding while unlocking the potential of
lesser-known destinations.
A report adopted on Wednesday by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee sets out a roadmap for more sustainable travel. Backed by a strong majority of MEPs, the proposals focus on improving connectivity, protecting cultural heritage, and ensuring tourism benefits local communities rather than overwhelming them.
At the heart of the debate is a striking imbalance: around 80% of global travellers concentrate their visits on just 10% of destinations. Lawmakers argue that this trend is placing unsustainable pressure on popular hotspots, while vast regions remain underexplored.
To address this, MEPs are advocating for policies that redirect visitors toward rural areas, mountainous regions, and remote destinations. They highlight experiences such as gastronomy, wine and beer tourism, cycling routes, and heritage travel as key opportunities to diversify tourism flows and extend travel beyond peak seasons.
Improving transport links is seen as essential to making these destinations more accessible. The committee is urging the European Commission to introduce targeted support mechanisms to strengthen air, sea, and land connections. Proposals also include expanding cross-border night train services, investing in electric vehicle infrastructure, and developing a seamless ticketing system that integrates rail, air, and maritime travel.
Short-term rentals are another area of concern. While new EU rules set to take effect in May 2026 are welcomed as a step forward, MEPs warn that unregulated growth risks driving up housing costs, eroding local character, and displacing residents. They are calling for a stronger EU-wide framework that would establish clear service standards, define host categories, and allow national authorities to limit rental activity through caps, zoning, or licensing systems.
Environmental tourism taxes, already introduced in several European cities, are also gaining attention. Lawmakers suggest these levies could help fund local infrastructure and environmental projects, and recommend sharing best practices across member states.
Transport and Tourism committee rapporteur Daniel Attard (S&D, MT) said: “I welcome the strong support for my report shaping Europe’s first sustainable tourism strategy. It delivers on connectivity to rebalance flows beyond hotspots, strengthens culture as the keystone of quality tourism, advances environmental action, boosts skills and mobility, and ensures short-term rentals serve communities, rather than exploiting them.”
To address labour shortages in the sector, MEPs propose the introduction of a “tourism skills card” that would standardise recognition of qualifications and experience across the EU. They also stress the importance of cultural workers and volunteers, calling for new initiatives to encourage participation in cultural preservation efforts.
The report’s lead author described the proposals as a foundation for Europe’s first comprehensive sustainable tourism strategy, aimed at balancing visitor flows, strengthening cultural assets, and ensuring tourism works for communities.
The resolution, while not legally binding, is expected to be put to a vote by the full European Parliament in the coming weeks.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of the EU economy, employing more than 12 million people and contributing over 10% to the bloc’s GDP. Lawmakers say the challenge now is to ensure its long-term sustainability.