EU Aims To Unlock Potential Of Coasts, Seas

The European Commission has a new strategy to support coastal and maritime tourism in Europe, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki said during a High-Level Conference held in Athens on 10 March. The conference was held on the occasion of the Greek Presidency of the EU Council.

Recognizing the sector’s potential for sustainable growth and job creation, the strategy outlines 14 actions to help coastal regions and businesses tackle the challenges they face and strengthen the sector’s position as a key driver of Europe’s blue economy.

The European Commissioner also referred to funding programs launched by the EU to strengthen maritime and coastal tourism, such as Horizon 2020, COSME and Creative Europe.

Coastal and maritime tourism includes beach-based and nautical, cruising or boating tourism and is an essential driver for the economy of many coastal regions and islands in Europe.

It employs almost 3.2 million people, generating a total of 183 billion euros in gross value added for EU economy, representing over one third of the maritime economy gross product.

On tourism, Ms. Damanaki underlined the importance of improving the sector’s competitiveness, combating seasonality and revising the visa code. She stressed that the European Commission’s main “battle” is to support employment.