EU Ministers Focus on Twin Transition of Tourism Sector

Family photo of the EU Tourism Ministers. Photo © Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union / Elodie Meunier

Ministers responsible for tourism in the European Union’s member states on Tuesday discussed the twin transition of tourism – both digital and sustainable – as well as perspectives on the industry at the European level during the next European mandate.

Attending the Informal Meeting of European Tourism Ministers in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, organized by Brussels as holder of the presidency of the Council of the EU, the ministers reflected on the challenges of the twin transition and the many shapes it takes across the Union. The meeting was chaired by Walloon Minister for Tourism Valerie De Bue.

Walloon Minister for Tourism Valerie De Bue. Photo © Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union / Elodie Meunier

“The Belgian presidency is dedicated to promoting tourism as a means of sustainable economic development and to keep this sector a priority in the European agenda,” Minister De Bue said, adding that the presidency is working with its European partners to support the tourism industry in its dual transition.

“In this regard, the digitalisation of the industry as well as its green transition are some of our highest priorities during this semester,” she said.

During the meeting, innovative actions and good practices were shared by member states, with a focus on strengthening data sharing, achieving a more competitive and sustainable tourism offer and enhancing the attractiveness of careers in the sector.

Photo © Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union / Elodie Meunier

According to the Brussels presidency, the reopening and recovery of the tourism ecosystem indeed represent an opportunity to leverage the post-COVID-19 recovery phase towards a green and digital transformation for a more resilient tourism ecosystem.

Member states also shared their expectations regarding tourism at the European level during the next European term. In this regard, the presidency called onto the Commission to maintain the attention granted to tourism in the past years and to support its extension beyond this European mandate.

Representing Greece, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni informed her European counterparts in detail on Greece’s initiatives and ideas that aim to actively promote the EU’s sustainable tourism development agenda.

Commissioner Breton: EU member states are actively engaged in the twin transition

European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton. Photo © Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union / Elodie Meunier

Attending the meeting, European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton highlighted that over the past two years, the Commission and member states have developed and implemented an ambitious framework to support the sustained recovery of the tourism ecosystem, making it more green, digital and resilient.

“I am pleased to see the first concrete results. We have seen that the EU member states are actively engaged in the twin transition and ready to keep tourism high on the political agenda,” Commissioner Breton added.

European partners recalled that tourism is recognized as a sector of major importance at the European level, contributing to economic growth and the creation of high-quality jobs in many regions of the Union.