At the recent Bureau meeting in Balatonfüred, Hungary, EPP-CoR members held a high-level debate on fostering sustainable tourism and enhancing territorial cooperation, a field where the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has actively shaped policy.
Anders Knape member of Karlstad Municipality highlighted the close link between shifting tourist behaviors and climate change. With more visitors flocking to summer hotspots and a rise in winter activities, Knape stressed the need for strong local relationships to support sustainable tourism. “A genuine connection with local people is necessary,” Knape emphasized, recognizing that while climate change can drive economic benefits, long-term implications must be addressed responsibly.
József Berényi, Vice - Chairman of Trnava Self -Governing region noted that while some countries face challenges from high tourist numbers, other regions aim to draw in more visitors by showcasing their unique natural and cultural assets. “Our policy is focused on continuing to increase the arrival of tourists,” Berényi stated, emphasising the importance of collaboration to raise awareness and promote less-visited areas.
Mark Speich, State Secretary for Federal, European and International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia emphasized that cross-border partnerships are crucial for sustainable tourism development. Simplifying the instruments for cooperation and promoting regional collaboration are essential for balancing economic opportunities with ecosystem conservation. Speich underlined that the strength of cohesion policy lies in partnerships, advocating against centralization in favor of leveraging Europe’s rich regional diversity.
The debate underscored CoR’s call for greater recognition of tourism policy’s broad significance, highlighting its impact on regional cohesion, growth, and heritage preservation. The CoR has proposed a dedicated tourism line in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MMF) post-2027, a new EU strategy for resilient and sustainable tourism, and enhanced data for local governance. Additionally, CoR members outlined their expectations for the incoming Commissioner for Tourism and Transport, emphasizing the need for an annual EC-CoR conference and expanded collaboration with EU bodies like the Parliament’s TRAN committee and UN Tourism. Through ongoing initiatives and strategic partnerships, CoR continues to advocate for policies that ensure tourism’s sustainable benefits extend well into the future.
The CoR’s influential contributions in the field of tourism have included own-initiative opinions, like the one on roots tourism that emphasizes digitalization and rural connectivity, as well as a significant stance on short-term rentals that improves public authorities' access to reliable data for informed policy-making. The CoR has also been proactive in partnerships, working closely with the European Parliament, European Commission, and UN Tourism on sustainable tourism initiatives and setting the stage for the Action Plan for 2025-2026.