R7: Recovering from Covid-19, building a sustainable tourism sector across Europe

The COVID-19 crisis has tragically proven the vulnerability of some European countries when their economic development relies, either essentially or for an important part, on tourism. This is especially true when it comes to the coastal and remote areas of some countries, such as Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, as well as, even if with less immediate effects, in some attractive cities, such as Athens, Paris, Rome, etc.

The COVID crisis dangerously threats the mutual systems of travel agencies and tour-operators compulsory financial guarantees and insurance mecanism. Europ has to find and propose solutions to securize these mutual systems, taking care of the country's particular situations, in way to protect the european consumers AND guarantee the right and operating possiility of the tourism operators

The COVID-19 crisis has tragically proven the vulnerability of some European countries when their economic development relies, either essentially or for an important part, on tourism. This is especially true when it comes to the coastal and remote areas of some countries, such as Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, as well as, even if with less immediate effects, in some attractive cities that are based on business tourism, such as Athens, Brussels, Paris, Rome, etc.

The COVID-19 crisis has tragically proven the vulnerability of some European countries when their economic development relies, either essentially or for an important part, on tourism. This is especially true when it comes to the coastal and remote areas of some countries, such as Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, as well as, even if with less immediate effects, in some attractive cities, such as Athens, Paris, Rome, etc. Although unavoidably some regions wil lhave to diversify their economic model based solely/mainly in tourism, short-term mesures have to be addressed to tackle the emegency situation.

The COVID-19 crisis has tragically proven the vulnerability of somethose European countries when their economic development relies, either essentially or for which tourism is either an essential or important part, on tourismfactor in their economy or economic development. This is especially true when it comes to the coastal and remote areas of some countrieslarger countries or entire island states, such as Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, as well as, even if with less immediate effects, in some attractive citiescities with famous historic and cultural attractions, such as Athens, Paris, Rome, etcandRome, amongst others.

Mass tourism as we know it, with its high environmental impact and exploitative practices, must end. The economic model upon which it is based is economically, socially, and environmentally unsustainable. The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis must lead the sector to build back better. With the active involvement of all stakeholders, local communities, tourists, businesses, academics/trainers and local authorities, a new form of tourism must be developed: a holistic, just, resilient and sustainable one that respects the planet and promotes rather than destroys the diversity of cultures and ecosystems.

Mass tourism as we know it, with its high environmental impact and exploitative practices, must end. The economic model upon which it is based is economically, socially, and environmentally unsustainable. The recovery from the COVID-19 crisis must lead the sector to build back better. With the active involvement of all stakeholders, local communities, tourists, businesses and local authorities, a new form of tourism must be developed: a holistic, just, resilient and sustainable one that respects the planet, reconnects human beings and promotes rather than destroys the diversity of cultures and ecosystems.

Hence, as emergency measures to compensate for the brutal reduction in the economic incomes linked to tourism especially in the Mediterranean, but also in other regions in Europe, as European Greens, we call for:

It is also crucial that we raise awareness across Europe on the impact our citizens have when travelling in and outside our borders, and that Europe promotes a global sustainable tourism organisation and model in all the world.
To ensure the transition to a more sustainable tourism, and by keeping in mind that tourism should remain accessible to all, not just a small elite, as European Greens, we call for:

Tourism is the main development ‘tool’ in many parts of the world, but it is also an important component in the overall production of greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it is imperative now to apply environmental practices both in tourist accommodation and across the rest of the tourism activity ‘grid’. After all, promotion of the environmental character of tourism in accommodation or a location brings more tourists and better prices.

Tourism is the main development ‘tool’ in many parts of the world, but it is also an important component in the overall production of greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it is imperative now to apply environmental practices both in tourist accommodation and across the rest of the tourism activity ‘grid’. After all, promotion of the environmental character of tourism in accommodation or a location brings more tourists and better pricesopportunities for longterm value creation.

Tourism is the main development ‘tool’ in many parts of the world, but it is also an important component in the overall production of greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it is imperative now to apply environmental practices both in tourist accommodation and across the rest of the tourism activity ‘grid’. After all, promotion of the environmental character of tourism in accommodation or a location brings more tourists and better prices.

Despite the important role of tourism in contributing to local economies, the proliferation of mass tourism, particularly through cheap flights has a drastic environmental impact. This is why it is imperative to shift from mass tourism to sustainable tourism, and therefore apply green practices and standards across the sector. The COVID-19 recovery plan offers the opportunity to accelerate this shift and ensure that a sustainable tourism sector is built across Europe.

Tourism can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and is the main development ‘tool’ in many parts of the world, but it is also an important component in the overall production of greenhouse gas emissions. This is why it is imperative now to apply environmental practices both in tourist accommodation and across the rest of the tourism activity ‘grid’. After all, promotion of the environmental character of tourism in accommodation or a location brings more tourists and better prices.