The European Parliament today approved a report by Maltese MEP Daniel Attard setting out a new direction for tourism in Europe, built on fairness, sustainability, stronger connectivity and better quality jobs.
The report sends a clear message: tourism is not a secondary issue, but one of Europe’s strongest economic pillars, supporting millions of jobs, businesses and families across the continent.
Commenting after the vote, Attard said:
“Europe must remain the world’s leading destination, not only in numbers, but in quality, identity and sustainability. This report is about making tourism work better for residents, workers, businesses and local communities.”
Key outcomes of the report:
Homes for people, not only for profit
The report makes a strong call for fair European rules on short term rentals. It highlights the growing pressure on housing affordability in many destinations and calls for transparency, enforcement, the removal of illegal listings, and a clear distinction between genuine hosts and large scale commercial operators.
Protecting the environment
The report calls on the European Commission to identify gaps in the Single Use Plastics Directive as it applies to tourism and hospitality. It also promotes circular economy measures, stronger waste and water efficiency, and support for businesses making the green transition.
Better jobs and stronger skills
The report calls for an EU Tourism Skills Card to help recognise qualifications, improve worker mobility, and unlock more training, reskilling and upskilling opportunities across Europe. It also underlines the need for fair wages, stronger social protection and more stable year round employment.
Protecting Europe’s identity
The report places strong emphasis on protecting Europe’s cultural identity and heritage, supporting investment in cultural routes, historic villages, agritourism, local producers and community led tourism models that keep economic value closer to local communities.
Better connectivity and balanced growth
The report includes practical proposals to improve connectivity and spread tourism opportunities more fairly across Europe, including stronger investment in rail, simpler cross border ticketing, night trains, cleaner ferries, modern maritime links and targeted support for islands and peripheral regions.
“This is not about less tourism. It is about better tourism,” Attard said.
“Tourism that serves residents, respects workers, protects nature and keeps Europe number one for the right reasons.”