Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. A European strategy for more growth and jobs in coastal and maritime tourism

In 2012, there were 534 million tourist arrivals in Europe, which is 17 million more than in 2011 and 52% of all international arrivals worldwide. Revenue generated by inbound tourism reached €356 billion, which is 43% of the world total. In 2013, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments in the EU28 reached a peak of 2.6 billion nights, up by 1.6% from 2012. Tourism is clearly an important economic activity, especially in many maritime and coastal regions. However, the changing world economy is affecting the sector, causing significant changes in tourist behaviour and markets of origin.

In its 2010 Communication, the Commission announced a strategy for sustainable coastal and maritime tourism. The European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee welcomed this proposal and emphasised the need for joint action. A public consultation held in 2012 has given a strong basis for a specific EU initiative.

Furthermore, the Blue Growth Communication of 2012 listed coastal and maritime tourism as one of five focus areas for delivering sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy. The European Parliament's 2013 report on Blue Growth welcomed this European framework and recommended a series of actions to boost the sector and support the development of sustainable tourism in coastal destinations.

The tourism sector is growing and the challenge is to exploit its potential in a way that sustainably produces economic benefits. This Communication proposes joint responses to the multiple challenges, with a view to capitalise on Europe's strengths and enabling it to substantially contribute to the Europe 2020 objectives for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

EUR-Lex: COM(2014)86: Follow the progress of this communication through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2014:086:FIN

ESO: Background information: New tourism quality principles – Good for tourists, good for small enterprises http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-new-tourism-quality-principles-good-for-tourists-good-for-small-enterprises/

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Council Recommendation on European Tourism Quality Principles http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-council-recommendation-on-european-tourism-quality-principles/

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