“We will start writing the pages of the new European strategy for sustainable tourism,” said the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostle Tzitzikostas Speaking to Europe’s Regional Governors, Mayors and Self -Government Executives at the European Commission Plenary of the European Commission, which is being held in Brussels, on the occasion of the new single strategy that will be presented in early 2026.
Mr. Tzitzikostas stressed that “tourism is a bridge between people, places, businesses, visitors and communities. It is a catalyst for the positive change that Europe now needs, ”adding that it promotes economic growth and development, generates revenue, strengthens local businesses and creates jobs.
The Commissioner gave data, stating that about 20 million Europeans are working on over 3 million small tourism companies and that tourism contributes to almost 10% of EU GDP, with some countries reaching up to 25% and some areas fully dependent on it.
“In 2024, tourism in Europe broke a new record, surpassing them both before the pandemic and 2023,” Mr Tzitzikostas said, saying that more than 3 billion nights were held in tourist accommodation, 18% of which were out of the EU. Already at 452 million
The European Commissioner added that “cohesion policy remains a powerful ally of tourism, 4.2 billion euros from the ERDF were allocated to support sustainable and smart tourism businesses and destinations during the current programming period, and from the recovery and durability mechanism will be taken up to 13 billion euros”.
Addressing Europe’s self -government, he referred to “unbalanced tourism”, saying that “there are currently more areas suffering from hypocrude rather than the opposite. The real challenge is to find the right balance. In places where tourism is unbalanced, communities are rightly concerned. We have to hear and have to act. But the issues are more complicated and I am talking about housing, short -term leases, infrastructure. “
By the end of the meeting, the President of the European Commission of the Regions, Kata Tutto, gave the Greek commissioner a jersey with the No1 and the name “Tzitzikostas” in the back. After all, Mr. Tzitzikostas kept the “steering wheel” of the European Committee of Regions for years and at the beginning of his speech he said excitedly saying that he felt a member of the regions and cities. “A place I served and called my home for almost ten years and I will continue to consider it my home,” he said.