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With the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, tourism policy has received new impetus. In the European Commission's communications, returning policy objectives are geared towards making tourismBriefing - Tourism in transport policy: State of play and future perspectives - 06-05-2025
With the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, tourism policy has received new impetus. In the European Commission's communications, returning policy objectives are geared towards making tourism greener, more digital, more competitive and – since the COVID-19 pandemic – more resilient. The Commission has also set out several initiatives to improve the travel experience by protecting the rights of passengers and making tourism more accessible for people with disabilities. In addition, the EU makes use of digital tools for issuing or refusing travel authorisations, processing biometric data and protecting travellers' personal data. Furthermore, it addresses the environmental impact of tourism with legislation that encourages energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels. It also promotes eco-friendly accommodation and little-known destinations in order to cope with overtourism. Service providers in the travel industry face several challenges and opportunities. The sector is affected, among other things, by new taxation rules. Service providers will be able to collect more reliable information on hosts and their short-term rental properties. Funding for tourism is spread across several EU programmes. Some are meant to make the sector more resilient, others to support businesses, protect the environment or encourage cultural exchange. Looking ahead, the Commission work programme for 2025 envisages amending passenger rights, digitising passports and identity cards, facilitating consular protection and protecting travellers. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP Read more