BRUSSELS – In the EU, summer is often when the tourism season reaches its peak. In 2022, for example, one in four tourism-related trips made by EU residents happened in July or August.

The tourism industry makes a significant contribution to the EU’s economy. Its activities account for roughly 10% of the EU’s gross domestic product and the share of the EU’s workforce employed in the sector amounts to around 8%. This makes the prosperity of the sector pivotal for our economies. The European Agenda for Tourism 2030, which EU Member States agreed upon in 2022, aims to guarantee this prosperity. Through the Agenda, the EU seeks to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry as well as its resilience in the face of economic shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Member States are also encouraged to facilitate the digital transition of the sector.

The EU has taken action in different areas of the tourism sector, for example, by establishing harmonised rights that protect holidaymakers on their travels and by defining high quality and safe bathing water standards for everyone to enjoy. What’s more, through the DiscoverEU programme the EU offers 18-year-olds the opportunity to travel around the continent, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with others.