Read about tourism best practices in strategic approach of EU Member States. They were collected by the European Commission via the annual reporting exercise of the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) in 2024. The focus is on policy and governance, green transition, digital transition, resilience, and skills and support for transition. 

Policy and Governance Excellence

EU Member States have showcased a range of initiatives demonstrating effective policy and governance in tourism. For example, Croatia's Tourism Act, effective from 2024, provides a robust legal framework for sustainable tourism management. By integrating data-driven methodologies, Croatia ensures its policies support sustainability, competitiveness, and regional growth.

In Greece, the establishment of Destination Management and Marketing Organizations (DMMOs) reflects a forward-thinking approach. Supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, this initiative enables efficient local governance and the creation of diversified, high-quality tourist products.

Driving the Green Transition

Sustainability is at the heart of many national strategies. Ireland's Climate Action Programme, launched by Fáilte Ireland in 2024, exemplifies this commitment. The programme provides tailored advice for businesses to reduce carbon footprints through energy, water, and waste management.

In Finland, the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme supports regions and companies in aligning with climate goals. The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action has further inspired Finnish efforts, emphasizing robust climate action plans and sustainable tourism indicators.

Portugal's Tourism Strategy 2027 stands out for its monitoring system aligned with the European and the UN frameworks. Regional observatories integrated into the UNWTO network bolster data-driven sustainability efforts.

Digital Transition in Tourism

Digitalisation is another key priority, with several Member States enhancing their tourism frameworks. Croatia's eVisitor system, a centralised digital solution, streamlines tourist registration and tax collection, offering real-time analytics to authorities.

Similarly, Germany utilises data from platforms like Airbnb and Expedia to complement its official tourism statistics. This initiative provides insights into smaller accommodations, enhancing the understanding of tourism's economic and environmental impacts.

Strengthening Resilience

Member States have developed comprehensive strategies to enhance resilience in their tourism sectors. Austria's Plan T – Master Plan for Tourism includes sustainability indicators across economic, ecological, and sociocultural dimensions. These measures, combined with the Tourism Satellite Account, ensure effective evaluation and adaptive responses.

Slovenia leverages mobile network data to assess tourist flows, offering near real-time insights. This innovative methodology highlights the potential of technology in developing resilient tourism strategies.

Skills Development and Transition Support

The transition to sustainable and digital tourism requires robust skill-building initiatives. Visit Finland's State of Sustainable Tourism Report consolidates best practices and metrics to inform skill development. Ireland's actions focus on workforce innovation, with training aligned to sustainability and resilience.

Portugal's TravelBI platform supports knowledge dissemination among stakeholders, ensuring access to key tourism data and trends.

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These examples reflect the EU's commitment to fostering sustainable, innovative, and resilient tourism. By sharing best practices, EU Member States create opportunities for collaborative growth, setting a global benchmark for tourism excellence. Through integrated strategies, the EU ensures tourism continues to be a pillar of economic and cultural prosperity while adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities.