Urban mobility plays a vital role in the European Union’s tourism landscape. Cities serve as hubs for cultural heritage, events, and attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually. However, the influx of tourists often exacerbates urban transport challenges, leading to increased emissions, traffic congestion, and pressure on public infrastructure. This intersection between urban transport and tourism underscores the urgent need for greener, more efficient mobility solutions that accommodate residents while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

The European Union has placed urban mobility at the heart of its climate action agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Through initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the EU aims to decarbonise the transport sector, which remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Special emphasis is placed on urban environments where public transport systems, alternative fuels, and digitalisation can drive the shift toward cleaner, more efficient mobility. For urban tourism, this transition presents an opportunity to align transport systems with sustainability goals, creating cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable cities for both residents and visitors.

1. The Challenges of Tourism-Driven Urban Transport

Tourism Density and Carbon Emissions

Tourism hotspots across Europe face significant challenges linked to urban transport emissions. Popular cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona attract millions of visitors annually, resulting in increased reliance on diesel buses, taxis, and private vehicles. This dependency on fossil fuel-powered transport systems contributes heavily to carbon emissions, worsening air quality and undermining the EU climate goals. For example, studies show that tourist transport accounts for a substantial share of urban CO₂ emissions, particularly during peak seasons when traffic volumes surge. Without greener alternatives, the carbon footprint of tourism-driven urban mobility threatens both environmental targets and city liveability.

Impact on Local Communities and the Environment

The environmental impact of tourism-related urban congestion extends beyond emissions. Increased vehicle traffic contributes to air pollution in densely populated areas, with harmful effects on public health. Residents often endure the most of noise pollution, crowded public spaces, and deteriorating infrastructure, reducing their quality of life. For tourists, heavy congestion diminishes the visitor experience, creating delays, overcrowding, and less enjoyable urban exploration. Cities must address these challenges to balance tourism's economic benefits with the need for cleaner, more sustainable urban environments that protect both the local communities and natural surroundings.

2. Key Strategies for Decarbonising Urban Transport in Tourism

Electrification of Public Transport

Transitioning to electric public transport is a key strategy for reducing emissions in tourism-driven cities. Electric buses and trams offer a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel fleets, significantly lowering carbon footprints while improving urban air quality. For example, Paris has committed to electrifying its public bus network as part of its broader sustainability plan. By 2025, the city aims to replace over 4,000 diesel buses with electric and biogas-powered models, reducing both emissions and noise pollution. This transformation aligns urban mobility with EU climate goals and enhances the visitor experience by creating cleaner, quieter cityscapes.

A critical component of this transition is the role of renewable energy in powering urban transport systems, ensuring that electrification is truly sustainable. 

Micro-Mobility Solutions for Tourists

Micro-mobility, including shared electric scooters and bicycles, is becoming increasingly popular in European cities as a sustainable urban transport option. Cities like Copenhagen have embraced micro-mobility solutions, offering extensive bike-sharing systems that cater to both residents and tourists. These alternatives allow visitors to explore cities efficiently while contributing to reduced transport-related emissions. Tourists benefit from improved accessibility to attractions, while cities experience less congestion and improved air quality.

To maximise these benefits, cities are redesigning infrastructure to prioritise micro-mobility, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly zones. 

Smart Transport Integration

Digitalisation is transforming urban mobility through smart transport systems that integrate multiple modes of travel into a seamless user experience. Platforms like Mobility as a Service (MaaS) are leading this shift. For instance, Helsinki’s Whim app combines public transport, bike-sharing, ride-hailing, and taxis into a single platform, enabling tourists to plan and pay for multi-modal journeys efficiently. Such systems reduce reliance on private vehicles, optimise public transport usage, and promote greener travel choices, making urban exploration both convenient and sustainable for visitors.

3. EU Support for Sustainable Urban Mobility

Relevant Policies and Frameworks

The European Union has established a robust policy framework to drive the decarbonisation of urban transport, with direct relevance to tourism. The Urban Mobility Framework, a cornerstone of the EU's Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, provides cities with guidelines to reduce emissions, improve public transport, and prioritise cleaner mobility solutions. The Fit for 55 package, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, complements these policies. They establish a clear pathway for urban areas, including popular tourist destinations, to transition toward sustainable transport systems that benefit both visitors and local residents.

Funding Programs for Cities

To support cities in implementing these strategies, the EU offers substantial funding through initiatives like Horizon Europe and the Cohesion Fund. These programs provide financial resources for urban infrastructure projects, innovation, and sustainability solutions. For example, the Cohesion Fund supported the expansion of Krakow’s tram system, enabling the city to reduce congestion and emissions while improving connectivity for residents and tourists alike. Such investments demonstrate how EU funding accelerates the adoption of cleaner transport options, helping cities meet sustainability targets and enhance the overall urban experience for visitors.

4. Benefits and Practical Impacts

Improved Tourist Experiences

Decarbonised urban transport significantly enhances the visitor experience in European cities. By reducing emissions, cities benefit from cleaner air and quieter environments, creating more pleasant spaces for tourists to explore. Electric buses, trams, and micro-mobility options like bikes and scooters offer seamless, convenient, and eco-friendly mobility solutions. Visitors can navigate attractions efficiently, free from the disruptions caused by congestion and pollution. Integrated digital platforms, such as Mobility as a Service (MaaS), further streamline urban travel, allowing tourists to plan multi-modal journeys effortlessly, contributing to a more enjoyable and sustainable experience.

Long-Term Benefits for Cities

The shift toward sustainable urban transport delivers significant economic and environmental advantages for cities. Cleaner air reduces public health risks, leading to lower healthcare costs associated with respiratory diseases and other pollution-related illnesses. Economically, cities that prioritise decarbonised transport can strengthen their sustainable tourism branding, attracting environmentally conscious visitors and enhancing their global reputation. These long-term benefits ensure urban destinations remain vibrant, competitive, and functional, striking a balance between tourism growth and environmental protection. By investing in greener mobility, cities create a healthier future for both residents and visitors.

The CEE Smart Cities Mobility Index: Benchmarking Sustainable Mobility Progress

The CEE Smart Cities Mobility Index serves as a valuable benchmark for assessing the progress of Central and Eastern European cities in their journey toward sustainable urban mobility. Covering 25 cities, the Index evaluates key dimensions such as traffic management, public transport efficiency, active mobility, and environmental sustainability. The findings reveal that while some cities, like Tallinn, demonstrate best practices in air quality and smart mobility, others face challenges related to emissions, congestion, and infrastructure for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The Index underscores the importance of collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate the adoption of greener mobility solutions. By leveraging these insights, cities can refine their strategies for decarbonising transport, ultimately creating cleaner, more efficient urban environments that benefit both residents and tourists. This aligns with the EU’s broader sustainability goals and highlights the potential for cities to lead in the transition to a low-carbon future.

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Decarbonising urban transport is a pressing necessity for ensuring sustainable tourism in Europe’s cities. The environmental and social challenges posed by tourism-driven congestion and emissions require immediate action. By embracing electrified public transport, promoting micro-mobility solutions, and integrating smart transport systems, cities can transform their urban mobility landscapes to benefit both residents and visitors.

Achieving this transition requires strong collaboration among stakeholders—governments, businesses, and communities—working together to implement EU policies and funding opportunities effectively. Cities have the potential to function as role models, demonstrating how sustainability and innovation can reshape urban tourism. By prioritising greener mobility, they not only enhance visitor experiences but also contribute to cleaner, healthier, and more liveable environments for future generations. Europe’s cities must lead the way, proving that sustainable tourism and urban mobility can go hand in hand.

Find out more 

For readers eager to explore the intersection of sustainable urban mobility and tourism, a variety of resources offer detailed insights, practical strategies, and innovative solutions.

Begin with the policy frameworks shaping the transition to greener urban mobility across Europe. The European Green Deal and its path toward climate neutrality by 2050 provide a broad roadmap for action, while the Fit for 55 Initiative outlines critical steps to achieve EU climate goals by 2030. More regionally focused efforts, like Austria’s 2030 Mobility Master Plan, demonstrate how individual nations are committing to climate-neutrality targets. Additionally, the European Declaration of Commitment to Green Mobility and the Manifesto for Sustainable Urban Transport highlight collective efforts to drive greener transportation solutions across urban hubs.

Next, explore key legislation supporting sustainable transport systems. Initiatives like the Proposed Regulation to Strengthen Passenger Rights in Multimodal Transportation and the Rules for Transforming EU Travel aim to enhance mobility options while prioritising environmental sustainability and user convenience.

A variety of innovative projects showcase how cities and regions are tackling urban transport challenges. The MaaSolutions Project demonstrates how digital platforms can revolutionise urban mobility, while Salento’s Pathways to Environmentally Friendly Tourism highlights the role of eco-tourism in reducing transport emissions. The Innovative Bicycle Project in Slobozia exemplifies how localised solutions can transform urban mobility.

For skill-building and professional development, learning resources like the EMDS Training Course on mobility data skills and the Innovations in Urban Mobility Resource provide tools to deepen understanding and expertise in transformative transport solutions.

In the realm of knowledge and documents, comprehensive guides such as the EU Mobility and Transport Strategies offer an in-depth look at rights, safety, and sustainable mobility. Resources like the Guide to Sustainable Tourism Through Electric Mobility and the Shared and Zero-Emission Mobility in European Cities report provide actionable insights for advancing greener travel.

A wealth of best practices presents successful implementations across Europe. The ASTYMove Project on transforming mobility in Astypalea and the DIAGORAS Initiative on electric vehicle integration showcase innovative approaches to sustainable mobility, while the DESTINATIONS Project highlights strategies for enhancing mobility in the Mediterranean.

To connect with others working toward sustainable mobility goals, the European Network for Sustainable Travel offers a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Meanwhile, for event highlights, the Innovative Data Sharing for European Transport Insights Webinar provides engaging discussions on the role of data in transforming mobility.

Finally, stay updated with the latest developments by reading news like Integrating Sustainable Mobility with Tourism, which explores the synergies between green transport and tourism experiences.

These resources provide a comprehensive overview of how sustainable urban mobility is being reimagined to meet the challenges of climate change, support urban tourism, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.