The future of European tourism will increasingly depend on the expectations, values and ideas of younger generations. Recognising this, the European Commission is creating new opportunities for direct dialogue between policymakers and young people through dedicated Youth Policy Dialogues.

On 15 May 2026, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, will host a dialogue in Athens focused specifically on the future of tourism in Europe. Around 20 young participants from across EU Member States will come together to exchange ideas, ask questions and share perspectives on the direction of the sector.

Importantly, the event is not intended as a symbolic consultation. The insights gathered during the discussion are expected to contribute to shaping future EU tourism policies, particularly the upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. This gives the initiative strong relevance at a time when the European Union is redefining its tourism priorities around sustainability, resilience and competitiveness.

The dialogue also reflects a broader shift in European policymaking towards more participatory approaches. Youth Policy Dialogues are becoming an increasingly visible mechanism across the European Commission, allowing younger generations to engage directly with Commissioners on topics ranging from climate transition and mobility to culture and tourism.

For tourism, involving young people is particularly important. Younger travellers are already influencing major trends within the sector, including demand for more sustainable travel, authentic experiences, digital accessibility and stronger environmental responsibility. At the same time, young professionals entering the tourism labour market will play a central role in shaping how destinations and businesses adapt to future challenges.

The choice of tourism as the focus of this dialogue highlights the growing recognition of the sector’s strategic importance within the EU agenda. Tourism is increasingly seen not only as an economic driver, but also as a field closely connected to climate action, mobility, regional development and cultural identity.

This initiative also builds on previous youth dialogues organised within the transport and tourism portfolio. Earlier discussions focused on the expectations and needs of young travellers and job seekers, exploring topics such as sustainable mobility, innovation and accessibility. The upcoming event in Athens expands this discussion towards the broader future of European tourism.

From a European perspective, the dialogue comes at a particularly important moment. The EU is currently preparing new strategic frameworks for tourism, while destinations across Europe are facing major transitions linked to climate adaptation, digitalisation and changing visitor expectations. Ensuring that young people are part of this conversation helps strengthen the long-term relevance and legitimacy of future policies.

The initiative also sends a wider message about governance in tourism. Sustainable tourism development requires not only institutional coordination and funding, but also social engagement and intergenerational dialogue. By creating direct exchanges between policymakers and youth, the European Commission is acknowledging that the future of tourism cannot be shaped without the perspectives of those who will live, work and travel within it in the decades ahead.

Ultimately, the Youth Policy Dialogue demonstrates a growing understanding that tourism policy must become more inclusive, forward-looking and participatory. Bringing young voices into the centre of the discussion is an important step towards building a tourism sector that is more resilient, responsible and aligned with the expectations of future generations.

#Smart Tourism #Sustainable Tourism #Tourism Destinations