EU strategy for growth in coastal and maritime tourism

European Commission released Final Communication regarding the European strategy for more growth and jobs in coastal and maritime tourism.

The Blue Growth Communication of 2012 listed coastal and maritime tourism as one of five focus areas for delivering sustainable growth and jobs in the blue economy. The European Parliament’s 2013 report on Blue Growth welcomed this European framework and recommended a series of actions to boost the sector and support the development of sustainable tourism in coastal destinations.

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The tourism sector is growing and the challenge is to exploit its potential in a way that sustainably produces economic benefits. This Communication proposes joint responses to the multiple challenges, with a view to capitalise on Europe’s strengths and enabling it to substantially contribute to the Europe 2020 objectives for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Challenges and a new framework for coastal and maritime tourism in Europe

Strengthening sustainability

Tourism depends on a healthy environment and the sustainable use of natural capital, but activities are often concentrated in already densely populated areas, leading to vast increases in water demand, more waste and emissions from air, road and sea transport at peak periods, more risks of soil sealing and biodiversity degradation (from infrastructure developments), eutrophication and other pressures. Scarcely populated and pristine areas can be affected too.

In addition, the impacts of climate change exacerbate pressures on these areas and could reshape tourism’s geographical and seasonal distribution. The EU’s Natura 2000 network protects vulnerable coastal and marine habitats which, if managed well, can provide significant recreational opportunities and contribute to sustainable growth and employment.

EU legislation such as the Water Framework and Marine Strategy Framework Directives require Member States to ensure good status of coastal and marine waters, a pre-requisite for tourism to prosper.

Integrated Coastal Management and Maritime Spatial Planning help ensure sustainable and Green Infrastructure development through smart planning and cooperation between government, public and private partners.

Vessels using shore-side electricity when in port could substantially reduce fuel consumption, noise and air emissions. To date however, only a small number of European ports have invested in this technology; provision of electricity and integration in smart energy grids should be further explored and promoted.

The European Commission will:

Promote ecotourism, using the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme and EU Ecolabel indicators and encourage linking to other sustainability actions.
Promote implementation of the Protocol to the Barcelona Convention on Integrated Coastal Management and the relevant Council Recommendation, and promote Maritime Spatial Planning and Green Infrastructure, to ensure the sustainable development of EU coastal areas.
Promote strategies on waste prevention, management and marine litter to support sustainable coastal and maritime tourism.

The Commission invites Member States, regions, industry and other stakeholders to:

Implement the Integrated Coastal Management Recommendation and Protocol.
Develop guidelines on minimising impacts on biodiversity and enhancing benefits of recreation and tourism in protected areas.
Develop climate change adaptation in coastal areas.
Improve resource efficiency, waste and pollution prevention and management in tourist areas and by operators.
Promote Eco-Management and Audit Scheme and implement Best Environmental Management Practices and Green Infrastructure approaches.
Promote the use of shore-side electricity and provision of port facilities.
Promote water efficiency measures included in the Water Blueprint

.The Commission invites the industry and other stakeholders to:

Develop and promote ecotourism and other sustainable tourism products.
Implement water efficiency measures included in the Water Blueprint.
Actively participate in projects that reduce waste, emissions, marine litter, naturalresource use and in water and waste recovery / recycling.

Further information may be found at EU Strategy for More Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism

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