EU tourism reform: Sustainability, jobs, and overtourism solutions

EU Parliament pushes bold reforms to fix tourism's biggest challenges by 2026

The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism committee has approved a new resolution to reform how tourism is managed across the EU. The non-binding plan focuses on sustainability, better transport links, and fairer benefits for local residents and travellers alike. It comes ahead of the European Commission’s first common tourism strategy, due in spring 2026. The resolution highlights major challenges facing Europe’s tourism sector, including a workforce shortage of nearly one million workers. To tackle this, MEPs proposed introducing a tourism skills card, designed to boost mobility and improve working conditions for employees.

Overtourism remains a key concern, with the committee urging a shift towards lesser-known destinations. Strategies include promoting gastronomy, heritage, and cultural experiences to spread visitor demand more evenly. The report also calls for stricter EU rules on short-term rentals, allowing member states to set caps or zoning restrictions to protect local housing markets.

Transport improvements are another priority. MEPs want a dedicated support system to enhance connections to emerging destinations while making travel more sustainable. They also suggest using environmental tourism taxes to fund projects that benefit both residents and the environment, with EU-wide sharing of best practices.

The report further recognises the vital role of cultural professionals and volunteers in preserving Europe’s heritage. It asks the Commission to create guidelines that encourage more cultural volunteering across the bloc. The upcoming EU tourism strategy aims to keep Europe at the forefront of global travel while addressing labour shortages and balancing visitor flows. If adopted, the measures could reshape how tourism benefits local communities and ensures long-term sustainability. The Commission’s full proposal is expected by spring 2026.