The Informal meeting of European Tourism Ministres took place in Louvain-la-Neuve on February 20th. Member States were invited to exchange around the following topics : the twin transition of Tourism – both digital and sustainable – as well as perspectives on tourism at the European level during the next European mandate.
“The Belgian Presidency is dedicated to promoting tourism as a means of sustainable economic development and to keep this sector a priority in the European agenda. We are working with our European partners to support the tourism industry in its dual transition. In this regard, the digitalisation of the industry as well as its green transition are some of our highest priorities during this semester” as stated by Minister De Bue.
Ministers were invited to reflect on the challenges of the twin transition and the many shapes it takes across the Union. Innovative actions and good practices were shared by Member States, with a focus on strenghtening data sharing, achieving a more competitive and sustainable tourism offer and enhancing the attractiveness of careers in the sector. The reopening and recovery of the tourism ecosystem indeed represents an opportunity to leverage the post-COVID-19 recovery phase towards a green and digital transformation for a more resilient tourism ecosystem.
Member States also shared their expectations regarding tourism at the European level during the next European term. In this regard, the Presidency called onto the Commission to maintain the attention granted to tourism in the past years and to support its extension beyond this European mandate.
“Over the past two years, the Commission and Member States have developed and implemented an ambitious framework to support the sustained recovery of the tourism ecosystem, making it more green, digital and resilient. I am pleased to see the first concrete results. We have seen that the EU Member States are actively engaged in the twin transition and ready to keep tourism high on the political agenda” as emphasized by Commissioner Breton.
European partners recalled that tourism is recognized as a sector of major importance at the European level, contributing to economic growth and the creation of high-quality jobs in many regions of the Union.
David Jordens, Spokesperson – porte-parole – woordvoerder
TEL: +32 478 92 09 37
EMAIL: mediaEU2024BE@diplobel.fed.be
Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Rue des Petits Carmes / Karmelietenstraat 15
Brussels 1000 – Belgium
belgium24.eu