Home » SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL » EU’s Historic Tourism Shift: How Sustainability Will Reshape Travel Across Spain, France, Germany, and Italy, Important Details for Travelers to Europe
Published on
October 22, 2025
For the first time in its history, the European Union is preparing to implement a tourism strategy with sustainability at its core. Aimed at rebalancing regional development and reducing the environmental strain of tourism, this initiative is set to influence how travelers experience popular destinations like Spain, France, Germany, and Italy. These four countries alone represent over 60% of all overnight stays in Europe, and their growing tourist numbers are pushing infrastructure, housing, and local resources to the limit. With climate change, rising temperatures, and overtourism on the rise, the EU’s new tourism strategy, expected in 2026, is being designed to guide the sector toward a greener, more resilient future. This bold move will not only affect tourism providers but also shape the way visitors engage with Europe’s cultural and natural treasures.
A Strategy Shaped by Sustainability, Climate, and Community
The European Commission is steering a long-term vision that positions sustainability as a non-negotiable standard in tourism planning. The strategy, currently being finalized after widespread consultations, addresses the core issues affecting European destinations: carbon emissions, overcrowding, seasonal tourism, and local community resilience.
Tourism in the EU generated an estimated €807 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 7% of the EU’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and supporting over 20 million jobs. However, the current model—heavily concentrated in peak seasons and focused on a handful of countries—has begun to show cracks. Tourist hotspots are now facing growing opposition from residents and environmentalists concerned about overdevelopment and climate stress.
The Countries Under Pressure: Spain, France, Germany, and Italy
While the EU as a whole welcomed 758 million visitors in 2024, the majority flocked to just four countries:
- Spain: Despite new overtourism controls, it reported record-breaking visitor numbers in summer 2025.
- France: Long the world’s most visited country, it faces strain on both urban and rural tourist infrastructure.
- Germany: A major player in both inbound and domestic travel, it’s struggling with sustainability in heritage sites.
- Italy: Cities like Venice and Florence are tightening regulations to manage overcrowding.
These nations are now being encouraged to share their tourism traffic more evenly across regions and seasons, helping to ease pressure on high-traffic zones and foster economic growth in lesser-known areas.
Climate Change Forces a Rethink
Europe is warming at double the global rate, with more frequent heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels. These changes directly affect tourism—both in terms of visitor comfort and the preservation of historical and natural landmarks.
Several cities are already adapting. Barcelona is expanding its urban green spaces, Copenhagen is building advanced flood-control systems, and Dutch coastal towns are fortifying shorelines with natural barriers. Yet, experts warn that adaptation alone isn’t enough. Significant investment in climate resilience is urgently needed to keep destinations attractive and safe.
What This Means for Travelers
As the EU pivots toward sustainability, travelers can expect several changes that may impact their plans and expenses:
- Eco-friendly transport options like electric buses and trains will become more common.
- New entry regulations, such as the Entry/Exit System for non-EU visitors, may add procedural steps and influence travel patterns.
- Sustainable aviation fuel mandates will likely raise flight costs in the near term.
- Alternative destinations might be promoted by tourism boards to reduce overcrowding in popular cities.
These adjustments are meant not to discourage travel, but to make it more conscious, community-driven, and climate-resilient.
The EU’s Role Despite Limited Legal Power
Although tourism isn’t a direct EU competence, the Union exerts considerable influence through other sectors like transport, climate policy, energy, and infrastructure funding. This interconnectivity allows the Commission to guide national and regional policies using environmental laws, aviation rules, and border control systems.
Recent examples include the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, pushing airlines to use more sustainable fuels, and investments in green mobility within cities. These initiatives aim to reduce tourism’s environmental footprint without compromising economic value.
Travel Tips for a Greener European Journey
If you’re planning to visit Europe in the coming years, here are a few tips to align your travels with the EU’s sustainability push:
- Explore lesser-known regions: Consider visiting rural or less-traveled areas to reduce congestion in tourist hotspots.
- Travel off-season: Avoid peak summer months and plan for spring or fall visits to enjoy a quieter, more authentic experience.
- Choose eco-certified accommodations: Look for hotels and lodges with sustainability certifications.
- Opt for rail over air travel: Europe’s rail network is extensive and increasingly powered by clean energy.
- Support local communities: Buy local, eat local, and participate in cultural experiences that benefit residents directly.
Looking Ahead: A More Balanced and Responsible Future
The upcoming European Tourism Strategy 2026 signals a turning point in how travel is viewed across the continent. It aims not just to preserve Europe’s iconic landmarks, but also to ensure that tourism enhances, rather than exhausts, the places it touches.
For both travelers and industry stakeholders, the road ahead will involve adaptation, collaboration, and conscious choices. But the reward is a Europe that continues to inspire visitors—while also respecting the needs of its residents and ecosystems.
