EP backs MEP Daniel Attard’s vision for sustainable tourism reform

The European Parliament has given strong backing to proposals for Europe’s first sustainable tourism strategy, with Maltese MEP Daniel Attard arguing that the future of the sector must be built around fair housing rules, better jobs, stronger connectivity and protection of local communities.

The report, approved by 439 votes in favour, 42 against and 129 abstentions, sets out a new vision for one of Europe’s most important industries, aiming to reduce pressure on overcrowded destinations while spreading opportunities more evenly across regions.

Attard, who served as rapporteur on the file, said tourism should no longer be treated as a secondary issue, stressing that it remains one of Europe’s strongest economic pillars, supporting millions of jobs and driving growth across the continent.

“Tourism is not a secondary issue. It is one of the strongest pillars of our economy and creates millions of jobs. But if it is not managed correctly, people will pay the price through insecure work, housing pressure and environmental damage,” he said.

A major focus of the report is the rapid growth of short-term rental platforms and their impact on local housing markets. Attard said homes must remain places for people to live in, not simply assets for profit, as many families and workers struggle to find affordable accommodation close to where they work.

The report calls for new EU-wide rules on short-term rentals, including clearer distinctions between occasional hosts and commercial operators, stronger transparency requirements for platforms and the removal of illegal listings. It also supports allowing governments to cap visitor nights or introduce zoning systems where needed.

Environmental measures are another key pillar. Attard said tourism cannot continue to grow by damaging the very places people travel to enjoy.

The report therefore calls for stronger circular economy measures, action against waste and single-use plastics, and policies that preserve natural sites, coastlines and heritage areas.

Workers’ conditions also feature prominently. Parliament is calling for fair wages, stable employment and better opportunities in a sector often marked by insecurity and seasonal pressures. It also supports the creation of a European tourism skills card to help workers certify qualifications and experience across borders.

“Tourism works because of people,” Attard said, insisting that those employed across hospitality, transport and visitor services deserve better conditions and long-term prospects.

The strategy also seeks to tackle overtourism. With around 80 per cent of travellers concentrated in only 10 per cent of destinations, MEPs want to encourage visitors towards rural areas, islands, mountain regions and lesser-known communities.

Attard placed particular emphasis on transport links, saying major investment is needed if tourism is to benefit more regions.

“If we mean business, we must invest in connectivity,” he said, highlighting stronger rail networks, cleaner ferries and improved support for islands and peripheral regions.

The European Commission is expected to table its sustainable tourism strategy in the coming months, with Parliament’s position now sending a clear message that future growth must work for residents, workers and communities as much as it does for visitors.