28
Apr
2026
Watch
Enhancing connectivity, preserving cultural heritage and driving local excellence in European tourism – destination management and regional tourism growth (A10-0078/2026 - Daniel Attard) (vote)
Mrs President, I understand that everyone has to go to eat, but tourism has been left to the end, but it is not a secondary issue. It is a European economic force that employs millions of people, supports businesses, keeps our regions and yours alive. But if we continue without direction, we risk going into the wall and failing ourselves and the next generation. Today we understand the price of a no-direction policy. We have some cities where they are overburdened and we have residents protesting against tourists. We have pressure on housing, a burden on the environment and a lack of labour and wealth which, evidently, is not reaching everyone. This report therefore sends a clear message: a new model for European tourism is needed. A model that enhances connectivity, especially of islands and for periphery areas; a model that protects our historical heritage and unique European identity; a model that improves working conditions; a model that protects the environment and, yes, a model that protects residents by regulating what is now a short-term rental jungle. Therefore, the tourism I believe in is a tourism that must serve our communities and not exploit them. This is not an anti-tourism report, but a report in favour of better tourism. And so, a vote in favour of this report, is a vote in favour of a stronger tourism at European level.