You're listening to the European Parliamentary Research Service podcast on policy responses to the major challenges for EU tourism.

The European Commission wants Europe to be the world's number one tourist destination, but increasing challenges and lack of competence in this

field make it difficult for the EU to act. So what tools does the EU have to help develop a modern

and sustainable tourism industry? Join us on this trip through the present and future of EU tourism.

Taking a gondola ride down the Grand Canal in Venice, climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, swimming in pristine waters in Croatia.

Every year, millions of tourists from around the world succumb to Europe's natural, historical and cultural charms.

According to Eurostat, in 2014, holiday makers spent 2.7 billion nights in tourist accommodation in the EU and tourists not only sleep in

hotels and bed and breakfasts, they also eat in restaurants, visit museums, use public transport,

so they contribute to generating over 5% of EU GDP and create

close to 10 million jobs.

This is why tourism has become the third largest economic sector in the EU, but it is facing

increasing challenges. For instance, sustainability.

Many European cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona have become victims of their

own success as mass tourism often leads to noise pollution, increased CO2 emissions, damage to natural

resources and encourages unsustainable urban planning. Economic, political and natural events can

also have a big impact on tourism. After the terrorist attacks in Paris, many tourists cancelled their trips to the French capital

and speculation around the crisis in Greece

curbed tourist arrivals in the summer of 2012.

At the same time, Europe's southern countries

seem to be profiting from the political upheaval in the Arab world,

at least in terms of tourism.

But competition is getting tougher.

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