A European strategy for more growth and jobs in coastal and maritime tourism

In 2012, there were 534 million tourist arrivals in Europe, which is 17 million more than in 2011 and 52 % of all international arrivals worldwide. Revenue generated by inbound tourism reached € 356 billion, which is 43% of the world total.1 In 2013, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments in the EU28 reached a peak of 2.6 billion nights, up by 1.6% from 20122 . Tourism is clearly an important economic activity, especially in many maritime and coastal regions. However,…

In 2012, there were 534 million tourist arrivals in Europe, which is 17 million more than in 2011 and 52 % of all international arrivals worldwide. Revenue generated by inbound tourism reached € 356 billion, which is 43% of the world total.1 In 2013, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments in the EU28 reached a peak of 2.6 billion nights, up by 1.6% from 20122 . Tourism is clearly an important economic activity, especially in many maritime and coastal regions. However, the changing world economy is affecting the sector, causing significant changes in tourist behaviour and markets of origin.