European Union’s Active Tourism Coalition, Led by the European Boating Industry, Advocates for Investment in Waterway Infrastructure, Sustainable Tourism, and Regional Economic Growth

The European Boating Industry has become an integral part of the European Union Active Tourism Coalition, a partnership focused on promoting active tourism, including activities like boating, cycling, and hiking. The coalition seeks to secure funding for infrastructure development under the EU’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy, aiming to boost the tourism sector while supporting regional economic growth.

Active Tourism’s Role in Sustainable Travel

Active tourism is a growing sector within the EU’s tourism economy, offering a sustainable way to explore Europe’s diverse landscapes. Boating, in particular, provides travelers with the chance to connect with Europe’s coastal and inland waterways, which have gained popularity for both recreational and tourism purposes. With more than 48 million Europeans participating in boating activities annually, the sector generates approximately €45 billion in revenue, supporting 32,000 businesses and 280,000 jobs across Europe.

Boating is integral to active tourism, offering a low-impact, immersive way to explore the environment. By promoting this sector, the European Boating Industry aims to enhance the region’s sustainable tourism efforts and create job opportunities while supporting regional development, particularly in areas dependent on tourism.

Promoting Waterway Infrastructure: Essential for Future Growth

One of the coalition’s central proposals is to advocate for dedicated funding for waterway infrastructure within the EU’s 2028–2034 budget. The coalition is calling for investments in marinas, waterway services, and improved connectivity between coastal and inland waterways. This funding would contribute to constructing modern, eco-friendly marinas and improving access to waterways, making them more appealing to tourists.

Well-developed marinas are crucial to accommodating boating tourists, offering docking spaces, services, and amenities that enhance the overall visitor experience. Investing in these infrastructures not only supports active tourism but also boosts local economies by attracting international visitors. Moreover, improved waterway connectivity facilitates multi-destination travel, linking cities, towns, and cultural attractions through a sustainable mode of transportation.

Fostering Sustainable Development and Regional Tourism

Integrating boating into the EU’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy aligns with broader goals of promoting regional development and environmental sustainability. By encouraging eco-friendly travel methods like boating, the EU can reduce carbon footprints and promote exploration of less-visited regions. Many of Europe’s coastal and inland areas are still underdeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure. Investments in waterway services will unlock these regions, providing local businesses with new opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth.

Waterways offer a more sustainable alternative to air travel and car tourism, allowing tourists to explore Europe’s rich cultural heritage in an environmentally friendly way. As demand for sustainable tourism continues to grow, improving access to waterways is essential to maintain this momentum while adhering to environmental goals.

The Economic and Employment Benefits of Boating Tourism

Boating tourism provides significant economic benefits, particularly in coastal and rural regions reliant on tourism. The sector not only generates employment but also stimulates business opportunities in hospitality, retail, and transport. By investing in marinas and waterway infrastructure, the European Boating Industry aims to ensure that these areas benefit from increased tourism traffic, creating long-term job opportunities and contributing to local economies.

The expansion of boating tourism also supports the development of related industries, creating a more resilient tourism ecosystem that benefits a wide range of sectors. By promoting active tourism, including boating, the EU can establish a sustainable and economically beneficial tourism model that supports long-term growth across diverse European regions.

The Future of Active Tourism in Europe: A Collective Effort

The collaboration between the European Boating Industry and the Active Tourism Coalition marks a significant step in integrating boating into Europe’s sustainable tourism strategy. By working together, the coalition aims to influence EU policymakers to prioritize investments in waterway infrastructure and create policies that support the growth of active tourism.

This partnership highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. With members from various industries, the Active Tourism Coalition is well-positioned to offer valuable insights and recommendations to EU policymakers, helping shape the future of tourism in Europe. The continued support of stakeholders will ensure that active tourism, including boating, is recognized as a core component of the EU’s long-term tourism strategy.

A Growing Opportunity for Sustainable Travel

With growing demand for sustainable and responsible travel, boating and waterway tourism are poised to play an increasingly vital role in Europe’s tourism industry. By prioritizing investments in marinas, waterway services, and connectivity, the EU can create a more sustainable, accessible, and economically beneficial tourism model. The collaboration between the European Boating Industry and the Active Tourism Coalition is a critical step toward ensuring that boating and other forms of active tourism are fully integrated into the EU’s future tourism strategy.

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