EU tourism strategy to tackle labour gap and soaring fuel prices unveiled

The European Commission will soon present its first EU-wide tourism strategy, aimed at addressing a shortage of roughly one million workers in the sector. Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Jitzikos said the plan will include the creation of a European Tourism Academy, measures to curb over‑tourism and tighter regulation of short‑term rentals such as Airbnb, and support for regional and remote destinations.

The strategy also tackles the impact of high aviation fuel prices, which have forced cancellations on unprofitable routes. Jitzikos stressed that supplies are adequate – “there are no signs of a fuel shortage” – but prices have risen sharply, prompting the EU to diversify imports, increasing purchases from the United States and Nigeria. He called for the swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to avoid further economic slowdown.

Overall, the plan seeks to balance tourism growth, protect employment, and stabilise transport costs across the EU, with detailed policy proposals expected by autumn.