The upcoming weeks and months are going to be crucial for the recovery and development of the tourism sector in Europe.

The measures and actions undertaken by the European Union can have a fundamental impact on the tourism sector. The exchange of knowledge, experiences, statistical data and best practices will enable accurate and safe planning for the future,

said Vice-Minister Gut-Mostowy.

European Green Digital Certificate

The meeting also covered the issue of the European Digital Green Certificate, which is currently developed on the EU level.

Poland supports the idea of introducing the Certificate, which will enable a quicker and easier return to free travel across all of Europe – this is a huge opportunity for the tourism sector,

Vice-Minister emphasised, adding:

We are actively involved in this project, and we declare that we are ready to support it at the EU level.

Poland was one of the first Member States to develop a national solution for a vaccination certificate based on QR codes. We believe that our experience can also serve as a valuable input into the ongoing technical work on the certificates and their functionality,

Vice-Minister Gut-Mostowy pointed out.

A new approach to tourism development

I am convinced that together we can ensure that Europe remains the number one tourist destination in the world,

he pointed out.

According to the Vice-Minister of Economic Development, Labour and Technology, the main pillars of the new approach to tourism development should include

• sustainable development, which takes into account the social, economic and ecological dimensions;
• improving the competitiveness of SMEs, which are the foundation of the tourism sector. In this context, it is crucial to extend measures to support SMEs in both the short and long term;
• research and knowledge transfer, especially in the context of the potential of exploiting Big Data to drive tourism;
• developing and implementing modern digital tools in tourism, in the spirit of green transition.
• using tourism as a tool to foster social and professional engagement, limiting marginalisation.

New Industrial Strategy

The ministers attending the meeting were asked to give their feedback concerning the new EU Industrial Strategy presented by the European Commission in early May.

We are glad that tourism was named one of the key sectors – alongside the chemical, steel and transport industries.

said the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Technology.

Poland welcomes the New Industrial Strategy, which will be a good starting point for further work on revitalising the tourism sector.

The document puts a strong focus on strengthening digital transformation and on actions related to environmental protection and climate change.

At the same time, due to the large share of SMEs in the tourism sector - actions concerning green revolution and sustainability will undoubtedly be a challenge for the sector.

European Agenda for Tourism 2030/2050

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and employment rate, as well as the changes in preferences of tourists pose a challenge when it comes to promoting a sustainable transition. In this regard, the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU urged the Member States and EU bodies to develop a common approach for strengthening joint cooperation, which should be included in the European Agenda for Tourism 2030/2050.

The new EU agenda will be driven by qualified foresight. By bringing together common priorities, objectives and actions, it aims to stimulate the ecological and digital transformation of the tourism ecosystem and strengthen its resilience and competitiveness.

The Agenda will pay particular attention to the situation of SMEs, the employment rate of women and youth, the peripheral areas of the EU, the role of less developed areas and other areas in need of support.

The meeting was attended by tourism ministers from the 27 EU member states.