2023 has been a year full of key milestones for the tourism sector from a European perspective. The EU Commission has released a newsletter dedicated to the promotion of the achievements attained. We summarise the most important ones.

Throughout 2023, the EU progressed with the implementation of the Transition Pathway for Tourism and the European Agenda for Tourism 2030. In October 2023, the Commission published 424 stakeholder pledges. Overall, 240 organisations, across 24 member states, were involved in consultations.

Throughout 2023, the Commission has also regularly updated its guide on EU funding for tourism. Recently, there have been four calls open for tourism SMEs:

• First Mile Sustainability Support Programme
• EU DigiTour
• EU RURAL TOURISM
• LookUP – THE SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME “Go Green, Get Digital and Be Resilient”

In addition, the EU Commission has launched a call for proposals through the Single Market Programme to finance projects supporting the transition to a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem for the empowerment of tourism SMEs. This action will provide direct support to tourism SMEs through the financing of collaborative innovative projects, the provision of capacity- building activities and consulting and advising services to enhance their green and digital skills. More information about the call can be found here.