The impact of mass tourism: concerns grow in the EU.

Mass tourism is putting the European Union to the test, with increasingly visible consequences for the housing crisis, infrastructure and the environment. In light of these critical issues, MEPs Jaume Asens Llodrà, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez and Estrella Galán raised the issue in a question to the European Commission, asking what concrete measures it intends to take to address the sector’s negative impact.

The Commission acknowledged the problems linked to uncontrolled tourism, also highlighted in its 2022 report on the sector’s unbalanced growth. However, it stated that the link between tourism and the housing crisis requires further research to be fully understood. To address the issue, a Housing Task Force has been set up to coordinate the European Plan for Affordable Housing.

Another issue raised concerns initiatives for more sustainable tourism. The Commission has announced that in 2026 it will present a dedicated strategy, the result of consultations with the European Parliament, Member States and local authorities. The aim will be to balance the tourism sector with the social and ecological needs of the most affected territories.

On the economic level, the European Union has allocated significant resources for sustainable tourism. Spain alone, among the countries most affected by the phenomenon, has received €1.79 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to develop tourism sustainability plans. Furthermore, between 2021 and 2027, the European Regional Development Fund has allocated €4.2 billion to the sector. However, the question remains as to how these funds will actually be used to mitigate the negative impacts of overtourism.

While the European institutions are moving slowly, the pressure of mass tourism on Spanish cities and coastal areas continues to grow, leaving citizens and local administrations waiting for concrete answers. But, in the meantime, Ursula and her associates are thinking about rearming the EU.