Informal Meeting of European Tourism Ministers in Louvain-la-Neuve
On 20 February, Louvain-la-Neuve vibrated to the rhythm of European tourism at the informal meeting of the sector's ministers. The Belgian Presidency, represented by Wallonia's Minister for Tourism Valérie de Bue, chaired the meeting in the presence of European Commissioner Thierry Breton.
The Walloon Minister for Tourism said:
"The Belgian Presidency is committed to promoting tourism as a means of sustainable economic development and to ensuring that this sector remains a priority on the European agenda. We are working with our European partners to support the tourism industry in its twofold transition. In this respect, the digitisation of the industry as well as its green transition are among our top priorities during this six-month period."
The ministers plunged into the challenges of the dual transition, exploring its many facets across the Union and recalling the sector's major importance for economic growth and the creation of quality jobs in many regions of the Union.
Innovation and Best Practice
Member States shared innovative actions, focusing on data sharing, increased competitiveness, and the sustainability of the tourism offer. The post-COVID-19 reopening offers a unique opportunity to transform our tourism ecosystem into a greener, more digital and resilient model.
The Tourism Europe of Tomorrow
With a view to the next European legislature, the Presidency has invited the Commission to maintain its focus on tourism and to support its extension beyond this European mandate. In 2023, the EU recorded 2.92 million nights spent in tourist establishments. In Wallonia, tourism represented a turnover of 7 billion euros, contributed to 58,700 jobs and accounted for 16.5 million overnight stays in tourist establishments over the period 2022-23. Finally, in 2023, the cultural sector recorded 4.2 million visitors, the natural sector 3.5 million visitors and the recreational sector 5.4 million visitors.
