Sustainable Tourism and Employment in the Digital Age

This research report analyzes the impact of the green and digital transitions on the European Union's tourism sector, focusing on employment, skills, and working conditions. It assesses how social dialogue can address the challenges arising from these transitions. The report highlights that the tourism sector employs between 12.3 million and 20.3 million workers, contributing significantly to the EU's GDP. The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the sector, but by 2023, tourist arrivals had rebounded. The report discusses national policies aimed at enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in tourism, including the European Tourism Agenda for 2030. Key findings reveal that the tourism sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and faces structural staff shortages. It also notes the increasing demand for workers with ICT skills and higher qualifications in sustainability management. The report concludes with policy pointers for strategic thinking at various levels to address the impacts of climate change on tourism.