Each year, on 17 February, Global Tourism Resilience Day invites us to reflect on the need to strengthen the tourism sector’s adaptability in an increasingly uncertain world. From climate-related disasters to pandemics and economic shocks, the tourism sector is often among the first to be affected, yet may face prolonged recovery periods. This day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, highlights the need for stronger, more resilient tourism systems, supported by cooperation between governments, businesses, and local communities and more diversified tourism models [1].
Sustainable tourism plays a vital role in advancing the three pillars of sustainable development: the economic, social, and environmental pillars. It contributes to economic growth, poverty reduction, and the creation of decent jobs, while also supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). When managed responsibly, tourism can promote sustainable consumption and production, encourage the protection of marine resources, preserve local cultures, and empower women, young people, Indigenous Peoples, and local coastal communities, as well as improving livelihoods in coastal and rural areas [1].
At the heart of global tourism is the world’s coastlines. Tourism accounts for around 33% of the blue economy [2], highlighting its importance to ocean-based industries and livelihoods. From relaxing beach holidays to snorkelling and diving adventures, coastal destinations continue to draw millions of travellers each year. In fact, coastal tourism accounts for around half of global travel and tourism, generating approximately US$1.5 trillion annually and supporting more than 52 million jobs worldwide [3]. For many island and coastal nations, it is the backbone of their economy. Yet this success depends entirely on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. Clean beaches, clear waters, and thriving marine life are what make these destinations attractive in the first place. Today, however, many coastlines are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, coastal erosion, and habitat loss [3]. Without action, these threats could undermine both nature and livelihoods.
Supporting sustainable coastal tourism offers a way forward. Responsible tourism practices can reduce waste and pollution, protect sensitive habitats, promote marine conservation, and strengthen local livelihoods. Together, these actions help safeguard fragile ecosystems while securing long-term economic benefits. They also bring visitors and host communities closer together, fostering a shared commitment to protecting the coastal environment.
Understanding tourism trends and environmental pressures is essential for building a resilient and sustainable coastal tourism sector. Data on visitor flows, tourism activities, and ecosystem health, amongst other data, provide valuable insights into current opportunities and emerging risks. The map of this week presents several layers, including the percentage distribution of different types of beach litter (such as glass, textiles, metals, and plastics) being monitored on Europe’s coastline under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), an overview of the bathing water quality along European coasts, and all important regular international ferry routes and all national ferry routes having major importance in connecting the national road or railway network. Additional economic data on coastal tourism, as well as data on blue economy indicators available on the EU Blue Economy Observatory dashboard, provide further insights into the significance of coastal tourism in European Union blue economy development.
Statistics like these help policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders develop evidence-based guidelines and regulations that balance economic development with environmental protection. By aligning tourism planning with reliable data, countries and local governments can better support healthy coastal ecosystems while maintaining economic prosperity and wellbeing of the local communities.
Global Tourism Resilience Day reminds us that resilient tourism is not only about recovering from crises, but also about building systems that respect and preserve nature, while supporting coastal communities and economies in ways that ensure sustainable development.
Wish to learn more and get involved?
Read the expert essay, “Vision Setting: A Sustainable Coastal and Marine Tourism Sector in 2030 and 2050”, to explore the importance of, and the necessary shifts to nature-positive tourism over the coming decades.
Explore the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, which aims to accelerate sustainable consumption and production in tourism policies and practices, helping to address challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Learn about the Ocean Tourism Pact, launched under the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice in June 2025. This collective pledge brings together leaders from across the tourism sector to promote sustainable coastal and maritime tourism (“blue tourism”).
Follow the Blue Tourism Initiative for news, events, and recent publications to stay informed about developments in sustainable tourism and the governance of coastal and marine tourism.
Support responsible travel by choosing eco-certified operators, respecting local cultures, and reducing your environmental footprint when visiting coastal destinations.
Are you a sustainable tourism advisor or a small tourism provider? Discover the EU-funded Blue Tourism project, which aims to build a network of local advisors to help small tourism businesses in watercourse regions transition towards more sustainable practices.
The data in the map is provided by EMODnet and EuroGeographics.
The European Atlas of the Seas is powered by the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet).
[1] https://www.un.org/en/observances/tourism-resilience-day
[3] https://wttc.org/blog/tourism-force-for-ocean-conservation