Published on
February 11, 2026
The European Boating Industest has now become an important part of the European Union Active Tourism Coalition. The main idea is to recognize the importance of boating, marine infrastructure, along with waterway infrastructure, with adequate funding under the EU’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy. The coalition is comprised of 20 different associations from different industries such as cycling, walking, hiking, etc. The focus of the new coalition is to promote the importance of active tourism as part of sustainable tourism policy. It is an attempt to secure the required funding for infrastructure development.
The Role of Active Tourism in Sustainable Travel
Active tourism, which includes activities like cycling, walking, and boating, plays a significant role in the EU’s tourism economy. As more tourists view for sustainable and immersive travel experiences, active tourism provides a unique way to explore Europe’s diverse landscapes while minimizing environmental impact. Boating, in particular, offers travelers the opportunity to connect with Europe’s coastal and inland waterways, which have become increasingly popular as destinations for both recreation and tourism.
The European Boating Industest has emphasized the importance of boating in this broader tourism trfinish. Each year, over 48 million Europeans engage in boating activities, contributing significantly to the regional economy. The boating sector generates an estimated €45 billion in revenue, supports approximately 32,000 businesses, and provides 280,000 jobs across the continent. This growing sector represents a crucial opportunity for boosting sustainable tourism, creating jobs, and promoting regional development, particularly in areas depfinishent on tourism.
Promoting Waterway Infrastructure: A Vital Investment for Future Growth
One of the coalition’s key proposals is to advocate for dedicated funding for waterway infrastructure in the EU’s 2028–2034 budobtain. The coalition is calling for investments in marina facilities, waterway services, and enhanced connectivity between coastal and inland waterways. This funding would support the construction of modern, eco-frifinishly marinas and improve access to waterways, creating them more accessible and appealing to tourists.
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Marinas play a crucial role in accommodating boating tourists, offering docking spaces, services, and amenities that enhance the overall experience. Investing in these infrastructures not only supports active tourism but also boosts local economies by attracting international visitors. Furthermore, well-connected waterways encourage multi-destination travel, allowing tourists to explore different regions by boat, linking cities, towns, and cultural attractions through a shared, sustainable mode of transportation.
Fostering Sustainable Development and Regional Tourism
The integration of boating into the EU’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy aligns with the broader goals of regional development and sustainability. By promoting sustainable, eco-frifinishly travel methods like boating, the EU aims to reduce carbon footprints while encouraging tourists to explore regions that may not be as frequented by traditional tourism methods. With many of Europe’s coastal and inland areas still relatively underdeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure, the investment in waterway services will support unlock these regions, providing local businesses with more opportunities and fostering economic growth.
Waterways have the potential to become central to Europe’s tourism ecosystem, offering tourists an opportunity to explore the continent in a way that is less intrusive to the environment compared to air travel or car tourism. As sustainable tourism continues to rise in popularity, creating waterways more accessible is critical to maintaining this growth while adhering to environmental goals.
The Economic and Employment Benefits of Boating Tourism
In addition to its environmental and tourism benefits, the boating sector generates substantial economic impact. The sector directly contributes to employment and business opportunities across Europe, particularly in coastal and rural areas that are often highly reliant on tourism. By advocating for investment in marinas and waterway infrastructure, the European Boating Industest aims to ensure that these regions can benefit from increased tourism traffic, generating revenue for local businesses and creating long-term job opportunities for communities.
The expansion of boating tourism also supports the development of related industries, such as hospitality, retail, and transport, which depfinish on a steady influx of tourists. By improving access to water-based tourism and promoting the benefits of active tourism, the EU can create a more sustainable and resilient tourism model that fosters long-term economic growth across diverse European regions.
The Future of Active Tourism in Europe: A Collective Effort
The collaboration between the European Boating Industest and the Active Tourism Coalition represents a significant step towards integrating boating into the broader framework of sustainable tourism in Europe. By working toobtainher, the coalition aims to influence EU policybuildrs to prioritize investments in waterway infrastructure and develop policies that will support the growth of active tourism.
This partnership also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. The Active Tourism Coalition, with its diverse range of members, is positioned to provide valuable insights and recommfinishations to EU policybuildrs, supporting shape the future of tourism in Europe. With the continued support of industest stakeholders, this initiative will support ensure that active tourism, including boating, is seen as an integral part of the EU’s sustainable tourism strategy.
A Growing Opportunity for Sustainable Travel
As the demand for sustainable and responsible travel continues to rise, boating and waterway tourism are poised to play an increasingly important role in Europe’s tourism industest. By prioritizing investments in marinas, waterway services, and connectivity, the EU can create a more sustainable, accessible, and economically beneficial tourism model. The collaboration between the European Boating Industest and the Active Tourism Coalition is a step in the right direction, ensuring that boating and other forms of active tourism are supported and integrated into the EU’s long-term tourism strategy.
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