Sustainable Development Goals and Tourism in the European Union
Introduction
In 2019, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic heavily hit the tourism sector, the gross value added directly generated by tourism amounted to an estimated €572 billion, or 5% of the total gross value added in the EU economy.
Tourism and Gross Value Added in the EU
Among the countries for which data are available, the highest shares of tourism in total gross value added were observed in Croatia (11%), Portugal (8%), Spain (7%), Italy (6%) and Austria (5%). In absolute terms, the highest tourism direct gross value added was generated in Germany (€124 billion), followed by Italy (€100 billion) and France (€87 billion).
Source dataset: Ad-hoc voluntary data collection on Tourism Satellite Accounts 2022
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Based on 2020 data for around half of the EU countries, total direct gross value added dropped by €184 billion (32% compared with 2019) during the first year affected by the pandemic, causing a decrease in the share of the tourism sector in the economy (-1 percentage point; pp). This drop at the annual level corresponded to €500 million less daily direct gross value added in 2020 compared with 2019.
The tourism sector’s decline aligns with earlier national account estimates. In 2020, among the 64 industries in the economy, three of the four that experienced over 25% decrease in gross value added were tourism-related: travel services (-67% compared with 2019), air transport (-66%), and hospitality (-41%).
Tourism Satellite Accounts in Europe
Today, Eurostat has published the report “Tourism Satellite Accounts in Europe”. Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) is a methodological framework developed by the United Nations, UN World Tourism Organisation, Eurostat, and the OECD to measure tourism activity and its significance to national or regional economies. The report shares key TSA indicators from 27 European countries (23 being EU members) based on voluntary submissions, primarily focusing on 2019 data. It also features a special chapter with partial 2020 data, offering initial insights into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on European tourism.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and its contribution to the economy. This connects to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also relates to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the need for responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), the impact on marine life (SDG 14), and the importance of partnerships (SDG 17) in addressing the challenges faced by the tourism sector.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
- SDG 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
- SDG 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
The targets identified align with the SDGs mentioned above. These targets emphasize the need to promote sustainable tourism, develop resilient infrastructure, raise awareness for sustainable development, enhance economic benefits from marine resources, and foster partnerships to address the challenges faced by the tourism sector.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Direct gross value added by tourism as a percentage of total gross value added in the economy
- Change in direct gross value added by tourism compared to previous years
- Percentage decrease in gross value added in tourism-related industries
The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the share of tourism direct gross value added in total gross value added, the change in direct gross value added by tourism compared to previous years, and the percentage decrease in gross value added in tourism-related industries. These indicators provide insights into the economic impact of the tourism sector and its resilience in the face of challenges.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. | – Direct gross value added by tourism as a percentage of total gross value added in the economy – Change in direct gross value added by tourism compared to previous years |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being. | – Direct gross value added by tourism as a percentage of total gross value added in the economy – Change in direct gross value added by tourism compared to previous years |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. | – Percentage decrease in gross value added in tourism-related industries |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources. | – Percentage decrease in gross value added in tourism-related industries |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | – Direct gross value added by tourism as a percentage of total gross value added in the economy – Change in direct gross value added by tourism compared to previous years |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ec.europa.eu
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