European Travel Commission releases a major study analysing the impacts of and lessons learned from crises on tourism in Europe and presenting effective crisis management strategies.

The European Travel Commission (ETC) has released a comprehensive report titled ‘Crises in Tourism: Impacts and Lessons from European Destinations,’ which highlights the increasing frequency and severity of crises affecting the tourism sector in Europe and worldwide. As global travel dynamics evolve and economies become more interconnected, the tourism industry faces heightened vulnerability to crises, from pandemics to geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events.

Recent challenges such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine have shown that European destinations must be prepared for complex, long-term threats. This report, conducted in collaboration with national tourism organisations across Europe, identifies key vulnerabilities in European tourism and offers a roadmap for effective crisis management. By highlighting lessons learned and best practices, the study aims to strengthen the resilience of European destinations in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Europe’s crisis exposure

As a global, interconnected sector with complex supply chains and a high proportion of small and medium-sized businesses, the travel and tourism industry is vulnerable to a wide range of risks. ETC’s study found that European tourism is especially susceptible to extreme weather and other natural disasters, geopolitical crises such as war and terrorist attacks, civil unrest, cyber-attacks and other IT system failures.

Climate risks present significant challenges for Europe, affecting energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, and water resources. Weather patterns across the continent are becoming increasingly unpredictable, with some regions facing heatwaves and droughts while others experience widespread flooding.

European destinations also rely heavily on complex infrastructure, including transportation networks, accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions. Additionally, the travel industry is vulnerable to political instability, border disputes, and international conflicts. These factors contribute to potential uncertainties and disruptions in travel across Europe.