European tourism continues to demonstrate strong resilience despite geopolitical tensions, according to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who stressed that the sector remains stable and even growing across the continent.
Speaking at an Economist conference in Crete, Greece, Tzitzikostas said that neither Greek nor European tourism appears to be affected by the crisis in the Middle East. On the contrary, he noted an increase in tourist arrivals compared with last year, underlining the sector’s importance for the European economy.
He pointed out that Europe welcomed 580 million tourists from outside the European Union last year, contributing to around 3 billion overnight stays, describing tourism as a key pillar of economic stability both in Greece and across Europe.
Tzitzikostas also referenced ongoing discussions within the EU’s Competitiveness Council in Brussels, where tourism has become a central policy focus. He said the European Commission is in continuous contact with tourism ministers across all 27 member states and closely monitors developments in the Middle East, ready to intervene if necessary.
At the same time, he announced that work is underway on what will become the first-ever European Tourism Policy, aimed at providing a unified strategic framework for the sector.
Addressing concerns over aviation fuel supply, the Commissioner dismissed recent warnings of shortages in Europe, stressing that the continent is not facing any fuel crisis. He urged responsible communication from officials to avoid unnecessary panic, adding that the EU continues to monitor the situation and will act if required.
Tzitzikostas also highlighted Europe’s rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment, noting that geography is once again central to global strategy. He positioned Greece as a key crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, with Crete playing a strategic role as a hub for trade, energy, transport, and connectivity.
He underlined Crete’s importance in the EU and Greek investment agenda, noting major infrastructure projects such as the Northern Road Axis of Crete, the new international airport at Kastelli, and energy and port upgrades supported by European funding.
Describing Crete as a potential European model for tourism, he emphasized its natural beauty, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and human capital. He also reiterated that tourism accounts for roughly 20% of Greece’s GDP, with Crete long serving as a flagship destination.
Concluding his remarks, Tzitzikostas stressed that Greece and Crete are becoming increasingly strategic for Europe’s future connectivity, energy transition, and security architecture, positioning the island as a central Mediterranean hub rather than a peripheral region.
