Commission publishes guidelines for sustainable tourism in Natura 2000 areas

Today, the European Commission published new guidelines on how Europe's Natura 2000 network of protected areas can act as a powerful driver of sustainable tourism, while safeguarding resilient ecosystems that protect habitats and species.

Tourism represents a substantial share of the EU economy, generating around €807 billion in 2024 and supporting more than 20 million jobs. Natura 2000 is the largest network of protected areas in the world, bringing together more than 27,000 sites across Member States embodying the rich diversity of Europe's wildlife and habitats. Within Natura 2000 sites, visitor activity generates between €50 and €85 billion annually and sustains up to two million full-time equivalent jobs, particularly in rural, coastal and mountainous regions.

Today's guidelines aim to support site managers and national authorities in striking a balance between economic activities, including tourism, and keeping conservation and restoration goals. This includes, for instance, preventing increased pressures on the habitats and species that make those well-managed protected areas attractive for tourists in the first place. The guidelines provide a framework for the planning and management of Natura 2000 sites. This approach integrates tourism and recreational activities, and also highlights the growing importance of ecotourism, meaning travelling responsibly to natural areas in a way that conserves the environment and benefits local communities. 

You can find more information on the new guidelines on Natura 2000 and sustainable tourism online.