The European Commission has been developing elements for a strategy for coastal and maritime tourism based on the implementation of the Communication "Europe, the world's No. 1 tourist destination - a new political framework for tourism in Europe" (2010) and as part of its strategy on Integrated Maritime Policy (Communication "An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union", 2007).

In the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy, and in particular the Blue Growth concept (sustainable growth from oceans, seas and coasts), coastal and maritime tourism will have an important role to play, requiring a thorough analysis and involvement of all interested parties.

Acknowledging the economic potential of sustainable coastal and maritime tourism in the EU as well as the multiple challenges ahead for this sector, the European Commission will present a Communication on the "Challenges and Opportunities for Maritime and Coastal Tourism in the EU" in 2012.

The results of the consultations are now available online.