Policymakers and marine industry representatives have discussed how the EU can strengthen sustainable water-based tourism and the recreational boating sector at a recent event hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac in the European Parliament.
The event was jointly organised by ADAC e.V. , one of Europe’s largest automobile associations, and the European Boating Industry (EBI).
The EBI represents the recreational boating industry in Europe, including related sectors such as boatbuilding, equipment manufacturing, marinas and service providers.
The theme of the breakfast debate was “EU Water-Based Tourism on the Rise: Developing the EU Policy Framework”.
It was described as “the first event of its kind, placing the sector and consumers at the heart of the EU’s debates surrounding the future sustainable tourism strategy and industrial maritime strategy”.
“Water-based tourism, from marinas to charter and boating, is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of Europe’s tourism ecosystem,” the organisers said.
Participants underscored the need for stronger EU support, investment, and harmonised frameworks for this growing sector.
The high-level event featured speeches from MEP Nikolina Brnjac, Andreea Staicu (Head of Tourism Sector, European Commission), MEP Grapini, MEP Giménez Larraz and several other members of parliament across different political groups and countries.
Speaking for the sector, Marc Diening (CEO, PPF Nautical) emphasised that private investment, supported by clear EU policies and realistic decarbonisation targets, is key to driving sustainable growth, innovation, and competitiveness in Europe’s boating and nautical tourism industry.
Representing Europe’s largest automotive club with 22.6 million members and 1 million skipper members, Karlheinz Jungbeck, Tourism President at ADAC e.V., called for a coherent EU framework that empowers consumers and fosters sustainable mobility on water:
“Nautical tourism is no longer a niche — it’s a pillar of European tourism. With over 48 million water sports enthusiasts, 6.5 million boats and 10,000 marinas, this sector is an engine for regional economies and environmentally friendly leisure,”Jungbeck said.
“ We need EU-wide solutions for challenges like the responsible disposal of end-of-life boats, harmonised boating licenses, and technological openness in propulsion systems. Smooth sailing requires foresight — from infrastructure to circular economy initiatives.”
Robert Marx, president of EBI, highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to Europe’s economy and its global leadership.
“Recreational boating and nautical tourism are a major economic force with a turnover of €28 billion annually, over 32,000 companies, and 280,000 direct employees,”Marx said.
“It’s a European success story — but one that needs the right policy winds to keep sailing forward. Supporting nautical tourism means supporting high-quality European manufacturing and local jobs across our coasts and waterways,” he added.
Both ADAC and EBI underlined the joint commitment of industry and consumers to work with the EU institutions towards a forward-looking water-based tourism strategy. The breakfast debate will feed directly into the EU’s ongoing discussions for which the two organisations issued a joint paper that can be found here
EBI said the industry is a “significant contributor to the European economy, representing 32,000 companies, predominantly SMEs that employ over 280,000 people directly”.
“The mission of EBI is to advance and represent a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry,”it said.
