Cities rethinking tourism: The EUI Focused Policy Lab on Sustainable Tourism

Across Europe, cities are rethinking what tourism should look like in the decades ahead. The question is no longer simply how to attract visitors, but how tourism can support thriving neighbourhoods, resilient local economies and a better quality of life for residents.

This ongoing transformation will be at the centre of the European Urban Initiative’s Focused Policy Lab on Sustainable Tourism, taking place on 22–23 April 2026 in Copenhagen.

A European conversation shaped by cities

The Policy Lab arrives at a critical moment. In 2026, the European Commission is expected to present the EU Tourism Strategy, placing the sector firmly within the broader European agenda for climate neutrality, digital transformation and territorial cohesion.

Cities are key actors in this transition. While tourism operates through global value chains, its impacts (economic, environmental and social) are felt most directly at the local level. Urban authorities are therefore uniquely positioned to experiment with policies that balance visitor flows, support local businesses and protect community wellbeing.

The Policy Lab provides a space where these local experiences can inform European debates and where urban practitioners can learn directly from each other’s innovations.

From experimentation to shared learning

Over two days in Copenhagen, participants will explore how cities across Europe are translating sustainability ambitions into practical actions.

Discussions will focus on questions such as:

How can cities support local tourism economies while protecting community wellbeing?
What role can digital tools and data play in managing destinations more effectively?
How can tourism contribute to green transitions and circular urban economies?
Which policy instruments help cities move from experimentation to systemic change?

Participants will hear directly from cities that are testing new solutions and visit local initiatives, including projects connected to the EUI Innovative Actions programme.

Building on the work of the Sustainable Tourism Partnership

A central source of insight for these discussions is the Urban Agenda for the EU Partnership on Sustainable Tourism. Bringing together cities, Member States, the European Commission and stakeholders, the Partnership has worked over the past years to address key challenges facing tourism destinations across Europe.

Through its multilevel governance approach, the Partnership has developed tools, policy recommendations and pilot initiatives addressing themes such as:

climate-friendly tourism destinations
digital skills for the tourism workforce
support mechanisms for tourism SMEs
diversification of tourism offers and experiences
accessibility and inclusive tourism

By connecting local experiences with European policy processes, the Partnership has demonstrated how cities can help shape the future direction of tourism policy in Europe. The upcoming Policy Lab offers an opportunity to bring these lessons into a broader European conversation, linking the work of the Partnership with innovative projects and new policy developments.

A laboratory for the future of urban tourism

The Focused Policy Lab format is designed as a space for peer exchange, policy reflection and practical learning. By bringing together city representatives, experts and EU institutions, the event aims to connect local innovation with European policy priorities.

Hosted in cooperation with the City of Copenhagen, the event highlights how cities can act as laboratories for a new tourism model ,one that strengthens local economies while safeguarding the social and environmental foundations of urban life.

Join the discussion

Cities, local authorities and urban practitioners are invited to join this exchange of ideas, experiences and practical solutions shaping the future of tourism in Europe’s cities. The programme will be published shortly.

Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.