Austria Introduces "Tourism Checks" Initiative in EU Legislation

Brussels/Warsaw – To enhance the potential of tourism, Austria, along with 15 other EU member states, is pushing for the establishment of a “Tourism Check” in EU projects. Secretary of State Elisabeth Zehetner-Piewald (ÖVP) stated to reporters before the EU ministers’ meeting on Tuesday in Warsaw that the initiative aims to “strengthen tourism at the European level and elevate its significance.”

Legislative areas such as consumer protection, corporate law, and environmental regulations are all linked to tourism, the Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy, and Tourism pointed out. “This is why we require a Tourism Check for all legislative initiatives at the EU level,” she emphasized. Tourism must be a consideration across the board. With the non-paper presented by Austria on the future of European tourism policy, a solid coalition has formed: 15 member states have already backed the call for a more strategically anchored approach to tourism at the EU level, according to the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy, and Tourism.

Zehetner indicated her intention to present the document to EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. A forward-looking tourism policy demands European collaboration, she noted: “Only through collective strategic positioning can we bolster the resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness of tourism. Our objective is clear: The economic and social importance of tourism must finally gain the visibility it warrants at the EU level.”

Local rates should be feasible

Tourism plays a crucial role in our economy, particularly in Austria, the Secretary of State remarked. However, gaining public acceptance is essential when it comes to travel: tourism is increasingly perceived as a burden. Therefore, it is vital to “establish our tourism in a socially responsible and sustainable manner to enhance public acceptance.” One regulatory barrier is the Geo-blocking Regulation, which “for instance, renders local rates unachievable.”

The Geo-blocking Regulation aims to prevent unjustified geo-blocking and discrimination in the purchase of goods or services based on residence, nationality, or establishment. Zehetner emphasized that local rates are crucial to ensure that “the local population also receives benefits and relief when visiting museums, beaches, or riding cable cars, making it more affordable for residents,” thereby improving the acceptance of tourism. (23.06.2025)