Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, gave the opening speech at the “Transatlantic Skift Summit” in New York, USA.
The Transatlantic Summit, organized by the European Travel Commission, is a premier global tourism forum, bringing together 150 high-level tourism executives to discuss the shifting landscape of travel between Europe and North America.
Key figures from major airlines, travel agencies, tourist destinations, and travel technology innovators highlighted the importance of the transatlantic corridor as the world’s busiest travel route, influenced by changing traveler demands, geopolitical shifts, and rapid digital advancements.
Discussions at the summit included ways to enhance collaborations in overcoming modern mobility challenges and creating a new framework for sustainable travel.
In his address, Mr. Tzitzikostas emphasized the significance of transatlantic travel flows, the new European tourism strategy he is developing, and the challenges and opportunities in the mobility sector driven by innovation and sustainable transport. He pointed out the essential role of the EU-US relationship in global tourism.
“The transatlantic corridor is the busiest route in the world,” he stated, highlighting the economic connectivity it fosters. “Last year, nearly 10 million Europeans visited the USA, while Americans spent over 34 million nights in Europe.”
Mr. Tzitzikostas noted the mutually beneficial relationship, stating that both business and leisure travel generate jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. “The diverse experiences we offer encourage tourists to return,” he said, adding that the USA represents Europe’s most important long-haul market.
He announced initiatives with the European Travel Commission to promote both iconic and lesser-known European destinations, aiming for a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits throughout the year and across regions.
Mr. Tzitzikostas previewed the forthcoming European tourism strategy, which he plans to unveil by 2026, focusing on making destinations more sustainable, advancing digital innovation, and strengthening international partnerships, particularly with the USA. He noted that these priorities provide opportunities for advancements in digital payments, diversification, and establishing global sustainability standards.
Regarding contemporary challenges, the Commissioner noted that both the EU and the USA are making vital adjustments. “Europe is investing in high-speed rail and multimodal transport tickets, while the USA is modernizing its infrastructure. Together, we can enhance travel reliability and sustainability,” he said.
He underscored that “tourism is not just an industry; it is a ‘soft power’ with significant value, generating millions of jobs and billions in revenue while connecting communities across borders. Together, the EU and the USA constitute the largest travel and tourism market globally. While disruptions may arise, strong partnerships and a shared vision enable us to overcome any barriers.”
On the sidelines of the summit, the Commissioner engaged with tourism stakeholders and officials from the EU and USA to discuss enhancing Europe’s market presence in America, analyzing trends, and collecting data for the new unified European tourism strategy to be presented next year.
During his New York visit, Mr. Tzitzikostas met privately with notable figures including Archbishop Elpidophoros, EU Ambassador to the UN Stavros Lambrinidis, the Consul General of Greece in New York Ifigenia Kanara, Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce President Eftychia Pylariou-Piper, and senior officials from US tourism organizations. (16/10/25)
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