Water-Based tourism on the rise - ADAC and EBI join forces in first-ever European Parliament event
by European Boating Industry 12 Nov 05:38 PST
ADAC e.V. and European Boating Industry (EBI) breakfast - MEP Nikolina Brnjac © Thomas Blairon
Hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac in the European Parliament and co-organised by ADAC e.V. and European Boating Industry (EBI), today's breakfast debate "EU Water-Based Tourism on the Rise: Developing the EU Policy Framework" brought together policymakers, industry representatives, and consumer organisations to discuss how the EU can strengthen sustainable water-based tourism and the recreational boating industry. It was 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. 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, actively engaged in the discussion. 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.
Consumers and mobility at the heart
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. We need EU-wide solutions for challenges like the responsible disposal of end-of-life boats, harmonised boating licences, and technological openness in propulsion systems. Smooth sailing requires foresight — from infrastructure to circular economy initiatives."
Industry calls for action
Robert Marx, President of European Boating Industry (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. 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.
A shared vision for Europe's waters
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.