In view of the strong competition from other regions, Southern Europe needs to make strategic efforts in several key areas to enhance its position as a premier destination for beach holidays. Many developing countries have easy access to inexpensive beach vacation destinations. Some of these countries have comparable natural and cultural richness but lower prices (albeit due to lower labor standards), which could undermine the attractiveness of southern Europe’s tourism industry. be. Investing in sustainable tourism practices can ensure the preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage for future generations. Furthermore, strengthening infrastructure such as transportation networks and accommodation facilities will improve accessibility and cater to the diverse preferences of travelers. Promoting off-season tourism and offering a variety of services beyond traditional beach vacations can also help attract tourists year-round.
However, Southern Europe is highly dependent on tourism and is caught in an unfavorable equilibrium between strong structural dependence on foreign tourists and increased vulnerability to exogenous shocks (such as pandemics). It also risks perpetuating the inherent structural problems the region faces in today’s globalized knowledge economy, such as the prevalence of low-skilled jobs and low productivity. Other parts of Europe are moving toward more technologically advanced, high-value manufacturing and high-end services, which could widen inequality across Europe.
