PRESERVE Conference

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and in many regions the single largest source of investment and employment; it is one of the economic activities with most significant potential to generate future growth and employment in the EU. In its narrow definition, tourism currently contributes some 4% to EU GDP. Tourism indirectly generates more than 10% of EU GDP and provides about 12% of all jobs.

Today, the tourism industry is also faced with challenges linked to the economic downturn. More than ever the overarching challenge for the tourism sector is to remain competitive but not only: environmental and social sustainability in tourism are more than ever crucial when foreseeing the future of this sector . Past crises show that people continue to travel and that tourism does not stop altogether but requires adaptation on behalf of the policy makers and stakeholders.

The conference will be an opportunity to discuss the lessons that can be drawn from the crisis and the long term prospects of this sector to come out stronger by harnessing tools of sustainability. The event will offer a wide-range of activities, discussions and networking opportunities. The PRESERVE conference also marks the half-way milestone for the 14 partners of the consortium who will present their main findings.