‘Nautical tourism is no longer a niche’: Industry leaders urge Europe to support recreational boating
MEP Nikolina Brnjac hosted the event. Image courtesy of Thomas Blairon
The European Boating Industry (EBI) has taken part in a breakfast debate titled ‘EU Water-Based Tourism on the Rise: Developing the EU Policy Framework’, which took place on Wednesday (12 November 2025) at the European Parliament.
The event, hosted by MEP Nikolina Brnjac and co-organised by EBI and the German Automobile Club (ADAC), 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 to focus on both the sector and consumers within the context of the EU’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Industrial Maritime Strategy.
The debate came a week after the European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan became the first EU transport strategy to explicitly include recreational craft.
Water-based tourism, encompassing marinas, charters and boating, is increasingly viewed as an integral part of Europe’s tourism ecosystem. Participants at the event highlighted the need for stronger EU support, investment and harmonised policy frameworks to encourage sustainable growth in the sector.
Speakers included MEP Nikolina Brnjac, Andreea Staicu (head of tourism sector, European Commission), MEP Grapini and MEP Giménez Larraz, along with other members of parliament representing different political groups and countries.
Marc Diening, CEO of PPF Nautical, speaking for the sector, emphasised the importance of private investment supported by consistent EU policies and realistic decarbonisation targets to drive sustainable growth, innovation and competitiveness across Europe’s boating and nautical tourism industry.
Karlheinz Jungbeck, tourism president at ADAC, noted that the sector’s growth must be matched by clear EU frameworks that empower consumers and promote sustainable mobility on water.
“Nautical tourism is no longer a niche — it’s a pillar of European tourism. With over 48m watersports enthusiasts, 6.5m boats and 10,000 marinas, this sector is an engine for regional economies and environmentally friendly leisure,” he says. “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.”
Robert Marx, president of EBI, highlighted the sector’s contribution to Europe’s economy and its international competitiveness. “Recreational boating and nautical tourism are a major economic force with a turnover of €28bn annually, over 32,000 companies, and 280,000 direct employees,” he says. “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 says.
Both ADAC and EBI reaffirmed their shared commitment to working with EU institutions on developing a comprehensive strategy for water-based tourism. The breakfast debate will inform ongoing EU discussions, supported by a joint paper that will be released by the two organisations.
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