The European Commission as a Policy Entrepreneur in Addressing Overtourism

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Published: Dec 31, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hapscpbs.40783
Keywords:
European Commission policy entrepreneur policy agenda overtourism tourism policy
Miltiadis Peloponnisios
Department of Political Science, University of Crete
Abstract

Overtourism poses a significant challenge for the European Union, calling into question the traditional model of tourism development. Despite its limitations, the European Commission seeks to address this issue by acting as a policy entrepreneur. This article, through the process of incorporating overtourism into the EU agenda and using Kingdon's multiple streams framework, seeks to better understand the Commission's role as a policy entrepreneur and how it manages to extend its ambitions beyond its established competences, shaping reform-oriented conditions. Despite the challenges, the Commission leverages windows of opportunity to promote sustainable tourism as a response to overtourism. Through new strategies, it aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability by utilizing the green and digital transitions. Acting as a successful policy entrepreneur, the Commission not only addresses overtourism but also lays the groundwork for a more collaborative and cohesive tourism policy at the European Union level.

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