The Relevance of the Territorial Dimension in EU Policies and the Role of Tourism

Abstract

The disparities, inequalities as well as the different trajectories of social and economic development that still characterize the regions of the EU today demonstrate the importance of a debate on the spatial dimension of European policies. This paper analyses the implications of strengthening the spatial dimension in the different EU programs, highlighting the importance of the concept of territorial cohesion and the role that a strategic sector such as tourism can play in implementing this concept. Therefore, the added value of tourism and the potential of territorial cohesion should play an important role in future European policies and funding.