Tourism is a growing activity in the economic landscape of the European Union. Its share in surface transport is estimated to be 20% to 30%, and in international airports 60% to 90%. Moreover, tourism provides employment for more than 9 million European citizens. However, it is creating infrastructure-related problems, particularly in cities that are popular destinations.

There is a lack of data on tourism flows, and insufficient knowledge of visitor management practices. Moreover, there are poor linkages between the definitions/data used for tourism and those for transport, including inconsistencies between different European countries. In order to co-ordinate policies, some common base of information is needed.