EUROPEAN STUDIES OF EU GOVERNANCE IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND THE HORECA SECTOR: REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS, COORDINATION AND ACTIONABLE PATHWAYS FOR TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of European Studies of EU governance and regulatory frameworks in the field of sustainable tourism and the HoReCa sector. The aim of the article is to analyse the governance instruments and regulatory frameworks of the European Union in sustainable tourism and HoReCa, as well as to identify actionable pathways for the transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of the implementation of the European Green Deal and ESG approaches at the sectoral and regional levels. The study demonstrates that the contemporary EU model of governance in sustainable tourism is characterised by a transition towards an integrated, multi-level and instrument-oriented framework, in which the European Green Deal, ESG regulation and SME support policies form a coherent and interrelated structure. A critical review of the key EU governance instruments and regulatory frameworks in sustainable tourism and HoReCa is conducted, and these instruments are systematised according to their level of impact, core content and relevance for the tourism and HoReCa sectors. This makes it possible to conceptualise a multi-level governance system aimed at coordinating the actions of public authorities, business actors and civil society in order to achieve a green, digital and resilient future for the tourism sector. The paper identifies practical pathways for the transformation of SMEs in the tourism and HoReCa sectors under increasingly stringent sustainability requirements arising from the European Green Deal and ESG policies. It is argued that effective SME transformation requires clearly defined, practice-oriented implementation mechanisms that combine regulatory requirements, EU support instruments and managerial solutions at the enterprise and local governance levels. The findings indicate that actionable pathways for SME transformation in tourism and HoReCa should be based on the phased implementation of sustainable practices, the integration of ESG principles into business strategies and the active use of EU support instruments. These pathways should combine impact assessment, technological innovation, operational modernisation, transparent non-financial reporting and participation in partnership networks, thereby forming an effective mechanism for achieving sustainable and competitive development in line with the EU approach to fostering synergies between the Green Deal, ESG frameworks and SME support policies.