TRANSPORTATION IN EUROPE AND ITS STRATEGIC ROLE IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article examines the strategic role of transport in ensuring the sustainable development of the European tourism industry. The dynamics of international tourist arrivals and revenues are analyzed based on statistical data from the World Tourism Organization. The main types of transport - air, rail and bus - and their contribution to the tourist flow are considered. The leading transport service companies in Europe are identified, in particular Ryanair, Lufthansa Group, FlixBus, and their role in shaping the tourism market is assessed. The economic contribution of the cruise industry and bus transportation is highlighted. The impact of the European Green Deal on the formation of new standards of ecological mobility is assessed. The impact of the European Commission (Connecting Europe Facility) and European Environment Agency (TERM mechanism) instruments on increasing the accessibility of tourist destinations and reducing the environmental burden is analyzed. The need to integrate the principles of sustainable transport into tourism activities as a factor in the competitiveness of the industry is substantiated. The study examines in detail the relationship between the European Union's investments in infrastructure and the transformation of transport systems in the context of digitalization. It summarizes key trends in the development of multimodal transport, electrification of public transport and the introduction of intelligent transport systems, which contribute to increasing the efficiency of tourism logistics. It is determined that the modernization of the trans-European network allows reducing travel times, optimizing costs and increasing the level of passenger safety. It analyzes the contribution of budget air carriers to expanding the geography of tourist routes and democratizing travel within Europe. Particular attention is paid to the harmonization of EU transport and tourism policies in order to support the long-term stability of the industry, develop regional integration and form a competitive European tourism space in the face of global challenges. The study materials emphasize that the strategic role of transport is not only to ensure physical mobility, but also to create an integrated, safe and environmentally friendly tourist environment.