Abstract

This contribution aims to study according to a geographical approach, the strategic positioning of Europe in relation to three fundamental aspects: emerging tourism global markets; contemporary geo-political challenges and mega-trends in the tourism industry. Crucial is the relationship between the emerging markets, in particular in Asia, and the international flows that influence the European tourism system, with the opening of new source of large markets and new emerging destinations. So, this contribution aims to analyze the main elements that impact on tourism in Europe in defining the dynamics of interrelation between the geographic tourist systems and new touristic flows. Tourism is displayed as a fundamental tool to support regional economic development, but above all to reduce disparities and differences between local communities and identities inside and outside the Mediterranean Region; and looking at tourism as a bridge between the different global cultures although the international geo-political challenges.