The European Travel Commission (ETC), in collaboration with the University of Surrey and publisher Graffeg, has expanded its innovative children’s book series, designed to spark young readers’ interest in tourism careers. Two new engaging titles—Dee and Flee at the Haunted House by Julia Hubery and Searchlight: Treasure Hunt by Ann Bryant—have officially joined the collection, further highlighting tourism as a promising, skill-rich career path for Europe’s younger generations.

Launched originally in 2024, this series targets readers aged 5 to 12, emphasising tourism’s importance not only as an economic sector but as a foundation for valuable socio-emotional and transferable life skills. These skills, as outlined by education resources such as the European Commission’s Education & Training initiatives (education.ec.europa.eu), include problem-solving, communication, multitasking, empathy, and leadership—qualities vital both in tourism and broader employment markets.

Recognising the urgency of addressing Europe’s ongoing tourism workforce shortage, exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic, ETC’s literary initiative tackles the issue creatively. According to Eurostat (ec.europa.eu/eurostat), Europe’s tourism sector continues to face significant labour shortages, with thousands of vacancies unfilled across the continent. ETC believes early education and awareness can inspire children to perceive tourism as an attractive career option, shifting existing perceptions and alleviating long-term workforce gaps.

The Dee and Flee series captivates younger readers aged 5 to 7, narrating the lively adventures of Dee, an enthusiastic dog, and her companion Flee, a curious intergalactic traveller resembling a flea. In the newly released Dee and Flee at the Haunted House, readers follow Dee as she begins her role as a tour guide at Howl Castle. Through Dee’s experiences with an overly controlling supervisor, Ms Prowl, the story addresses important themes like leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.

For older children, aged 7 to 12, the Searchlight series merges exciting tourism-based adventures with imaginative science fiction elements. Searchlight: Treasure Hunt continues the journey of alien twins Zane and Finola as they visit the fictional town of Cafner, navigating a treasure hunt at a historic castle. The book highlights empathy, teamwork, and critical thinking, reflecting essential skills fostered within tourism professions.

In an ambitious move to ensure the books reach diverse European audiences, ETC has launched a dedicated translation grant scheme. Publishers across ETC member states can apply for financial support of up to €3,500 per title, plus an additional €500 towards marketing activities. The grant aims to make these inspiring stories widely accessible, supporting Europe’s multilingual communities and encouraging early interest in tourism careers. Publishers interested in applying can find further details on ETC’s official website (etc-corporate.org).

Each title also includes interactive activities such as quizzes and discussion prompts, reinforcing skills developed through storytelling. With four titles now available and additional stories planned, ETC is committed to continually investing in the initiative, further supporting the EU’s strategic education and employment goals outlined by the European Commission.

By reaching Europe’s youngest readers, ETC’s expanded children’s book series highlights the vibrant world of tourism, empowering the next generation with skills and knowledge essential for Europe’s future workforce.