European tourism leaders and policymakers unite to create a powerful alliance, driving bold actions for climate sustainability and resilience in the travel industry.

Ten prominent European travel and tourism organisations gathered at the European Parliament for a pivotal meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard, and members of the Tourism Task Force, alongside European Commission and EU Member State representatives. This gathering continues the dialogue that began in Rhodes earlier this year, furthering efforts to strengthen cooperation between industry leaders and policymakers. The focus remains on advancing sustainability, resilience, and effective strategies for combating climate change within the sector.

The meeting follows the significant Joint Declaration EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era, signed in April 2024 by a coalition of ten industry groups. Launched in Rhodes, this Declaration outlines the travel and tourism industry’s commitment to decarbonisation, enhancing collaboration across sectors, and engaging policymakers to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for the sector.

On this occasion, Commissioner Tzitzikostas underscored the vital role of tourism in Europe’s economy, announcing plans for a Sustainable Tourism Strategy designed to help the sector mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

Industry representatives took the floor to share their progress on emission reduction goals, highlighting the actionable steps being taken to meet environmental targets while also addressing the challenges that must be overcome for a successful and timely transition.

Leaders in travel and tourism emphasised the importance of continued open dialogue between public and private sectors. They called for streamlined compliance reporting, identified potential funding opportunities, and shared best practices to help drive sustainable change across industries.

Yesterday’s meeting marked a critical step toward a deeper collaboration between policymakers and the travel and tourism industry, fostering a shared commitment to achieving a sustainable and resilient future for the sector.

The following organisations have endorsed the Joint Declaration:

• Airlines for Europe (A4E)
• Airports Council International (ACI Europe)
• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
• European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA)
• European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA)
• European Regions Airline Association (ERA)
• European Association of…