In a major gathering held yesterday in the European Parliament, ten leading European travel and tourism organisations came together to discuss the future of the sector, focusing on key goals related to sustainability, resilience, and climate change mitigation. The high-level meeting, attended by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard, and other members of the Tourism Task Force, marked a significant step forward in strengthening the dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders.

Continuing the Efforts Towards a Sustainable Tourism Future

The event served as a follow-up to earlier discussions held in Rhodes earlier this year and built upon the momentum created by the Joint Declaration EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era that was signed in April 2024. This Declaration, endorsed by a coalition of ten prominent European industry organisations, laid out a clear commitment to decarbonisation, cross-sector collaboration, and deeper engagement with policymakers. The Declaration’s core purpose is to ensure that the tourism sector remains competitive while transitioning towards a more sustainable future, despite the growing climate challenges.

During this session, the industry leaders discussed the progress made on emission reduction targets. They also highlighted some of the challenges that still exist in implementing effective climate change mitigation strategies, underscoring the need for timely and well-supported actions to achieve the sector’s sustainability goals.

Strengthening the Relationship Between Industry and Policymakers

A key theme of the meeting was the importance of continuing collaboration between the public and private sectors. As the tourism industry works towards ambitious sustainability targets, there is a strong need for open dialogue to streamline compliance reporting, identify new funding opportunities, and share best practices across industries. Industry representatives also emphasized the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers to ensure that the transition to sustainable practices is efficient and effective.

The discussions were designed to foster a closer partnership between policymakers and tourism leaders, ensuring that both sides align on priorities and work together to create a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive tourism sector. The shared commitment to a greener future has the potential to reshape not only the travel industry but also the broader economy, as the industry plays a significant role in job creation and economic development across Europe.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas Highlights Tourism’s Vital Role

At the meeting, Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed the European Commission’s strong support for the tourism sector and the significant role it plays in Europe’s economy. He reaffirmed the European Commission’s dedication to introducing a Sustainable Tourism Strategy aimed at helping the sector adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Commissioner’s remarks were a clear acknowledgment that the tourism industry must play a crucial part in Europe’s broader sustainability efforts. He also stressed the importance of finding a balance between sustainability and the industry’s economic competitiveness.

Moving Towards a Greener Future: The Industry’s Progress

The industry leaders present at the meeting provided updates on their efforts to reduce emissions, with a particular focus on the initiatives already underway. These included investments in sustainable aviation fuels, energy-efficient technologies, and the development of robust emissions measurement methodologies. Additionally, the tourism sector has made significant strides in creating comprehensive sustainability certifications, which are helping to set clear standards for environmental impact.

Despite these positive developments, industry representatives pointed out that achieving the full potential of these initiatives requires continued policy support, targeted funding, and strong engagement with policymakers. Small businesses, which form the backbone of the tourism sector, were specifically mentioned as needing more assistance in participating fully in the transition to sustainability. Without proper support and access to resources, these smaller entities could struggle to meet the growing demand for sustainable practices, limiting the sector’s overall impact.

MEP Daniel Attard Stresses the Need for Practical Policy Implementation

As a member of the Tourism Task Force, MEP Daniel Attard played a pivotal role in the meeting’s discussions. He emphasized that the adoption of climate-related legislative packages was just the beginning. The focus, he noted, must now shift to implementation. While setting sustainable targets is essential, Attard stressed that policies must also ensure the continued competitiveness of the tourism industry. Balancing economic growth with sustainability, he argued, is not only possible but necessary for the sector’s long-term success.

The message from Attard was clear: sustainable tourism must not come at the expense of economic prosperity. Policies should deliver tangible benefits for businesses, workers, and the environment, supporting both growth and sustainability in equal measure.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Europe

Yesterday’s meeting marked a critical moment in the ongoing effort to reshape European tourism into a more sustainable and resilient sector. With climate change and environmental concerns increasingly at the forefront of global policy, tourism leaders and policymakers are working together to ensure that the industry contributes positively to Europe’s climate goals. By forging stronger partnerships and developing more effective policies, the tourism sector is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future that can withstand the challenges of the coming decades.

The positive ripple effect of this collaboration is likely to extend beyond Europe, influencing global tourism trends and encouraging destinations worldwide to prioritize sustainability. For travelers, this means an increased emphasis on eco-friendly travel options, greener accommodations, and more sustainable experiences, creating a shift in how tourism is practiced and perceived globally.