European tourism leaders met in the European Parliament to advance sustainability, climate resilience, and decarbonisation in the travel sector.

In a pivotal meeting at the European Parliament, ten leading European travel and tourism organisations gathered to advance the sustainability and climate resilience efforts of the European tourism sector. On the agenda was a key discussion on climate change mitigation strategies, the implementation of emission reduction goals, and the role of tourism in fostering a sustainable future for Europe’s economy. The meeting brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and key figures from the European Commission, including Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and MEP Daniel Attard, a representative from Malta.

A Step Forward in European Tourism’s Sustainable Future

The gathering was a follow-up to a landmark event in Rhodes earlier this year, which saw the introduction of the Joint Declaration on EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era. Signed in April 2024, this declaration laid the foundation for collaboration between ten prominent European tourism organisations, committed to decarbonisation, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing cross-sector cooperation.

The declaration signified a unified commitment to tackling the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring that the travel and tourism sector contributes to the EU’s climate objectives. With a focus on long-term sustainability, this initiative aims to establish a roadmap for tourism leaders to create a more resilient and environmentally responsible sector.

As one of the leading advocates for this initiative, Commissioner Tzitzikostas opened the European Parliament meeting by acknowledging the critical role that tourism plays in the European economy and society. He emphasized that tourism is a cornerstone of European culture and that the sector must evolve to ensure its sustainability amid the growing challenges of climate change.

The Launch of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy

A central highlight of the discussions was the introduction of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy. The Commissioner outlined the European Commission’s plans to introduce policies that support the transition of the tourism sector to more sustainable practices. This strategy is designed to help the industry adapt to climate challenges, ensure effective climate change mitigation, and help Europe achieve its climate goals.

The strategy will focus on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting responsible tourism practices. These efforts will align with the EU’s broader goals of decarbonising sectors across the economy and transitioning to a green and sustainable future. Tzitzikostas also underscored that it is essential for both public and private sectors to work together to achieve these ambitious objectives.

Emission Reduction Goals and Concrete Industry Actions

During the event, representatives from the tourism sector presented their progress on emission reduction targets, showing how their organisations are taking concrete steps toward sustainability. These efforts include investments in greener technologies, carbon-neutral travel options, and more sustainable business operations.

One key focus of the discussions was the need for clear and consistent policies that allow businesses to effectively track and report their emissions. Industry leaders stressed the importance of developing a streamlined reporting framework that reduces bureaucratic hurdles and encourages transparency, ultimately helping the industry meet its decarbonisation targets.

MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta), Member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group, stated: “The climate-related legislative packages have been adopted, and now our focus must shift to implementation. Sustainable targets are essential, but we must also safeguard the competitiveness of the industry. Economic growth and sustainability can and must go hand in hand. It is vital that our policies deliver tangible benefits for workers, businesses and the environment alike.”

Fostering Public-Private Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

The meeting also highlighted the critical importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Both sides agreed that transparent dialogue and mutual understanding are key to ensuring that the tourism sector can evolve while remaining economically competitive.

Travel and tourism leaders emphasized the need for governments to create favorable conditions for green investments and provide incentives for businesses that adopt sustainable practices. This could include tax breaks for eco-friendly travel options, subsidies for carbon-neutral accommodations, and funding for innovative solutions that promote sustainable tourism.

At the same time, it was acknowledged that businesses have a responsibility to take proactive steps to align their operations with sustainability goals. The private sector’s role in driving innovation and embracing sustainable technologies was recognized as a key component in achieving the EU’s climate targets.

Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC, on behalf of the coalition, commented: “The industry has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through substantial investments across multiple areas. From advancing sustainable aviation fuels and developing energy-efficient technologies to creating comprehensive sustainability certifications and robust emissions measurement methodologies, we have laid the groundwork for meaningful change. Yet, we recognise that realising our full potential requires significant policy support, targeted funding and engagement with policymakers to ensure that our smallest businesses, the true backbone of our sector, can fully participate in this transformative journey.”

The Road Ahead: Overcoming Challenges

The road to a sustainable future for tourism is not without its challenges. During the meeting, representatives discussed some of the obstacles hindering the sector’s transition to sustainability. One of the key challenges raised was the need for financial support and investment to enable businesses to make the necessary changes. Smaller operators, in particular, often face financial constraints that make it difficult to invest in greener technologies or adopt sustainable practices.

The tourism leaders acknowledged that the EU must play a crucial role in helping businesses overcome these barriers, through targeted funding initiatives and financial incentives. Moreover, the private sector’s role in advocating for better policies, sharing best practices, and offering innovative solutions is vital for accelerating the sector’s transition.

A Unified Commitment to a Sustainable Tourism Future

As the discussions wrapped up, the message was clear: the tourism industry is committed to achieving sustainability and climate resilience, but this journey requires collective action. The EU tourism organisations and policymakers must continue to work in tandem to create a robust framework that supports decarbonisation and fosters innovation.

The commitment to sustainability is not just about meeting climate targets; it is about creating a future where tourism contributes to a thriving, green economy. With concerted efforts from all sectors—public and private—Europe can emerge as a global leader in sustainable tourism. The path ahead may be challenging, but with the right policies, investment, and collaboration, the tourism industry can build a more resilient, sustainable future.

In conclusion, the meeting in the European Parliament was an important step in shaping the future of European tourism. The launch of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy, combined with the ongoing efforts to meet climate goals and embrace sustainable practices, signals a new era for the travel and tourism sector in Europe. By continuing to work together and prioritising sustainability, the tourism sector can contribute significantly to the EU’s broader climate and economic objectives, ensuring a competitive and environmentally responsible future.