EU Tourism Leaders Collaborate In European Parliament To Advance Sustainable Tourism Strategy And Climate Resilience For The Travel Sector

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.