EU Industry Leaders and Policymakers Convene

Ten of Europe’s leading travel and tourism organizations met with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, and other key European representatives at the European Parliament.

The meeting aimed to continue dialogue on advancing the sector’s sustainability efforts, building resilience, and mitigating climate change. This discussion follows the formal commitment to these goals by the same coalition of organizations in the Joint Declaration EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era signed in April 2024.

During the meeting, Commissioner Tzitzikostas emphasised the critical role of tourism in Europe and announced plans to introduce a Sustainable Tourism Strategy. This strategy will help the sector adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The tourism and travel industry representatives discussed their progress towards reducing emissions and supporting environmental commitments. They underscored the importance of an open dialogue between the public and private sectors. They stressed the need for clarity and reduction in compliance reporting requirements, identification of funding opportunities, and sharing best practices.

MEP Daniel Attard, a member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group, stressed the need to properly implement recently adopted climate-related legislative packages. He emphasized the importance of balancing sustainability targets and the industry’s competitiveness. According to Attard, achieving economic growth and sustainability simultaneously is crucial, and the aim is to ensure policies benefit workers, businesses, and the environment.

Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC and a coalition representative, highlighted the industry’s commitment to sustainability through sizable investments in various areas. These areas include sustainable aviation fuels, energy-efficient technologies, sustainability certifications, and emissions measurement methodologies. However, Vassilikos also pointed out the necessity of significant policy support, targeted funding, and engagement with policymakers to ensure that small businesses can fully participate in this transformative journey.

This meeting underlines a commitment to a closer partnership between policymakers and the travel and tourism sector. It aims to achieve shared goals for a sustainable and resilient future together. The endorsing organizations include Airlines for Europe (A4E), Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the European Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes (HOTREC), among others.