Europe Travel Commission Launches Climate Action Plan

The European Travel Commission (ETC) called on its members to move forward with “impactful initiatives” after announcing the launch of a climate action plan developed with the support of the Travel Foundation.

More specifically, the organization, which represents national tourism boards in Europe, aims to halve its operational emissions by 2030 and to support engagement in climate action among its members leading the way to Net Zero for tourism stakeholders in Europe.

 “Addressing the challenges of climate change, building a more resilient and regenerative sector, and restoring and revitalizing destination resources should be a priority and responsibility for all tourism stakeholders,” said ETC President Luís Araújo.

He went on to add that the ETC is aiming through its plan to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and at the same time empower its members to take bold climate action and inspire the industry towards impactful initiatives.

 Understanding the urgency of the matter, the ETC first committed to developing its own plan after it signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

According to the ETC, the tourism industry has both a responsibility and an opportunity to protect the resources it depends on, including the natural environments, wildlife, and cultural heritage that bring travel experiences to life.

Among others, the ETC will focus on reducing the footprint caused by its operating activities, targeting its emissions hotspots: business travel, events, and FAM and influencers’ trips.

Through the plan, it also aims to leverage its role as an umbrella organization in Europe catalyzing and supporting its national members to commit to a green transition by building opportunities for collective action in Europe and providing technical support regarding the shift to Net Zero.

Some of the climate action plan’s key initiatives include an annual 7 percent reduction of emissions to reach the 2030 intermediate target; the establishment of a climate action working group; developing a plan to improve skills and knowledge of ETC members in climate action; and creating an online platform for ETC members to share best practices, case studies and climate action tools.