EU Travel Sector Talks Sustainability and Climate Crisis in Brussels Meeting

Representatives of HOTREC and of nine leading European travel and tourism organisations in Brussels. Also present at the meeting was South Aegean Region Governor George Hatzimarkos and MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta), a member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group. Photo source: HOTREC

The climate crisis and the green transition took center stage at a high-level meeting on Tuesday at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Ten leading pan-European associations and organizations in the travel and tourism sector met with Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, members of the European Parliament (MEPs), European Commission representatives, and Member States to discuss sustainability in the industry.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas underscored tourism’s pivotal role in Europe and pledged to introduce a Sustainable Tourism Strategy to help the sector adapt to and mitigate climate change.

European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

Industry commitments and challenges

Industry representatives showcased their progress toward reducing emissions while outlining ongoing challenges. They emphasized the need for continued collaboration between public and private sectors to streamline compliance requirements, identify funding opportunities, and share best practices.

MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta), a member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group, stressed that while achieving sustainable targets is vital, preserving the competitiveness of the sector is equally important.

“The climate-related legislative packages have been adopted, and now our focus must shift to implementation,” Attard noted. “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.”

MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta), a member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group.

Building on prior collaboration

This meeting builds on the work initiated on Rhodes earlier this year, fostering ongoing dialogue between policymakers and tourism leaders. Efforts are aimed at enhancing the sector’s sustainability, resilience, and ability to mitigate climate change.

The Brussels gathering also follows the landmark “Joint Declaration EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era”, signed in April by a coalition of 10 major industry organizations. Launched under the initiative of HOTREC on Rhodes, the declaration commits the sector to decarbonization, cross-sector collaboration, and deeper engagement with policymakers.

Industry achievements and policy needs

HOTREC President Alexandros Vassilikos.

“The industry has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through substantial investments across multiple areas,” said HOTREC President Alexandros Vassilikos, representing the coalition.

“From advancing sustainable aviation fuels and energy-efficient technologies to comprehensive sustainability certifications and emissions measurement methodologies, we have laid the groundwork for meaningful change.”

However, Vassilikos emphasized that realizing the industry’s full potential will require significant policy support, targeted funding, and ensuring that smaller businesses—“the true backbone” of the sector—can fully participate in this transformative journey.

The following organizations endorsed the Joint Declaration and participated in the Brussels meeting:

– Airlines for Europe (A4E)
– Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe)
– Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
– European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA)
– European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA)
– European Regions Airline Association (ERA)
– European Association of Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes (HOTREC)
– The Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA)
– International Road Transport Union (IRU)
– European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR)