Representatives from various associations within the European travel and tourism sector gathered in Rhodes, Greece, to sign an important declaration aimed at tackling climate change within the industry.

“This is obviously a very important document that we wanted to draw up in coordination and discussion with all HOTREC members. Its purpose is to reflect the objectives and ambitions of the sector at European level. ”- Marie Audren, CEO of HOTREC

Endorsed by notable organizations including A4E, ACI Europe, CLIA, ECTAA, EEIA, ERA, HOTREC, IAAPA, IRU, and Ruraltour, the joint declaration outlines a commitment to take decisive action toward sustainable travel and tourism practices.

“The climate crisis is here and it's testing us all. Tourism is no exception. With today’s joint declaration, the European travel and tourism industry commits to a sustainable path for the sector while calling on EU decision-makers to act to help the sector’s sustainable growth, to the benefit of EU economy and society.”- Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC

“Climate change is a real threat to the hospitality sector. We must do our part and work together to mitigate its impact. Today’s declaration shows that the European travel and tourism industry is committed and united to act to prevent climate change.”- Marie Audren, CEO of HOTREC

The declaration serves as a comprehensive roadmap for collaboration, emphasizing the urgent need for decarbonization, enhanced cooperation, and meaningful engagement with policymakers. As the EU elections approach, industry leaders urge decision-makers to prioritize sustainable tourism initiatives and allocate dedicated budget lines to support these efforts.

Key commitments highlighted in the declaration include:

1. Decarbonization: Implementation of robust climate action plans at both organizational and industry levels to reduce environmental impact.
2. Pledge Reinforcement: Renewed and strengthened commitments to achieve decarbonization targets by 2050, aligning with previous endorsements such as the Glasgow and Toulouse Declarations.
3. Industry Catalyst: Promotion of awareness and responsibility through the sharing of best practices and provision of expertise to accelerate decarbonization efforts across the sector.
4. SME Support: Assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises in adapting to climate challenges and accessing funding opportunities for decarbonization initiatives.
5. Education and Training: Support for initiatives aimed at enhancing workforce skills and addressing sustainable skill gaps through education and training programs.
6. Collaboration: Commitment to regular meetings for progress assessment and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, aiming to shape a conducive regulatory landscape with European and national policymakers.

“On this historic day, European travel and tourism associations gather to discuss how the industry can act for a more sustainable and resilient future. It is a great honour for the South Aegean Region to be at the centre of the dialogue.” - Mr George Hatzimarkos, Governor of South Aegean Region

The joint declaration underscores the industry's collective commitment to forging a more resilient and sustainable future, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change within the travel and tourism sector.