Representatives from the European travel and tourism sector signed what they describe as a significant declaration focused on sustainable travel and tourism in Rhodes.
The landmark declaration aims to provide a roadmap for increased collaboration within the industry and support tourism in achieving sustainability targets.
The industry is emphasizing the importance of decarbonization, enhanced collaboration, and constructive engagement with policymakers to advance sustainability efforts.
The joint declaration sets the stage for meaningful action and cooperation among stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector to drive sustainable practices and initiatives.
Key commitments from the declaration include:
- Decarbonisation: Implement comprehensive climate action plans at organisational level to minimise environmental impact.
- Consolidating pledges: Reaffirm and strengthen pledges to achieve decarbonisation targets by 2050, as endorsed in the Glasgow and Toulouse Declarations.
- Catalysing industry: Foster a culture of awareness and responsibility, by sharing best practices and providing expertise to advance decarbonisation efforts.
- Supporting SMEs: Assist small and medium-sized enterprises in adapting to climate challenges and accessing funding opportunities for decarbonisation initiatives.
- Education and training: Support initiatives to upskill and reskill the workforce and tackle sustainable skill gaps.
- Collaboration: Commit to regular meetings to assess progress and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and shape a viable regulatory landscape with European and national policymakers.
Montserrat Barriga, Director General of European Regions Airline Association (ERA) added: “Aviation plays a crucial role in providing much needed regional connectivity enabling economic and social development to regions whose economies rely on tourism. As our industry faces increased political and public pressure to decarbonise, and to become more environmentally sustainable, it’s imperative that industry and policymakers collaborate to find suitable solutions to benefit the environment, the industry, the consumers and the regions.”
