Travel & Tourism Leaders Reaffirm Sustainability Commitments

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Ten leading European tourism and travel organisations gathered in Gothenburg, Sweden, today for the 2025 edition of the Rhodes Forum, reaffirming their joint commitment to advancing sustainability, climate action, and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector.

Building on the momentum of the 2024 Joint Declaration, the Forum focused on empowering businesses to navigate the green transition and contribute to a climate-neutral European tourism sector by 2050. Delegates exchanged best practices, assessed progress, and aligned on key priorities for the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy.

“The green transition must go on, but it must be fair and feasible,” stated Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC. “Our sector is deeply committed to building a more sustainable future, but we need EU legislation that enables small businesses to thrive while contributing to Europe’s climate goals. This means better regulation, simplified access to funding, and achievable deadlines that reflect the reality on the ground.”

“The hospitality sector is already contributing to Europe’s climate goals – from cutting carbon emissions to reducing food waste and investing in more efficient buildings. But the clock is ticking. We need EU and national policies that accelerate this transition, not slow it down with complexity or inaccessibility for small businesses.”

This year’s event took place in Gothenburg, a city globally recognised for its leadership in sustainable urban development and nearly carbon-neutral practices. Forum participants explored how the city’s model for public-private climate cooperation could inspire broader adoption across Europe.

Forum highlights included:

• Case studies on sustainable visitor models and climate-friendly infrastructure

• Strategic workshops aligning private sector priorities with EU policy

• Site visits, including the iconic Liseberg Park, showcasing sustainability in action

The Forum reaffirmed the industry's commitment to:

• Support MSMEs in navigating regulatory and climate challenges

• Foster public-private partnerships for decarbonisation

• Promote training and upskilling for a future-ready workforce

• Act as catalysts for sustainable transformation across the ecosystem

For background information, read our Rhodes Forum Leaflet.