Travel & Tourism Leaders Reunite in Gothenburg to Reaffirm Sustainability Commitments
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.
“We call on the EU institutions to consider the sustainability priorities of Europe’s travel and tourism ecosystem. In the upcoming EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, we count on simplified regulatory frameworks, realistic transition timelines, and funding mechanisms that are accessible to MSMEs,” said Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President, IAAPA EMEA, on behalf of the coalition.
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:
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Case studies on sustainable visitor models and climate-friendly infrastructure
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Strategic workshops aligning private sector priorities with EU policy
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Site visits, including the iconic Liseberg Park, showcasing sustainability in action
The Forum reaffirmed the industry's commitment to:
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Support MSMEs in navigating regulatory and climate challenges
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Foster public-private partnerships for decarbonisation
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Promote training and upskilling for a future-ready workforce
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Act as catalysts for sustainable transformation across the ecosystem
For background information, read our Rhodes Forum Leaflet.