European Tourism Association Declares Climate Emergency, Pledges Sustainable Future

Strategic Insights -

The European Tourism Association (ETOA) and its partners have acknowledged the significant impact of climate change on the tourism industry and have declared a Climate Emergency. This move comes as the association prioritizes sustainability and climate-imposed adaptation across the industry, recognizing that managing the Covid-19 crisis and recovery plans are crucial for its members. ETOA's Board has accepted the IPCC's advice on emissions reduction targets and has committed to examining its environmental footprint, encouraging members to develop climate action plans. The association believes that much of climate and environmental action is within industry control, from product development and supply chain management to energy and water efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

  • ETOA has declared a Climate Emergency, accepting the IPCC's emissions reduction targets and committing to examine its environmental footprint.
  • The association encourages its 1,100+ members to develop climate action plans, recognizing the importance of sustainability in the industry.
  • ETOA prioritizes sustainability alongside managing the Covid-19 crisis and recovery plans for its members.
  • The association acknowledges the industry's ability to control climate and environmental actions through product development, supply chain management, and energy efficiency.
  • Social sustainability requires effective public-private sector collaboration for destinations to remain viable.
  • The declaration aims to ensure the tourism industry thrives in Europe by 2030 and beyond, promoting international collaboration and mutual understanding.
  • The association is partnering with Tourism Declares to promote awareness and provide resources for a commercially successful transition.

Statistics:

  • ETOA has over 1,100 members across Europe and its source markets (Tom Jenkins, CEO of ETOA).
  • The EU has committed to a 55% reduction in emissions across the continent by 2030 (Jeremy Smith, Co-Founder of Tourism Declares).
  • ETOA's membership is offered on a voluntary-payment basis to support recovery efforts (Jeremy Smith).
  • The association believes unprecedented levels of strategic funding are needed to achieve its sustainability goals (Tom Jenkins, CEO of ETOA).

Sources:

  • European Tourism Association (ETOA)
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • Tourism Declares
  • US Eturbo News