At the European Parliament, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reaffirmed the importance of promoting sustainable tourism that balances economic growth and environmental protection. During the event organized by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), Travalyst, and WTTC, the need to ensure the sector's competitiveness while aligning with the European Union's (EU) decarbonization goals was emphasized.

Virginia Messina, WTTC Senior Vice President, highlighted in her speech that tourism accounts for 10% of the EU's GDP, contributing €1.5 trillion annually and generating employment for more than 23 million people. "The EU plays a fundamental role in directing global tourism, so it is crucial that policies are effective and aligned with global efforts," said Messina.

The WTTC also emphasized that sustainability is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic necessity, as it influences investment decisions and consumer preferences. Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, added that Europe, with an annual travel expenditure of €400 billion, has the potential to lead the shift towards more sustainable options.

One of the key points discussed was the WTTC's Environmental and Social Research (ESR) report, which revealed that global sector emissions decreased from 7.8% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2023. In the EU, tourism accounts for 12% of carbon emissions, but with a declining trend that surpasses the global average.

Among WTTC's key initiatives is the Net Zero Roadmap, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the Hotel Sustainability Basics program, adopted by more than 6,000 hotels in 80 countries, with measures such as reducing energy consumption by 20% and promoting responsible sourcing.

Messina also highlighted the challenges facing the sector, including regulatory complexity, transition costs, and the lack of green infrastructure, such as charging stations and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. She therefore urged the EU to ensure proportional policies and offer financial incentives to boost SAF production.

The event featured the participation of industry leaders, including MEP Nikolina Brnjac and representatives from MSC Cruises, Marriott, Expedia, and TUI Cruises, who agreed on the need for a sustainable and competitive transition for tourism in Europe.