Tourism Industry Leaders Renew Commitment to Sustainability at Rhodes Forum 2025
The Rhodes Forum 2025, held from 7th to 9th July in Gothenburg, Sweden, marked a significant step forward for the European travel and tourism sector in its pursuit of sustainability and climate resilience. This high-profile event brought together key European stakeholders, including leading tourism organisations, to evaluate progress since the adoption of the Rhodes Declaration the previous year and to speed up the green transition across the industry[1][2][4].
### Progress and Goals
The primary focus of the forum was on decarbonizing both leisure and business travel and tourism, with the aim of achieving a climate-neutral European tourism sector by 2050[1][2][4]. The event underscored the importance of empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), recognising their crucial role in the tourism ecosystem and the need for accessible funding and support to facilitate their transition to sustainable practices.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability and urged EU institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament, and the Council of the EU to integrate the industry's sustainability priorities into upcoming policies, particularly the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy[1][2][4]. They emphasised the need for simplified regulatory frameworks and realistic transition timelines.
### Focus Areas
The forum concentrated on several key areas, including sustainability and climate resilience, support for MSMEs, coach transport and public transit, knowledge sharing and best practices, and local engagement and demonstration[1][2][3].
In the realm of sustainability and climate resilience, strategies to promote environmental stewardship, reduce carbon emissions, and foster responsible tourism were discussed. Support for MSMEs involved policies designed to help small businesses navigate sustainability transformations by simplifying access to funding and easing regulatory demands.
Coach transport and public transit were advocated as a vital component of decarbonizing the sector, with transport stakeholders emphasising their inclusion in strategies. The forum also fostered the exchange of innovations and practical approaches among European destinations and operators, promoting knowledge sharing and best practices.
Site visits in Gothenburg, such as Liseberg Park, offered real-world insights into sustainable tourism initiatives and urban climate solutions, demonstrating local engagement and providing valuable learning opportunities[1][2][3].
### Why Gothenburg?
Gothenburg was selected as the venue for the forum due to its global reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development. The city is nearly carbon-neutral and ranks highly on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. It exemplifies effective public-private partnerships and inclusive community engagement, serving as a model for sustainable visitor economy and infrastructure planning that can inspire broader European adoption[2].
In conclusion, the Rhodes Forum 2025 in Gothenburg builds on the momentum from the original Rhodes Declaration, accelerating Europe's tourism sector's journey towards environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social inclusivity, with a particular focus on supporting smaller enterprises and integrating sustainable transport solutions[1][4]. Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA, urged EU institutions to consider the sustainability priorities of Europe's travel and tourism ecosystem.
- The Rhodes Forum 2025, held in Gothenburg, Sweden, highlighted the need for a climate-neutral European tourism sector by 2050, focusing on decarbonizing both leisure and business travel and tourism.
- The event emphasized the importance of empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector, providing them with accessible funding and support to transition to sustainable practices.
- Participants at the forum reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability, urging EU institutions to integrate the industry's sustainability priorities into upcoming policies, particularly the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy.
- The forum concentrated on several key areas, including sustainability and climate resilience, support for MSMEs, coach transport and public transit, knowledge sharing, and local engagement.
- In the area of sustainability and climate resilience, strategies to promote environmental stewardship, reduce carbon emissions, and foster responsible tourism were discussed.
- Support for MSMEs involved policies designed to help small businesses navigate sustainability transformations by simplifying access to funding and easing regulatory demands.
- Coach transport and public transit were advocated as a vital component of decarbonizing the sector, with transport stakeholders emphasizing their inclusion in strategies.
- Site visits in Gothenburg, such as Liseberg Park, offered real-world insights into sustainable tourism initiatives and urban climate solutions, demonstrating local engagement and providing valuable learning opportunities.
