European tourism and travel leaders have gathered in Gothenburg, Sweden, to renew their commitment to sustainability and climate resilience. This event marks one year since the adoption of the Rhodes Declaration, a pledge to promote greener practices in the travel and tourism industry.
The 2025 Rhodes Forum brings together key European stakeholders to review progress, share best practices, and accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions in both leisure and business travel. A special focus is placed on supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which play a vital role in the tourism sector but often face challenges in adapting to new environmental standards. Attendees are also participating in site visits, including a tour of the famous Liseberg Park in Gothenburg, to observe real-world examples of sustainable tourism.
Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA, representing the coalition, urged the European Commission, Parliament, and Council to prioritize sustainability in upcoming policies. He emphasized the need for simpler regulations, realistic timelines for transition, and accessible funding options for MSMEs. Van der Schans noted that the actions taken at the Gothenburg forum build on the momentum created by the Rhodes Declaration and will shape the future of responsible and resilient travel in Europe.
Anna Grönlund, Vice-President of IRU and Director of the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation, stressed the importance of coach transport in decarbonizing travel. She highlighted coaches as one of the most sustainable and inclusive forms of transport, connecting rural areas to major tourist destinations while maintaining low emissions. Grönlund called for full support for coach operators, many of whom run small family businesses, in the transition to greener practices.
Gothenburg is recognized worldwide for its leadership in sustainable urban development. The city is nearly carbon neutral and ranks among the top cities in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. It serves as an example of how collaboration between public and private sectors can foster climate innovation and community involvement. Forum participants are examining Gothenburg’s approach to creating a sustainable visitor economy, infrastructure planning, and governance as a model for other European destinations.
Throughout the event, attendees are engaging in discussions on Gothenburg’s sustainable visitor model and climate-friendly infrastructure. Panel discussions focus on long-term destination management and building resilience against climate challenges. Strategic workshops are held to align tourism and travel priorities with EU-wide sustainability goals for both leisure and business visitors.
The tourism and travel industry’s shared commitment includes acting as catalysts for positive change through knowledge sharing, supporting MSMEs in navigating climate and regulatory challenges, advocating for strong public-private partnerships in decarbonization, and investing in workforce training and upskilling for a sustainable future.
The outcomes of the Rhodes Forum will contribute to a collective roadmap aimed at achieving a climate-neutral European tourism sector by 2050. They will also strengthen cooperation with EU institutions and local governments to ensure the green transition is inclusive and effective across the continent.
