Kristjan Staničić was re-elected as vice president of ETC in Tallinn

The European Travel Commission launches its climate action plan

Author  HrTurizam.hr

25. May 2023.

Director of the Croatian Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić he was re-elected as vice president European Travel Commission (European Travel Commission - ETC), the most important and oldest international tourist association in Europe, which consists of 35 national European tourist organizations, as well as associated members including agencies, tourism service providers and carriers.

These are news from the 105th meeting of the ETC General Assembly, i.e. the 108th meeting of the ETC Board of Directors, which took place in Tallinn in Estonia.

"I thank my colleagues for the trust shown and the opportunity to continue working together on the improvement of the European tourism sector, that is, on the promotion of Europe as a unique tourist destination. Very challenging times are behind us, but we have shown that a quick and stable recovery of tourism can be achieved with quick decisions, targeted promotion and a quality offer. Certain challenges still exist, however, we are witnessing the return of travel levels from the pre-pandemic period, and as part of ETC's activities, we will do everything to maintain this positive growth trend in the future.", said the director Stanicic.

With the director Stanicic, who was appointed vice president of ETC, Miguel Sanz from Spain was elected president of ETC, while she was still appointed as vice president Magda Antonioli from Italy. In addition to the new appointments, the ETC Annual Report for 2022, membership fees for the period from 2024 to 2027 were also discussed at the meetings, and the strategic framework of ETC until 2030 was approved.

Etc 3

An Industrial Forum was also held in Tallinn called "Climate change mitigation for tourism" at which the harmful effects of climate change on tourism were discussed, and it was also presented ETC Climate Action Plan within which a significant reduction of emissions generated by the work of this association is foreseen until 2030.

As part of the plan, strong support for engagement in climate actions that will be implemented by national tourism organizations of European countries and ETC members is highlighted. 

ETC was founded in 1948 with its headquarters in Brussels, and in addition to national European tourism organizations, it gathers associated members from the private sector, that is, agencies, carriers and other service providers in tourism.

The main goal of ETC is the improvement of tourism policies at the level of the European Union and the further promotion of Europe as the world's leading tourist destination. The Croatian Tourist Board actively participates in the work of ETC through numerous campaigns, withdrawal of funds from EU funds and through cooperation with member states and HTZ representative offices in distant markets.

ETC plans to halve its operational emissions by 2030 and support its members on the way to Net Zero

Etc. climate action plan

In order to respond to the urgency of climate measures, the ETC plan commits to halving the emissions generated by the work of its members by 2030, as well as to support engagement in climate actions among member national tourism organizations (NTOs).

As a signatory to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, ETC understands that the relationship between tourism and climate change is unquestionable. The tourism industry has both a responsibility and an opportunity to protect the resources it depends on, including the natural environment, wildlife and cultural heritage that bring travel experiences to life.

Speaking at the launch of the ETC Climate Action Plan, ETC President Luis Araújo said that solving the challenges of climate change, building a more resilient and regenerative sector, and restoring and revitalizing destination resources should be a priority and responsibility for all stakeholders in tourism. "With this comprehensive plan, ETC not only aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations, but also to empower ETC members to take bold climate action and inspire the industry towards impactful initiatives.”

At the operational level, ETC will focus on reducing the footprint caused by its operational activities, targeting its emissions hotspots: business travel, events and FAM and influencer travel. The goal of the organization is to reach Net Zero before 2050.

Several key initiatives included in the Climate Action Plan are the following: an annual reduction in emissions of 7% to reach the 2030 interim target, the establishment of a Climate Action Working Group within the organization, the development of a plan to improve the skills and knowledge of ETC members in climate action, the creation an online platform for ETC members to share best practices and case studies and tools for climate action.

Side dish: ETC CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 

Photo: HTZ / ETC

Author  HrTurizam.hr

25. May 2023.