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How the EU’s 2024 Green Policies Are Reshaping Tourism: Share your views in the online discussion!

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12 February 2025

How the EU’s 2024 Green Policies Are Reshaping Tourism: Share your views in the online discussion!

Adventure tourism

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism

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An illustrative photo of mountains in Italy

The EU’s green policies introduced in 2024 continue to reshape tourism in 2025, with stricter emission limits for transport, higher energy efficiency standards for hospitality, and stronger circular economy measures like waste reduction and plastic bans. Eco-tourism and conservation efforts are also expanding, affecting businesses in protected areas. While adapting to these changes remains challenging, they offer long-term benefits for businesses that embrace sustainability. With financial support and guidance available, the shift towards greener tourism is well underway.

Authors

Editorial team

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Albania

Armenia

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

EU-27

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Kosovo

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Türkiye

Ukraine

Organisation Type

Academic/Research and VET Institutions

Business Support Organization

Company with 250 or more employees

Consumer / tourist organisation

Cultural and Heritage Organisations

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

EU institutions

Financial Institutions and Investors

Industry Associations and Chambers of Commerce

International Organisations

Local authorities

Media/Travel Journalist Organisations

National authorities

Networks and Federations / Confederations

NGOs / Non-profits

Regional authorities

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

Social Economy Entity

Trade Unions

  • Specific types of tourism

    • Adventure tourism

    • Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism

    • Cultural tourism

    • Ecotourism

    • Education tourism

    • Festival tourism

    • Gastronomy tourism

    • Health and medical tourism

    • MICE tourism

    • Mountain tourism

    • Religious tourism

    • Rural tourism

    • Sports tourism

    • Urban/city tourism

    • Wellness tourism

  • Transition Pathway Strategic Areas

    • Green Transition of Tourism Companies and SMEs

  • Business activities

    • Activities of amusement parks and theme parks

    • Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism

    • Air passenger transport

    • Camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks

    • Events catering and other food services

    • Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities

    • Gardens and nature reserves activities

    • Holiday Housing / Apartments and other short stay accommodation

    • Hotel and similar accommodation

    • Mobile beverage services

    • Mobile food services

    • Museums

    • Operation of historical sites

    • Other

    • Other accommodation

    • Other amusement and recreation activities

    • Other food and beverage services

    • Other holiday reservation services

    • Other tourism transportation activities

    • Rail Passenger transport

    • Recreational and sport activities

    • Restaurants, cafes and bars (Food and Beverage serving activities)

    • Road passenger transport

    • Tour operator activities

    • Travel agency activities

    • Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport

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The EU is stepping up its sustainability game, and tourism is right in the middle of it. With the European Green Deal setting ambitious targets, 2024 has brought in new policies that are shaking up the industry. From stricter transport emissions rules to tougher energy standards for hotels, the sector is adapting to a greener future. It’s a lot to take in, but these changes also come with opportunities. Want to dive deeper into what’s happening? Join the discussion on the forum “Key Updates and Emerging Trends on EU Tourism” and have your say.

Key 2024 Green Policies Affecting Tourism

Stricter Emission Rules for Transport

Transport remains a big piece of the tourism puzzle, and it’s under the spotlight. Airlines have to use more sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), while cruise ships and other maritime transport face tighter emissions caps. Even road travel isn’t spared - tourist buses and rental fleets must cut emissions, and electric vehicle incentives are pushing for greener mobility. Additionally, rail networks across Europe are receiving increased investment, making train travel a more viable and sustainable option for tourists.

Sustainable Energy Standards for Hospitality

Hotels, resorts, and short-term rentals are now under pressure to meet new energy efficiency requirements. That means better insulation, more reliance on renewables, and lower overall energy use. Yes, compliance will cost money, but there’s also funding available to support businesses making the shift. In the long run, it’s about cutting costs while being more sustainable. Some major hotel chains have already announced plans to invest in solar power, smart heating systems, and water-saving technologies, setting an example for smaller businesses looking to adapt.

New Circular Economy Measures

Single-use plastics? On their way out. Recycling? It’s a must. Food waste? Being tackled head-on. The EU is rolling out tighter waste management rules that directly affect tourism businesses. Hotels and restaurants are now expected to adopt sustainable waste practices, making it a necessity rather than an option. There’s also a growing push for businesses to integrate biodegradable packaging, refillable toiletries, and zero-waste policies.

Nature Protection & Sustainable Land Use

Eco-tourism and rural tourism are getting more attention as the EU ramps up conservation efforts. The Nature Restoration Law is all about rewilding and protecting biodiversity, which means tourism businesses operating in protected areas need to adapt. But it’s not all about restrictions - there are also incentives for those investing in sustainable practices. More national parks and nature reserves are implementing visitor limits and encouraging responsible tourism through guided eco-tours, sustainable lodging, and conservation partnerships with local communities.

How These Policies Impact the Tourism Sector

Let’s be honest: adapting to these new policies won’t be easy, especially for smaller businesses. Stricter rules mean higher costs in the short term, and compliance isn’t just a checkbox - it requires real investment.

That said, there’s a silver lining. Sustainable tourism is growing fast, and businesses that get ahead of these changes will have a competitive edge. Green transport options like high-speed rail and electric rental cars are gaining traction. Hotels going energy-efficient aren’t just following rules - they’re attracting more eco-conscious travellers.

For SMEs, the key challenge is navigating these changes while staying profitable. Luckily, the EU is offering financial support and guidance to help businesses transition smoothly. The sooner they adapt, the better positioned they’ll be. Many tourism boards are also launching educational initiatives and partnerships to help smaller businesses implement sustainable practices without overwhelming costs.

The EU’s latest green policies are a game-changer for tourism. They bring challenges, but they also push the industry towards a more sustainable future. Whether you’re running a business or planning your next trip, these shifts will shape how tourism operates in Europe.

Got thoughts on how these policies are affecting the sector? Join the discussion in the forum “Key Updates and Emerging Trends on EU Tourism”. Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s tough, and how we can move forward together.

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