A new phase in shaping Europe's sustainable hospitality future has begun, with the second public consultation on the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for hotel accommodation now open to sector stakeholders. This marks the final step in creating a standardized European method for evaluating the environmental impact of hotel services. After initial feedback and revisions, the updated draft rules are available for review, and stakeholders are encouraged to provide input again before finalization. The initiative seeks to resolve a long-standing tourism challenge: the absence of a consistent, credible way to measure and communicate sustainability. The PEF methodology, developed at EU level, offers a broad approach that considers more than just carbon emissions, encompassing various environmental impacts throughout the entire service lifecycle. The consultation welcomes hotel operators, industry groups, environmental organisations, policymakers, and the public, emphasising the importance of both scientific rigour and practical applicability across different accommodation types. Running from 20 April to 2 June 2026, participants can review the revised draft and submit feedback via structured channels. After registering, they will access detailed documents and can respond through a detailed feedback form or a shorter survey, depending on their expertise and interest. 

To foster engagement, an online webinar is scheduled to present the updated draft and answer participant questions directly. This highlights the technical focus of the process, as the rules aim to standardise how environmental performance is calculated, compared, and communicated across the sector. From a broader view, developing the PEFCR for hotel accommodation is crucial for European tourism. It aligns with EU priorities such as the green transition, transparency in sustainability claims, and fighting greenwashing. Creating a standardised approach allows fair comparison among providers and builds trust among consumers seeking sustainable travel options. Additionally, this effort helps businesses improve their environmental performance by identifying key impact areas and providing a structured framework that enables hotels to target efforts more effectively and make smarter investment decisions. Stakeholder involvement is essential. The consultation process ensures the final methodology considers real-world conditions, industry needs, and practical feasibility, increasing its likelihood of broad adoption and effective implementation. Ultimately, this process is more than a technical exercise; it is a critical step toward establishing a shared sustainability language in European tourism—fostering transparency, comparability, and continuous improvement in the sector.

Read more: https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/news/shape-future-sustainable-hospitality-your-voice-matters

#Smart Tourism #Tourism Governance #Eco-friendly accommodations #Green hospitality #Stakeholder engagement #Climate-friendly tourism practices