GDS-Movement and European Travel Commission Urge Destinations to Get Ahead of New EU Green Rules
The GDS-Movement and the European Travel Commission are launching a new white paper designed to help destinations prepare for forthcoming EU regulatory changes, including the Green Claims Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
1330 ViewsNew white paper launched to support the tourism and events industry in navigating the new regulatory landscape
The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) and the European Travel Commission (ETC) today launched a white paper, A Destination’s Guide to the New EU Sustainability Regulations, at IMEX Frankfurt 2025. It aims to help destinations in the tourism and events industry better prepare for significant upcoming regulatory changes. Being prepared will support companies with sustainability compliance, negative environmental impact reduction, reputational damage mitigation, financial and legal immunity, and new business opportunities.
Guy Bigwood, CEO, GDS-Movement
With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGTD), and the Green Claims Directive (GCD) coming into effect, the message is clear: “Proactive destinations can lead by example while honouring the new regulations”, as Guy Bigwood, CEO, GDS-Movement said. The new directives will require greater transparency, accountability, and stricter management of sustainability claims, reshaping how destination management organisations and event associations operate and communicate their environmental impacts.
These regulations apply not only to destinations and businesses within Europe, but to any organisation operating in the EU market, including global accommodation platforms and digital intermediaries. This white paper was launched to help National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) and the wider tourism and events industry navigate these changes and offers a roadmap, outlining practical steps to achieving compliance, managing risks, and seizing new opportunities. It also provides guidance on updated sustainability reporting and compliant communication strategies to help organisations navigate the evolving legislative landscape with confidence.
“This is not just about compliance – it’s about leadership and new scope”, Bigwood commented. “Destinations that act now will build trust, enhance their reputations, and be better-positioned for long-term success.”
The white paper highlights three key actions:
One key opportunity is the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME), a simplified ESG reporting framework developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG). Although voluntary, this process can help DMOs that are SMEs access additional green financing, improve risk management, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.
“Sustainability is now a key factor in how destinations are viewed and engaged with,” added Eduardo Santander, CEO of ETC. “NTOs and DMOs are in a unique position to lead the way, helping local businesses and stakeholders navigate the shift to more responsible, responsive tourism. With new EU rules on the horizon, it’s essential they stay ahead of the curve and set the example for others to follow”, he said.
To further support the industry in this transition, GDS-Movement and ETC will host a webinar on 10 and 11 June 2025 with similar information and practical next steps.
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Important Links
To download “Destination’s Guide to the New EU Sustainability Regulations”, click here.
To download the PowerPoint presentation of the press conference, click here.
To listen to the 30-minute press conference for soundbites, click here.
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, get in touch with Anja Spice, anja@gds.earth
ABOUT THE GLOBAL DESTINATION SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT (GDS-Movement)
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world. Our mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in. Discover more at www.gds.earth
ABOUT THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL COMMISSION (ETC)
The European Travel Commission (ETC) represents the national tourism organisations of Europe. Established in 1948, ETC’s mission is to strengthen the sustainable development of Europe as a tourist destination and to promote Europe in third markets. Its 36-member tourism boards work together to build the value of tourism for all the diverse European destinations through cooperation in sharing best practices, market intelligence and promotion. For more information, visit www.etc-corporate.org
