Responsible tourism forum discussions are set to take place in Brussels as the Europe Responsible Tourism Forum and Awards return on 23 June 2026. The event will bring together tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to focus on sustainable travel practices across Europe.
The event will be hosted at the Press Club Brussels Europe by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. It will also include the Responsible Tourism Awards, which have been recognising innovation in sustainable tourism since 2004.
The forum is designed to highlight practical solutions that improve tourism while protecting the environment and supporting local communities. Organisers say the goal is to share proven ideas that can be replicated across destinations and businesses.
The Responsible Tourism Awards have become a key platform for identifying organisations that are driving change in the travel sector. Over the years, winners have included hotels, tour operators, and destinations that have introduced new standards in areas such as waste reduction, climate resilience, and community engagement.
In the 2026 edition, the awards will again be presented by easyJet holidays and will feature categories that reflect major sustainability challenges in tourism. These include local sourcing, waste management, nature protection, climate adaptation, and inclusive travel practices.
For the first time, the awards ceremony will be preceded by a European Responsible Tourism Forum. This new addition will create a structured platform for deeper discussion on policy changes, industry challenges, and best practices in sustainable tourism development.
The forum is expected to bring together representatives from tourism boards, private companies, non government organisations, and policy makers. Discussions will focus on how Europe can make tourism more sustainable while maintaining economic growth and competitiveness.
Organisers say the event aims to encourage collaboration across the sector. By bringing together senior stakeholders, they hope to accelerate the adoption of responsible tourism practices and improve long term outcomes for destinations and local communities.
Support for the event has also come from Paloma Hotel Group, a family owned hospitality company operating hotels and resorts across Türkiye and the Mediterranean. The company has been involved in the sector for more than 40 years and focuses on integrating sustainability into its operations.
Representatives from Paloma Hotel Group said responsible tourism is a core part of their business strategy. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry leaders to address challenges such as environmental impact, resource management, and community benefits.
Experts say responsible tourism is becoming increasingly important as global travel continues to grow. Destinations across Europe are under pressure to balance visitor numbers with environmental protection and local quality of life.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for sharing solutions that can help reduce tourism related waste, improve energy efficiency, and promote more ethical travel practices.
Industry observers say events like this play a key role in shaping the future of tourism policy in Europe. By encouraging cooperation and innovation, they aim to ensure that tourism contributes positively to both economies and communities.
With growing attention on sustainability in travel, the Brussels forum is expected to influence future standards and practices across the European tourism industry.
