TUI CEO And Spanish Tourism Leaders Focus On Sustainability And Package Travel Directive

Saturday, July 13, 2024

TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel met with Spanish tourism leaders to discuss sustainable tourism and the Package Travel Directive, aiming for fair policies and local collaboration.

Sustainable tourism’s significance for growth and prosperity was the central topic during a meeting between TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel, Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu Boher, and Secretary of State for Tourism Rosario Sanchez Grau. Tourism is a vital economic driver and major employer in many southern European nations. In Spain, the sector contributed 12.8 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, with projections indicating an increase to 13.4 percent this year. This summer, TUI is set to bring over six million tourists to Spain, creating thousands of stable jobs across hotels, ports, airports, and the entire tourism value chain. Package holidays are a cornerstone of this thriving tourism model. During the Madrid meeting, TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel also addressed the latest updates on the European Package Travel Directive’s revision.

“Tourism is a driver for the economic and social development of destinations. To this end, TUI harmonises economic, social and environmental sustainability. Green energy and sustainable fuels, the strengthening of educational and training opportunities, concepts for the economical use of water in hotels and on cruise ships: Sustainability is part of TUI’s DNA. Green innovations and the acceptance of tourism among the population are crucial to the success of this transformation,” emphasises Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group. “Tourism is sustainable and successful when local people see it as an added value for their city or region. They decide how much tourism is welcome and what kind of tourism it should be.”

During the discussion, Ebel emphasized the importance of collaboration among local communities, politicians, and the tourism industry in holiday destinations. He stressed that such cooperation is crucial to enhancing the positive impacts of tourism and developing comprehensive strategies that benefit both living spaces and the everyday lives of local residents. “Social sustainability is particularly about the living spaces of local people: Education, training, jobs, local culture, affordable housing. In many places around the world, there are already tried-and-tested joint initiatives for education, training and increasing local value creation. We will continue this dialogue and further strengthen it with our partners.”

Ebel stated that the ongoing discussions in Spain reveal that the populace is not opposed to tourism; instead, they advocate for sustainable tourism that respects their everyday lives. He emphasized the necessity of developing holistic concepts in collaboration with local stakeholders and the tourism industry to create a harmonious balance between the tourism ecosystem and the lives of the residents. Ebel asserted that only tourism endorsed and supported by the local community can truly be sustainable. The conversation also addressed green electricity production in Spain, the enhancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, and potential support from Spanish politicians.

A key topic at the meeting was the Package Travel Directive, currently under discussion at the European level. Each year, millions of package holidaymakers visit Spain, comprising the largest segment of tourists in the country. During discussions with the Spanish Minister for Industry and Tourism, Sebastian Ebel emphasized the need for Spain’s support in advocating for a Package Travel Directive that minimizes additional burdens and ensures a level playing field among various market participants.”Package holidays are the safest and most attractive form of travel. TUI is committed to ensuring that this form of travel remains competitive and attractive compared to other forms of travel. I am delighted that there was a broad consensus on this in the discussions,” said Sebastian Ebel. A regular exchange on this topic was agreed.

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