As 2025 draws to a close, the Sustainable EU Tourism – Shaping the Tourism of Tomorrow programme is nearing its end. Over the past two years, the initiative has helped European destinations test new approaches to managing tourism sustainably: improving resource efficiency, engaging local communities, and strengthening resilience to climate and market pressures. While designed for destinations, many of its findings are directly relevant to hotels and other accommodation providers.

Here are key insights and practical steps hoteliers can take away:

• Align with your destination’s goals: Hotels that coordinate with local tourism strategies can benefit from shared visibility, coordinated initiatives, and stronger community support.
• Adopt proven sustainability practices: Case studies show the benefits of energy efficiency, waste reduction, water-saving technologies, and partnerships with local producers.
• Communicate with substance: Guests increasingly look for credible sustainability action. Share measurable data, such as reductions in energy use or community partnerships, instead of broad claims.
• Manage seasonality strategically: Develop off-season packages and collaborate on regional experiences to spread visitor demand.
• Prepare for long-term change: Invest in systems that improve resilience from digital monitoring tools to climate adaptation measures.

Even as the programme concludes, its principles remain highly relevant. The direction of EU tourism policy is clear: destinations and businesses that embed sustainability into daily operations will be better positioned for regulatory, environmental, and market shifts ahead.

ABOUT GCSTIMES

Since 2011, GCSTlMES has pioneered sustainable development, evolving from smart card R&D to sustainable material innovation. Today, we stand as a global platform for sustainable solutions.

Sustainability is our foundation. Through technological innovation and creative solutions, GCSTlMES delivers diverse services and tangible products, positioning ourselves as both manufacturers and innovators.

GCSTlMES believes technology should empower human progress and cultural preservation. By integrating sustainability into technology, we aim to make it “warm” and purposeful. Our products serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting local heritage worldwide.

Brand Portfolio: GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, offering sustainable smart cards, creative (custom-shaped) key cards sustainable supplies, cultural gifts, and bespoke design and related services.

Currently, GCSTlMES has five operational centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, along with 20 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Its services extend to over 140 countries and regions supporting more than 100,000 international hospitality group in achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals.

GCS Times
MKT Team