GNTB Sustainable Tourism Day highlights practical solutions for the future

Germany

Experts will present best practices, new regulations and innovative approaches for responsible tourism at the fifth edition of the industry event

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) will host its fifth Sustainable Tourism Day on 23 September 2026 in Frankfurt am Main. Bringing together experts from academia, tourism businesses, destinations and industry associations, the event will focus on practical strategies and successful examples of responsible tourism.

The conference aims to support tourism stakeholders in implementing sustainable business practices while addressing new regulatory requirements and emerging challenges. Topics range from climate resilience and sustainable mobility to responsible destination management and the future of hospitality.

Practical guidance on sustainability and regulation

One of the key sessions will examine the implementation of the European Union’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo) Directive, which introduces clearer rules for communicating sustainability claims to consumers.

Participants will also hear how two German municipalities are using DestinationPay, an international initiative designed to encourage more sustainable visitor behaviour by rewarding environmentally responsible choices.

Additional presentations will explore climate risk assessment and resilience strategies for destinations and tourism businesses, practical recommendations for climate-friendly transport and the growing role of sustainability in the success of theme parks and tourism regions.

Another session will look at the future development of the hospitality sector under the theme “The Future of Hospitality – From Accommodation Provider to Service Ecosystem”.

Focus on sustainable destinations

The programme will conclude with a presentation of Germany’s Federal Competition for Sustainable Tourism Destinations.

Organised by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) and the German Tourism Association (DTV), the competition has recognised destinations committed to environmentally and socially responsible tourism for several years. The GNTB supports the initiative as a member of both its advisory board and jury.

Sustainability strengthens Germany’s tourism profile

Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the GNTB, highlighted Germany’s strong international position in sustainable development.

“Germany as a travel destination is already well positioned in terms of sustainability. In the SDG Index, which reflects progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we rank fourth worldwide. Our objective of climate-friendly, environmentally, nature- and socially responsible tourism that also supports the competitiveness of tourism businesses has been expressly reaffirmed in the German Federal Government's National Tourism Strategy 2026.

“With the GNTB Sustainable Tourism Day, we offer all stakeholders in German tourism a platform to network with experts, benefit from successful solutions and develop their own sustainability concepts.”

Registration now open

Registration for the fifth GNTB Sustainable Tourism Day is now open. The event is aimed at GNTB members, partners and other stakeholders from Germany’s tourism industry. Participation is subject to a registration fee.