Circular Tourism in Action
Circular Tourism in Action
Background
The tourism ecosystem is undergoing a green transition—and circular solutions are at the core of this transformation. The key to success? Making responsible choices while ensuring win-win conditions for both tourism businesses and travelers.
On April 9th in Brussels, join industry professionals, EU policymakers, and tourism leaders to explore how hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tourism SMEs are driving the shift toward circular tourism. From speaker presentations to interactive discussions and study visits in Brussels. Discover how virtuous companies integrate waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and resource optimization into their daily activities. Uncover how they create synergies with related sectors such as culture, art and mobility.
This event is more than a showcase—it’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and exchange knowledge. By bringing together different stakeholders, we aim to facilitate partnerships, inspire action, and create a ripple effect across the tourism ecosystem with an interdisciplinary and holistic approach.
📅 Date: April 9, 2025
📍 Location: Mundo Trône, Brussels
💡 Hybrid Event: In-person & online participation available
🔗 Register for free
Program
13:30-14:00 | Welcome Bio-Coffee & Networking
Enjoy organic drinks & sweets while meeting circular tourism professionals.
14:00-14:30 | Opening & Setting the Scene
Channa Cattoir – Country Coordinator, EU Climate Pact Belgium
Cinzia De Marzo – EU Legal Advisor & Sustainable Tourism Expert, EU Climate Pact Ambassador
Lidia Esther Aviles – Founder & CEO at AELSTONE, EU Climate Pact Ambassador
Simon Sterck – Former Belgian UN Youth Delegate on Sustainable Development, EU Climate Pact Ambassador
14:30-15:30 | Best Practices
Discover circular tourism initiatives from SMEs and industry leaders across Europe:
Marco Iacuitto – Policy Officer, EISMEA – European Commission
Antonia Gravagnuolo – TRACE Project Coordinator – Italy
Christina Russe – Deputy Secretary General, ECTAA – Belgium
Maarten Vermeir – Chair, Rethinking Economics EU Affairs, NEB University
Luca Palazzo – PRISM Social Enterprise, ECOTOURS Project Coordinator (Remote)
Roxana Slemco – Director, North-East Regional Studies Center, ADR – Romania (Remote)
Fevzi Okumus – Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida (Remote)
15:30-15:50 | Panel Discussion & Q&A
Interactive discussion with speakers, EU Climate Pact Ambassadors, and the audience.
15:50-16:00 | Conclusions
Cinzia De Marzo – EU Climate Pact Ambassador & Satellite Event Coordinator
16:00-18:30 | Study Visits: Circular Tourism in action in Brussels
Explore Brussels' inspiring circular tourism initiatives (using public transport around the city):
1) The Birdwing – Eco-friendly hospitality & local biodiversity projects
2) Fais-le Toi-Même – Community-led circular tourism services
3) Hotel Amigo – How an hotel integrates sustainability into its operations