European tourism is facing an exciting and challenging new phase following the presentation of the implementation plan of the EU Tourism strategy by the European Commission in November 2010.

The issue of responsibility for Youth Hostels' activities, guests and destinations was for the first time on the European agenda of the Conference. Organised by the Hungarian Presidency and the European Commission, the conference tackled the issue of "Sustainable and responsible tourism as a contributor to quality of life". EUFED underlined the important work that Youth Hostels are doing to promote high-quality and sustainable youth mobility, and well-being and healthy lifestyles. EUFED discussed possibilities of encouraging guests to support economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and responsible tourism attitudes.

During the two days conference, responsible and ethical entrepreneurial best practices and initiatives to support responsible customer behaviour were presented. The UNWTO "Hotel Energy Solutions" project, in which EUFED is involved, and its role in successful business development was on the agenda as well as the "Schweizmobil" project, where Youth Hostels are an example about stimulating responsible tourism.

Keynote speakers included the Hungarian President Pál Schmitt, Antonio Tajani Vice-President of the European Commission, Taleb Rifai the UNWTO Secretary General, Kristóf Szatmáry Minister for National Economy in Hungary, Zoltán Cséfalvay Minister for Economic Strategyin Hungary and Michela Vittoria Brambilla Minister of Tourism in Italy.

More information and presentations of the conference: www.tourism2011budapest.eu