The EmpCo Directive Is Coming. We’re Getting Ready.

From autumn 2026 onwards, the rules governing environmental and sustainability-related communication across Europe will changesignificantly. The new EU Directive Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (EmpCo) aims to strengthen consumer protection against greenwashing and ensure greater transparency in marketing and business communication. As a result, broad terms such as “sustainable”, “green” or “environmentally friendly” may only be used under very    specific conditions in the future. 

For us at Trail Angels, this is not a reason for concern. Rather, it is an opportunity to critically review and further develop the way we communicate. Since our foundation, we have been committed to creating hiking, cycling and outdoor travel experiences that generate regional value, promote resource-conscious activities and foster fair partnerships within destinations. That fundamental direction remains unchanged. 

What will change, however, is the language we use to describe these efforts. Together with our partners, we are currently reviewing websites, travel descriptions, marketing materials and other communication channels to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Going forward, we want to focus even more strongly on concrete, verifiable facts rather than broad and often vague buzzwords. 

This is not about changing our values. Quite the opposite. The new directive calls for greater transparency and accountability, and we see this as an opportunity. Our work has always been based on tangible actions: promoting hiking and cycling holidays, encouraging travel by public transport, collaborating with regional and family-run businesses, and building transparent partnerships along our trails. 

In the future ,we are happy to be measured by our actions rather than by slogans. We believe that meaningful progress in tourism is demonstrated through real achievements and measurable impacts, not simply through the words used in marketing materials. 

Background Article

If you would like to learn more about our perspective on the EmpCo Directive, the challenges it presents for small and medium-sizedt ourism businesses, and how Trail Angels intends to adapt its communication, we invite you to read our detailed background article. Our conclusion is simple: the language may change, but our mission remains exactly the same. We will continue our journey in hiking, cycling and outdoor tourism with the same passion and commitment, constantly improving our products and working together with our partners to create meaningful travel experiences for guests and destinations alike. 

Related posts