Commission Decision (EU) 2016/611 of 15 April 2016 on the reference document on best environmental management practice, sector environmental performance indicators and benchmarks of excellence for the tourism sector under Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) (notified under document C(2016) 2137) (Text with EEA relevance)

The sectoral reference document on best environmental management practice, sector environmental performance indicators, and benchmarks of excellence for the tourism sector is set out in the Annex.

EMAS-registered organisations in the tourism sector shall take this sectoral reference document into account and should therefore: use relevant elements of the sectoral reference document when developing and implementing their environmental management system in light of the Environmental Reviews, demonstrate in their environmental statements how the relevant sector-specific Environmental Performance Indicators, the Best Environmental Management Practices and Benchmarks of Excellence described in the sectoral reference document have been used to identify measures and actions, and possibly to set priorities, for improving their environmental performance.

Meeting the benchmarks of excellence identified in the sectoral reference document is not mandatory for EMAS-registered organisations since the voluntary character of EMAS leaves the assessment of the feasibility of the benchmarks, in terms of costs and benefits, to the organisations themselves. This Decision is addressed to the Member States.