Tourism Unites to Cut Emissions in Half by 2030, Achieve Net Zero by 2050

With the launch of the “Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism”, some of the industry’s biggest businesses joined governments and destinations in committing to cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050 at the latest.

Launched in early November at the UN Climate Change Conference COP26, the Glasgow Declaration recognizes the urgent need for a globally consistent plan for climate action in tourism. Signatories commit to measure, decarbonize, regenerate and unlock finance. Additionally, each signatory commits to deliver a concrete climate action plan, or updated plan, within 12 months of signing.

According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), transforming tourism through climate action is crucial for the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability and resilience.

“While many private businesses have led the way in advancing climate action, a more ambitious sector-wide approach is needed to ensure tourism accelerates climate action in a meaningful way,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said while speaking at COP26.

He added that “the Glasgow Declaration is a tool to help bridge the gap between good intentions and meaningful climate action”.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

Already, more than 300 tourism stakeholders have signed up to the Declaration, including leading industry players to destinations, countries and other tourism stakeholders ranging from large to small.

The Glasgow Declaration was developed through the collaboration of UNWTO, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Visit Scotland, the Travel Foundation and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency, within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme committed to accelerate sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the voice of the global private sector, is a supporter and launch partner to the Glasgow Declaration.

“The Glasgow Declaration is a real opportunity for travel and tourism to unite and show true leadership as we strive towards Net Zero,” said WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson.

The more than 300 signatories include businesses, countries, tourism stakeholders and destinations, among them: Accor, Panama, Barbados, ETOA – European Tourism Association, GSTC – Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Iberostar Group, NECSTouR – Network of European Regions for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism and Skyscanner.