The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently hosted its 24th Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, bringing together key players from the travel and tourism industry, including policymakers and stakeholders. The summit served as a platform for discussing the future of the industry and highlighting progress made in key areas, particularly environmental sustainability.
One of the significant announcements made at the summit was the release of data on the industry’s environmental footprint. The WTTC’s Environmental & Social Research (ESR), conducted in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, revealed that the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased from 7.8% in 2019 to 6.7% in 2023. This decline, coupled with a decrease in GHG intensity (emissions per unit of GDP), suggests a positive trend towards a greener and more sustainable industry.
However, the summit emphasized that despite these positive strides, the sector must push for absolute reductions in emissions, not just reductions in intensity. The goal of meeting the Paris Agreement’s climate targets requires significant action, including accelerated adoption of renewable energy sources and a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.
A key factor contributing to the Travel & Tourism industry’s emissions is the energy used to power its operations. While the sector has made progress, there is still room for improvement in transitioning to renewable energy. In 2023, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuel energy sources dropped to 88.2%, down from 90% in 2019. Meanwhile, the share of low-carbon energy sources increased from 5.1% to 5.9%. These figures demonstrate efforts to embrace greener alternatives, but also underscore the need for more decisive action to accelerate this transition.
The WTTC summit emphasized the urgent need to address the industry’s carbon footprint, noting that while decoupling growth from emissions is a positive step, achieving absolute reductions is crucial for the future. The focus must shift towards scaling up renewable energy usage, improving energy efficiency, and investing in sustainable infrastructure.
The summit also highlighted the Travel & Tourism sector’s significant contribution to global tax revenues, with tax revenues generated from direct taxes paid by businesses within the sector amounting to US$3.32 trillion in 2023. This represents 9.6% of total global tax revenues, showcasing the sector’s pivotal role in supporting governmental fiscal structures. Governments have a critical role to play in reinvesting these revenues to support the industry’s green transition by directing funds towards decarbonizing infrastructure, expanding renewable energy sources, and assisting businesses in their sustainability efforts.
The WTTC Global Summit emphasized the need for continued innovation and stronger actions to drive sustainability within the Travel & Tourism sector. The summit showcased several innovative practices and technologies that are paving the way for more sustainable travel, including:
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Carbon offsetting initiatives:
Many airlines and travel companies are offering carbon offsetting programs, allowing travelers to compensate for the emissions generated by their trips by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere.*
Sustainable tourism certifications:
Organizations like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) provide certifications to tourism businesses that meet specific sustainability standards. These certifications can help travelers identify eco-conscious options.*
Bio-based fuels:
The aviation industry is exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) derived from renewable sources like biomass and waste. SAFs can significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional jet fuels.*
Electric and hybrid vehicles:
The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles is transforming transportation, with many destinations adopting electric buses and taxis to reduce emissions.*
Smart technologies:
Smart technologies are being used to optimize travel routes, reduce congestion, and enhance energy efficiency.The WTTC Global Summit served as a platform for showcasing these innovations and encouraging collaboration between industry leaders, governments, and sustainability advocates. As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, the Travel & Tourism sector will continue to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth while addressing environmental challenges.
The WTTC’s commitment to accelerating the green transition will require collaboration, investment, and a concerted effort from all stakeholders in the travel ecosystem. Governments, businesses, and consumers must work together to reduce the sector’s environmental footprint and ensure that Travel & Tourism can thrive in a world where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity.
