Over 50 Countries Commit to Sustainable Tourism at COP29 UN Climate Summit

In a landmark move at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, over 50 countries have united under a United Nations declaration to infuse sustainability into the global tourism sector. This initiative marks the first inclusion of tourism in the UN Climate change Conference Action Agenda, highlighting its critical role in both the economy and environmental impact.

The declaration, endorsed on November 20, 2024, recognizes the dual nature of tourism as a significant economic driver and a considerable contributor to Climate change. According to Zoritsa Urosevic, the U.N. Executive Director for Tourism, the industry not only accounts for 3% of global GDP but also contributes 8.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The signatories of the Enhanced Climate Action on Tourism Declaration have committed to integrating sustainable tourism practices into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline each country’s efforts to mitigate Global warming. These updated NDCs are expected by February, setting a new standard for incorporating tourism into climate strategies.

Tourism’s susceptibility to climate-induced disasters such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts underscores the urgency of this commitment. This sector, vital for hard currency revenues, especially in emerging countries, faces direct threats from environmental instability.

In addition to the declaration, several supportive measures were unveiled, including a framework by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. This initiative, led by CEO Glenn Mandziuk, aims to standardize the reporting of critical data like greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste, and energy consumption across the hospitality industry. Representing 55,000 hotels with over 7 million rooms globally, including major chains like Accor, the alliance seeks to enhance transparency and encourage sustainable practices among travelers and businesses alike.

The concerted effort at COP29 reflects a broader realization within the tourism industry: long-term viability hinges on sustainable operation. As Mandziuk emphasized, “We are an industry that has a vested interest in the protection of each destination,” signaling a shift towards more responsible and climate-aware tourism practices worldwide.

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