Tourism Makes History at COP29 as 50 Countries Back Climate Action Declaration for Sector

• All Regions
• 22 Nov 2024

More than 50 countries have endorsed a landmark proposal for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism.

For the first time in the history of the summit, COP29 featured a Tourism Day, with a First Ministerial Meeting dedicated to positioning tourism policy to support national climate goals. In Baku, public and private sector leaders recognized the significant impact of climate change on the tourism sector and its contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  At the same time, they emphasized tourism's potential to actively foster climate adaptation and regeneration strategies. Over 700 stakeholders participated in the Tourism Day events.

Governments united around climate action in tourism

The First Ministerial was chaired by Mr Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and included the COP29 President H.E. Mr Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, UN Tourism, UNEP and UNFCCC.

At COP29, the global tourism sector made clear its commitment to positive transformation for a better future for our planet

Both UN Tourism Secretary–General, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, and UNEP Executive Director, Ms Inger Andersen, underlined the need for a science-based approach, referring to advanced new research to be further adapted from the University of Queensland (an Affiliate Member of UN Tourism) indicating that tourism represents 8.8% of global emissions (including direct and indirect emissions).

Addressing delegates, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: "For the first time, the Action Agenda of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties has included tourism. The First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism marks a turning point, when ambition meets action, and vision transforms into commitment. At COP29, the global tourism sector made clear its commitment to positive transformation for a better future for our planet."

The Ministerial welcomed ten Ministers of Tourism (United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Belarus, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Iran, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Montenegro, North Macedonia), two Ministers of Environment (Costa Rica and Maldives) and four Deputy Ministers (Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Uzbekistan). Secretaries of State from Moldova, Portugal, Zambia and Zimbabwe were also present. The Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Pacific Tourism Organization delivered statements on behalf of their members. The World Travel and Tourism Council and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance also took the floor.

On the back of the high-level discussions, 52 governments signed the COP29 Declaration for  Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. 

Measurement, Decarbonization, Adaptation, Regeneration, Finance, Innovation

The High-Level Roundtables brought together experts from academia, policymakers and private sector to raise the climate ambition of the tourism sector. The UN Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism  was presented by UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic as key tool for advancing the sector's climate action ambitions. Climate Finance Innovation was also covered in a keynote presentation.

Carbon measurement was discussed at four levels: globally, to understand the scale of the challenge; at the country level, to inform tourism policies and align them with climate goals; at the business level, to ensure accountability for change; and at the product labelling level, empowering consumers to make informed, sustainable choices. While scaling up measurement efforts offers opportunities for evidence-based action, experts highlighted challenges such as the limits of technology-driven improvements, the need for innovative business models, and the critical role of behaviour change.

Discussions on adaptation and regeneration emphasized tourism's potential to foster climate adaptation and regeneration strategies, underscoring the need for scalable financing mechanisms, innovative financial instruments, and collaborative approaches. Interventions and educational strategies that support sustainability transitions were showcased. All in all, several examples of innovation and collaboration illustrated how decarbonization can be linked to funding, adaptation strategies can be grounded in science, and climate action plans can serve as a foundation for change.

New signatories of the Glasgow Declaration Initiative

The Glasgow Declaration Initiative continues to advance with more than 370 action plans already developed by its 900 signatories. Key Takeaways from the Glasgow Declaration Implementation Report 2024 were released at COP29 including:

• 74% of signatories with climate plans are measuring
• 92% of plans include decarbonization actions
• 73% of plans include actions related to biodiversity protection
• 41% of plans include climate adaptation actions
• 29% of plans refer to climate justice
• 82% of signatories with plans report working in partnership with others
• 44% of plans refer finance actions with this pathway remaining a challenge

During COP29, the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and Minor International signed the Glasgow Declaration and a further 58 new signatories were announced, including Destination Canada, the Department for Tourism in Samarkand Region (Uzbekistan), HOTREC (The European Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés), among others.

Towards climate-resilient tourism development

With the aim of laying the foundations for a global coordination mechanism and partnership platform, UN Tourism and the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan signed the Letter of Intent to create a framework for its establishment. The partnership will ensure the continuation of the process to COP30 in Belem, Brazil in 2025, and building on COP28 - as well as to support the transformation of the tourism sector so it can be part of a low-carbon, sustainable and resilient future.

Related Links

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism: Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST)
• UN Tourism: Sustainable Development

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COP29 to Feature Thematic Day on Climate Change and Tourism for the First Time

• All Regions
• 11 Nov 2024

Tourism’s place in global climate action will be center stage on 20 November at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the COP29 Presidential Initiatives. This achievement was welcomed by the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Belem, Brazil.

For the first time, the UN Climate Change conference of the parties will welcome Tourism Ministers, placing the sector firmly within the COP29 Action Agenda and providing a high-level platform for dialogue – at the initiative and joint leadership  of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). 

This achievement reflects the leading role played by UN Tourism in a shift for a science-based approach to guide the sector on tourism climate action, and builds on the efforts of the Glasgow Declaration Initiative, which is implemented within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. The collaboration of committed Member States and tourism stakeholders, and the support provided by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have been instrumental in achieving this landmark momentum for the tourism sector at COP29.

Scheduled for 20th November, the First Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action in Tourism will be followed by three high-level thematic roundtables on measurement and decarbonization, regeneration (adaptation) and finance and innovative solutions, building towards a bold tourism climate agenda for good.

Access the Programme of Events here.

Baku Declaration: Tourism steps up its ambitions

The COP29 Presidency, will lead the launch of the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. The Declaration is a call to action in response to the need to develop more economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, as called for by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, UNFCCC's Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell and UN Tourism Secretary – General, Zurab Pololikashvili. In Baku, government representatives will be encouraged to endorse the Declaration and set out their plans to connect tourism policies and efforts with national climate goals and the UN Climate Change Agenda. UN Tourism and the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan will be releasing for public consultation a Position Paper on Exploring Opportunities to Integrate Tourism in NDCs, in a nationally determined manner.

To endorse the Baku Declaration, please send an official written communication (letter, note verbale, etc.) to the COP29 Presidency or email to tourism@cop29.az The full text of the Baku Declaration is available here (see Annex 9 on page 20).

Boosting Engagement and Accountability

Two of UN Tourism's flagship sustainability initiatives will also feature in the Thematic Day, with stakeholders urged to take action.

The Glasgow Declaration Initiative on Climate Action in Tourism, is a voluntary commitment launched at COP26, implemented within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, and recognized as a Global Climate Action initiative by UNFCCC. At COP29, the Glasgow Declaration Initiative is to be given fresh impetus to include additional signatories, especially focusing on its positioning as a tool to support the implementation of national climate policies through tourism climate action structured around five strategic pathways: measurement, decarbonization, regeneration/adaptation, collaboration and finance.

To join the Glasgow Declaration Initiative and become part of a multi-stakeholder network of over 900 organizations collectively working on climate action, please visit Glasgow Declaration Initiative page.

Also in Baku, the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST), adopted by the UN Statistical Commission in February 2024, will be formally acknowledged as the tool to measure the sector's climate action impacts. The MST Framework is a living example of moving beyond GDP to also include environmental data, such as GHG emissions and energy use. In recognition of this, MST will be positioned in its capacity to drive the production of more trustworthy, country-owned and internationally comparable data on the impact of tourism on climate change, laying the necessary foundation for progress in the mitigation of tourism-related GHG emissions and energy efficiency.

Click here to find out more about the Statistical Framework on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

A COP29 Legacy for Enhanced Climate Action

As part of the plans to continue accelerating climate action in tourism, COP29 delegates will be discussing a coordination mechanism and partnership envisaged, led by UN Tourism with the UN System, multilateral partners, the industry, academia and other key stakeholders to ensure coherence and alignment to advance a science-based agenda for positive impact.   

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism
• COP29 Declarations and Pledges Letter
• The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism
• Statistical Framework on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

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UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism and Sustainability Committee Meets to Spotlight Responsible, Nature-Positive Growth for Sector

• All Regions
• 12 Sep 2024

The Committee recessed for a full two-day meeting to review and discuss global challenges of tourism and the path towards more sustainable, desirable and resilient development.

The 19th meeting of the Committee (CTS) brought together the elected members of the Committee from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Americas. A total of 140 leading policymakers and experts reflected in-depth on pathways for balancing growth and prosperity with inclusiveness and sustainability. Over the course of two days, special Thematic Sessions focused on the key sustainability challenges posed as the sector continues to grow, with an expected 35 billion domestic, same-day and international visitors expected to travel annually by 2030.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the significance of the meeting, noting, "This is the first time that the committee has met for two days to reflect and deeply discuss strategic topics for a science based global tourism agenda, its sustainability, and future resilience."

William Rodríguez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism, added, "Costa Rica is honored to host the representatives of the UN Tourism's Committee on Tourism and Sustainability. We see it as a great challenge to lead discussions on issues that are so relevant to the environmental, social, and economic future of the member countries, always striving for tourism to follow a model of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative management, as promoted by our country."

Towards Collective and Consistent Actions

The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability put the spotlight on the key sustainability-related challenges facing tourism today, drawing on the expertise of the experts and committee members under the leadership of Costa Rica. Structured in five thematic sessions, the discussions focused on:

• The Future of Tourism: The Committee addressed the critical balance between growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of fostering well-being and prosperity for local communities. Discussions centered on the pathways needed to ensure tourism drives economic growth and cultural enrichment while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
• Climate Action and Circularity: Ahead of COP29, participants welcomed UN Tourism communication that tourism is included for the first time in the COP29 climate conference action agenda. Discussions also covered progress achieved implementing the Glasgow Declaration, including the measurement and mitigation of tourism's related  greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and explored future actions.
• Nature-Positive Tourism: Reaffirming a shared commitment to nature-positive practices, including ecosystem restoration and protection, and centering nature in tourism policies. The session highlighted the opportunities presented by nature-positive tourism, particularly for emerging destinations, in line with the work of the Nature Positive Tourism Alliance.
• Green Claims and Certifications: The Committee discussed the current challenges and important political discussions related to certification systems, particularly in light of the European Commission's directives. The importance of consistent standards was highlighted, recognizing the unique contexts of individual destinations.

Taking Inspiration from Global Good Practice

In discussing the balance between destination development, resource use, biodiversity, and cultural heritage preservation, the CTS presented several examples of positive solutions from diverse destinations. Costa Rica's Social Progress Index (SPI) was included in discussions on ensuring tourism's growth aligns with nature-positive principles and inclusive prosperity. Fiji's process to transpose the Climate Change Act into tourism policies and operations was highlighted. Iceland was also presented as an example of smart tourism management, balancing growth with sustainable development and reducing the sector's ecological footprint.

A Call to Action: Join Us at COP16 and COP29

The Committee concluded with a strong call to action, urging all nations to join in taking these crucial discussions to the global stage. The upcoming COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP29 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be pivotal moments for integrating tourism strategies into broader environmental and climate agendas. These conferences represent critical opportunities to align our sector's efforts with global sustainability goals.

The Committee invites countries to unite at these key forums, ensuring that tourism plays a central role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for our planet.

Related links:

• Download New Release on PDF
• UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism
• Climate Action
• Committees

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UN Tourism and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to Advance Common ESG Framework

• All Regions
• 7 Aug 2024

UN Tourism and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance will work together to implement a common framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for the sector.

The ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses, developed by UN Tourism in collaboration with the University of Oxford SDG Impact Lab, is aimed at helping enterprises across the sector measure and report their sustainability efforts and impacts more consistently and reliably. With this new agreement, UN Tourism will work alongside the Alliance to test the Framework, refine its indicators and relevant tools, and foster stakeholder engagement.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic says: "The ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses is set to transform the tourism sector by establishing harmonised and essential standards for companies to assess and report their sustainability efforts. The collaboration between UN Tourism and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance highlights how commitment and strategic partnerships can drive alignment and significant progress in ESG."

Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, adds: "Collaborating with UN Tourism on the development of a harmonised ESG Framework represents a significant milestone for the global tourism industry. This partnership not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also highlights the collective power of our industry to drive meaningful change. By establishing standardised metrics and fostering greater alignment between the private and public sectors, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for tourism worldwide."

Partners leverage fields of expertise

The partnership comes as tourism businesses face increasing pressure to disclose their ESG actions and impacts. The ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses is rooted in the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST), endorsed by the UN Statistical Commission with unanimous support from all 193 UN Member States, and strives to bring greater and much-needed alignment between private and public sector data.

Alongside this, the Alliance's Net Positive Hospitality Pathway and Framework is designed to harmonise metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), develop standards, and streamline reporting within the hospitality industry.

Related Links

• Download the News Release in PDF
• ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses
• Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (SF-MST)
• UN Adopts a New Global Standard to Measure the Sustainability of Tourism

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