From Vanuatu to Canada’s Northwest Passage, the pressure to open up new areas to the cruise industry is relentless, but decisions are often made without detailed independent research on economic benefits or environmental impact. This is an issue currently faced by the community of Jervis Bay, 200km south of Sydney.
Travellers and the industry should recognise the people who live in communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, climate change and tourism, either the lack of it or the over-abundance of it. Community-based tourism is doubly beneficial because communities themselves are in control of what they share and who they share it with, while directly benefiting from the experience.
In recognition of the existential threat posed by the climate emergency, UNWTO, the government of Panama and NOAH (Network of Ocean Ambassadors Headquarters) will support the creation of a Capital Fund that will make possible the UN Fund for the Climate Neutrality of Tourism and the creation of a Smart Carbon Exchange Market.
More than 300 travel companies, tourism boards and countries have signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, the first step for a shared road map to cut carbon emissions. The declaration has four main targets: measurement; decarbonization; regeneration; and collaboration.
Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Summits explore how tourism creates dignified livelihoods and provides alternative jobs and economic investment. Their aim is to encourage buyers of travel to integrate local social enterprises and impact experiences into their product, increasing the positive social, economic and environmental impact of tourism.
