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.
Spain’s tourism strategy looks to address the challenges of the climate crisis, endangered biodiversity and sustainable consumption and production. After an initial focus on restarting tourism safely, the longer-term tourism strategy is for Spain to become a sustainable and socially oriented destination, including the promotion of circular economy strategies.
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action on Tourism will be officially launched with the objective to raise the climate ambition of tourism stakeholders and secure strong actions to support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. Transforming tourism through climate action is crucial for the sector’s competitiveness, sustainability and resilience.
