Baku, November 20, 2024 — COP29 has brought to light the pressing issue of climate action within the tourism sector, spotlighting innovative strategies and frameworks aimed at reshaping how this industry interacts with environmental challenges. The conference, taking place in Azerbaijan, has showcased not only regional efforts but also global commitments from over 50 countries endorsing the "COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in the Tourism Sector." This initiative serves as a clear call from policymakers and industry leaders for the tourism sector to adopt low-carbon and climate-resilient practices.
The event titled "Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism: Innovative Solutions and Way Forward" was organized by the COP29 Presidency and the Azerbaijan Tourism Agency. During the roundtable moderated by Virginia Fernandez-Trapa from the World Tourism Organization, discussions centered around how the tourism industry can innovate and adapt to the changing climate. Günay Bayramova, head of the State Tourism Agency's Tourism Policy and Strategy Department, highlighted Azerbaijan’s potential leadership role within this sector. "We are doing everything possible to incorporate climate action within our tourism policy," she stated during the session.
This year marks the first time the COP Presidency has organized a thematic day focusing entirely on tourism, reflecting the sector's significance as both an economic driver and contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized, "Tourism is not only key for economic growth, providing livelihoods for millions; it’s also vulnerable to the very climate impacts it helps exacerbate. It’s time to shift to sustainable practices. We need to protect our natural heritage to create a sustainable future for tourism and the environment."
At the heart of the discussions was the urgent need for decarbonization within travel packages. Shannon Guihan from the Travel Corporation pointed out how 60% of European travel is now linked to decarbonization initiatives, indicating a significant shift in consumer awareness and demand for sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Erika Harms from Iberostar Group discussed the necessity for adapting climate measures to shield coastal tourism areas from rising sea levels and other immediate threats posed by climate change.
Other speakers, including Emi Levis from the Inter-American Development Bank, raised concerns about climate financing challenges facing the tourism sector. "We must prioritize funding for sustainable initiatives to help tourism stakeholders adapt, as insufficient investments currently hinder progress," she noted. Heitor Kadri from Brazil's Ministry of Tourism echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about fostering public-private partnerships to drive climate resilience efforts.
The event concluded with actionable insights, summarizing efforts to accelerate climate adaptation and resilience strategies within tourism, from defining future investment needs to strengthening frameworks for tourism administration globally.
Following this compelling session, COP29 also launched the COP29 MAP Declaration for Resilient and Healthy Cities, emphasizing urban resilience. This declaration seeks to promote collaboration between tourism, urban planning, and sustainable transport systems. The focus now is on creating cities capable of withstanding climate-related challenges through initiatives like green construction, climate-smart infrastructure, and improved public transport accessibility.
Chinese participants at the COP29 noted their experiences and tourism's potential to forge stronger cultural ties and encourage environmental awareness among visitors. This sentiment was shared by numerous representatives who believe tourism can play a pivotal role not just economically but also educationally.
UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili provided stark statistics, claiming tourism accounts for approximately 8.8% of global carbon emissions today. "We are committed to realizing the sector's potential to drive transformative change. Through regeneration, decarbonization, and innovation, tourism can be fundamentally reshaped to combat climate change effectively," he said during his address.
Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency, also articulated the necessity of synergistic efforts to incorporate tourism more deeply within climate policy by endorsing frameworks established under international agreements like the Paris Accord. "Our declaration provides strategic guidance and serves as a roadmap for aligning the tourism sector with national climate agendas. Given the growing global support, we see this as the beginning of broader commitments within the industry," he remarked.
The importance of integrating tourism within national climate policies was underscored by Nigar Arpadarai, the UN climate change high-level champion for COP29. She stated, "Tourism is pivotal for economic development, yet it is equally threatened by climate change impacts. Therefore, it is imperative for nations to include tourism sustainability within their climate agendas."
One of the significant discussions revolved around the necessity for climate financing specific to tourism initiatives. The focus should extend beyond reducing carbon footprints to adopting adaptable measures responding effectively to the realities posed by climate change. Key stakeholders argue for regulatory reforms and the introduction of tax incentives to promote sustainable tourism practices sufficiently.
With the COP29 conference drawing attention to climate action's intersectionality with tourism, the event reiterates the growing recognition of tourism’s role within climate dialogues globally. This year’s COP is intended not only to tackle pressing environmental issues but also to set forth clearer pathways for enhancing the sector’s contribution to sustainable environmental practices, laying the groundwork for the next COP meetings.
The landmark decisions taken during COP29 will undoubtedly shape future climate negotiations and highlight tourism's pivotal role among them, advocating for integrated approaches to urban climate strategies and ensuring sustainable progress for generations to come.
