by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Wed November 20, 2024
The number of travel and tourism businesses setting climate targets has grown 27 percent in the past three years, spurring the industry’s green transition, according to the second edition of the World Travel & Tourism’s (WTTC) Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, which was released at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan this week.
The new roadmap report is the second of its kind, the first having been published in 2021. The new edition was created in partnership with Accenture, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
More travel companies are working towards a green transition this year than in 2021, with 53 percent of the world’s largest 250 travel companies now reporting on climate reduction goals. That’s a 42 percent increase from 2021.
One-third of these companies have committed to achieving Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals. Many of the companies with plans are currently doing well measuring their carbon emissions and intensity, but many (74 percent) still rely on carbon offsetting programs instead of making actionable transitions.
But are these plans actually working? Studies show that they are, slowly but surely, though there’s still a lot of room for improvement, especially among smaller businesses who have less opportunity, guidance and funds to make the green transition.
The travel industry generated 7.8 percent of the world’s global emissions back in 2019. In 2023, however, it generated 6.5 percent, which is a 10.2 percent reduction, even as the industry continues to grow. From 2019, the aviation and cruise industries reduced their carbon intensities by 6 and 11 percent, respectively.
Additionally, 75 percent of travelers across the globe have expressed a desire to travel more sustainably, but confusion around what’s actually sustainable still persists.
“The urgency of climate action in our sector has never been clearer,” said WTTC President & CEO, Julia Simpson. “Climate change is not a future threat – it’s here, and we are all facing the consequences.”
“This updated roadmap is a call to action for every business in Travel & Tourism,” Simpson continued. “The sector is moving forward; but we mustn’t rest on the laurels. We must work together with greater ambition and urgency to create a sustainable future for Travel & Tourism. Every step counts towards preserving our planet and the livelihoods of millions.”
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