The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has reiterated its commitment to the global fight against climate change following the UN’s Climate Change Conference, Cop 25, in Madrid this week.

The WTTC aims to tackle the climate crisis through its Climate & Environment Action Plan and called on the tourism sector to become climate neutral by 2050. 

Its plan sets out targets, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy initiatives to reduce the use of plastics, food waste and others. 

The WTTC has also helped in the creation of a Sustainable Travel & Tourism Partner programme, to recognise companies that are taking action on this area and will share industry best practices via a Sustainability Knowledge Hub.

The travel and tourism sector supports one-in-10 jobs around the world and contributes 10.4% of global GDP, figures the WTTC said emphasised the need for the industry to commit to tackling climate change.

The meeting was the second time the tourism sector has been formally represented during a Cop summit and follows the WTTC hosting the first global Climate & Environment Action Forum during UN Climate Week in September.

The gathering featured presentations and discussions on leading by example through sustainable business practices to move the travel sector to climate neutrality by 2050 as well as delegates debating what is still needed to be done to create a more sustainable industry. 

Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said: “We are excited to be moving forward with our Climate & Environment Action Plan, as the leaders within the travel and tourism industry, we have the power to drive real change and are committed to this issue.

“Many of our members are already champions in sustainable business practice, and WTTC has the opportunity to convene the industry so we can move faster, contribute, and address the significant environmental and sustainability challenges facing our world.”

Source: https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/wttc-aims-for-climate-neutral-tourism-sector-by-2050-20349